Graylyn International Conference Center

Spacious Estate Suites…A Family Affair

2012-02-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

Whoever said two is better than one hasn’t gotten to experience the three new Estate Suites at the Mews yet. By combining six smaller guestrooms into three larger suites we were able to create brand new open spaces. In addition to opening up the space in the rooms we also added new windows that fill the rooms with natural lighting and warmth. Italian tile has been imported in for the new bathrooms, and each will feature a walk-in shower, new vanity, luxurious linens, and seasonal Molten Brown amenities.

Each suite will feature a comfortable sitting area with plush sleeper sofas and chairs; and a 42” television for guests viewing pleasure. These three suites would provide a perfect spot for families traveling together looking for their “own space”. Each sleeping area will be equipped with Serta Green Suite mattresses made from organic cotton fabrics, and are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Custom-made furniture and upholstered headboards are just a few of the other new features these suites will boast.

Every detail has been hand-selected by our designers to create a space that provides our guests with the perfect combination of serenity, comfort, and the quality they have come to expect at Graylyn.

The Mews…A Suite Place to Stay.

2012-02-07T09:24:00.004-05:00

They often say that history repeats itself, however; with the changes happening at the Mews we beg to differ. Once known as the stables and home to poultry houses, the Mews, while still maintaining its historical significance is undergoing quite the transformation. The most exciting changes we are looking forward to are the edition of three, ultra-luxurious, premium suites; which will all feature four poster king size beds with high quality eco-friendly Serta mattresses.

The Louis Baker Suite, named for the Graylyn poultry manager who maintained the property for nineteen years will feature a wet-bar, a spa-inspired bathroom with a beautiful soaking tub, oversized "tortoise shell finish" porcelain tile floors, and a large specialty six-head shower, and comfortable sitting area.

The Eccles Everhart Suite, named for the original architect of the Mews, is the combination of two sleeping rooms. The perfect location for our Graylyn brides to pamper themselves on their big day, this two-story suite will feature a downstairs living space, wet bar, and full bath. A private staircase leads to the second story which features an oversized master bedroom complete with a second bath.

The Silo Suite, perhaps one of the most popular locations at the Mews, was designed by combining the two, upstairs and downstairs, “round rooms”. A private staircase has been added to give this suite a castle-esque stair tower feel. Guests will enter to the lower level living area that includes a full bath with walk-in shower, and enjoy their nights slumber in the “upper chamber” that features a king bed with ultra-fine linens, and a half-bath. A large window gives guests an amazing view of the Mews courtyard.

French inspired, with a touch of historical enchantment, these suites are sure to delight the indulgence of all the senses.

Why your meetings would be perfect for the Mews, and why the Mews is perfect for your meetings!

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Mews has always provided an ideal setting for meeting groups to meet and stay, and sometimes even dine, all in one location…and it is only getting better. When the Mews re-opens in April it will provide the ideal environment for a distraction free meeting destination. The Mews Enclave Meeting Package has been exclusively designed as an option for our guests to be able to take advantage of the privacy the Mews offers.

From arrival to departure the Mews will serve as a one-stop-meetings-shop for our conference guests. The new hospitality and concierge lounge will allow for convenient check-in and check-out options and provide an area of relaxation and comfort. The Mews dining room has been repurposed to allow groups the option to dine privately without ever having to leave the complex. A private business service center and fitness facility are just 2 of the new amenities at the Mews offering added convenience for our guests. The Mews not only provides the atmosphere and logistics for a successful meeting but a full service Mews Guest Service Team complete with a dedicated Hospitality Manager at your service 24.7.

With 35 guestrooms, including six newly designed suites, a newly remodeled 2,041 sq. ft. meeting space, private registration area, four breakout spaces and exceptional service standards the Mews Enclave Package is ideal for meeting groups that are looking for a private retreat of their very own.

A New Year, A New Mews

2012-01-10T14:34:00.002-05:00

Times are changing, and guest expectations are too. Graylyn’s mission in this ever-changing market is to meet the needs, and wishes, of our guests. That is why a main focus of the Mews renovation was to make sure that the new design exceeded the expectations of today’s industry standards and the meetings we host. When Graylyn first opened as a conference center in 1984 the primary use of our guestrooms was to accommodate conference attendees. Forty-five, smaller European-style rooms at the Mews met the standards of meeting planners and guests. During this time it was believed that due to the small amount of time a meeting attendee would actually spend in their guestroom, comfort really shouldn’t be considered and luxury certainly was not needed. We have since learned that “sleep comfort zones” have become an expectation of most travelers. According to Dr. Robert Oexman, Director, Sleep to Live Institute “The sleep zone is highly individualistic and includes everything from a favorite stuffed bunny to thread count and an open window. Some people prefer satin sheets while others select flannel or cotton. What everyone is actually looking for is a sheet/bed-feel that reminds them of home.”

This research was studied by the designers and executive staff and drove many decisions. Including the decision to decrease the guestroom count from 45 to 35 making room for oversized guestrooms and 6 expansive suites It is impressive to see the changes as they have occurred…walls have come down, windows added, and doors removed. New mattresses, luxurious linens, and more natural light will be incorporated to give our guests that feeling of home. We didn’t want to just create more space, but we wanted to create an environment that was unique, comfortable and welcoming, an experience our guests would remember long after their departure.

Mews Progress Report

2011-12-27T10:00:00.049-05:00

We are so eager and excited here at Graylyn to keep you updated with our renovation progress that we thought it might be time for a sneak peak! We’re six weeks into the renovation and a lot of changes are taking place! As we proceed with the deconstruction phase, great care has been taken to ensure the historic elements are protected. Our architects and designer have carefully developed the plans in a way that will enhance the original elements as we bring new life to the Mews. A distinctive new façade is going up in the courtyard, where several guestrooms where once located. The glass windows and doors are being replaced with new walls and entry-ways, while the original archways that were once the stable entrances will remain the same. This space will become an amazing new concierge lounge, gift shop and hospitality area. We hope you enjoy these photos, and continue to follow our progress in the coming months!!

Mews Renovation Gives Back to the Community with Charitable Donations, and Sustainable Practices…

2011-12-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

As the Mews renovation embarked into the demo stage of its renovation the Graylyn Green Team stepped in!!

Given the historic nature of the property energy conservation can be a challenge. This, however; does not deter the Green Team, a group of employees focused on educating our staff on the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable practices. It was very important to the Green Team and Graylyn executive staff that these same everyday practices were applied throughout the renovation.

Many pieces of furniture that were removed from the property were able to be donated to local charity organizations, like the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, a non-profit ministry that assists hundreds of homeless men in meeting their physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs. Donations were also given to Habitat for Humanity who brings together community partners and volunteers to help construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes. Other more eclectic or historical pieces were re-purposed for use on the WFU campus and at the WFU Lodge and Cottage at Fancy Gap.

We know that each piece of furniture, wherever it ends up, will be but to the best use possible, and that to us is the greatest measure of success!

Our Chat with the Mews Interior Designer...Libby Sims Patrick

2011-11-30T09:53:00.001-05:00

Sims Patrick Studio, Inc., an Atlanta-based interior design firm, has been selected to work alongside Moser Mayer in the redesign of the Mews. The company, Sims Patrick Studio, Inc., was founded by Libby Sims Patrick, in May 1998 and incorporated later that year.

Libby received her Bachelor of Interior Design at Auburn University in 1982, and her professional certification (NCIDQ) in October 1985. Her design background of over twenty five years spans the interior design and management of a variety of large project types ranging from hotels, shopping centers, multi-family housing, mixed-use, entertainment facilities and healthcare.

We recently chatted with Libby about the Mews Renovation project, her vision for the redesign, and what some of her favorite parts of this project have been! We hope you enjoy….

1. When envisioning the re-design did you take in to account the history behind the Mews (i.e. stables, poultry, etc.)

Yes, the history of the Graylyn property and Mrs. Gray's vision for the estate was in the forefront of the development of our design direction for the Mews. The types and quality of materials that were used in the mansion were also applied to the palate of materials used at the Mews. For instance, we have used hardwood floors, wood paneling, wrought iron, tile and stone in the Mews. The best way to describe our thinking and inspiration might be that if the Main House is the living room of the property, the Mews is the Den! We did not have an unlimited budget like Mrs. Gray might have had at the turn of the century, but we certainly tried to be true to the casual character of the Poultry House and Stables within the French Normandy style architecture.

2. How does the Mews project differ from other re-designs you have done?

The Mews guest rooms and Conference center are really more of the development of a new "brand" of hotel style. Each guestroom layout is completely different from the next which is not like a typical hotel renovation. We were able to use the experience that we have gained from our work with the prototypes of the major brands for function and amenities. However, the major, welcomed difference from our typical renovations was that we were able to add a layer of "lifestyle" design to the project which makes it more of a "one of a kind" boutique hotel experience.

3. What factors did you take in to account when selecting fabrics, fixtures, etc?

Durability and wear factors for upholstery and casegoods were extremely important. A casual, elegant residential feeling guided the selection of the color palate. We selected a combination of rough with smooth and old with new textures and added a modern twist with some shiny things, modern artwork and accessories.

4. Do you have a favorite room or piece that stands out to you?

Our favorite guest room is the two level Silo Suite which has a round living area on the first level and a round bedroom on the second level with a connecting stair. The original thick and textured walls are powerful and soft at the same time. We also love the Presidential bathroom which will be spectacular with luxury tile and wall panel finishes, a big beautiful soaking tub, oversized "tortoise shell finish" porcelain tile floors and, and a large specialty shower! The new lobby, gift shop and concierge lounge area is probably the most exciting new public hospitality space and will be the welcome center of the Mews! Oh, and then there is the new Café and Fitness room! It is all good!!!

Graylyn Welcomes MMPA!

2011-11-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Moser, Mayer, Phoenix, Associates, a full service design firm out of Greensboro, North Carolina was selected this past spring, along with Sims Patrick Studios of Atlanta (who you'll learn more about in our next post), for the re-design and renovation of the Mews!! The team spent the summer collaborating on the project spending countless hours discussing the importance of maintaining the historical and architectural balance that our guests have grown to love about the Mews.

Moser, Mayer, Phoenix, Associates, P.A., established in 1986, is a full service design firm out of Greensboro, North Carolina. The firm, led by William D. Moser, Jr. AIA NCARB, Kenneth C. Mayer, Jr. FAIA LEED AP, Thomas H. Phoenix, PE LEED AP, and J. Alan Cox, AIA, combines a vast array of experience to form well-rounded, diverse, and holistic design creations. MMPA’s previous projects have included the renovation of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, and Information Systems building, on the Wake Forest campus. They were awarded the National Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for their design and renovation of the historic Atlantic Bank & Trust building in downtown Burlington, NC, that now serves as the headquarters for Labcorp, one of the largest independent clinical laboratories in the United States.

Introducing..."Mews News"

2011-11-01T10:19:00.005-04:00

Excitement is in the air at The Graylyn Estate. The recent announcement of the renovation of the Mews complex has our staff and guests giddy with anticipation. Beginning November 17th, the Mews will undergo a four month restoration that will result in 35 guestrooms (including 6 suites), renewed meeting and breakout spaces, dining, fitness and more.

For the next 20 weeks the “Mews News” blog will follow the progress of the renovation with pictures, exciting updates, and interesting facts. We hope that you will choose to follow us along the way. For more information regarding this project please view the recent press release at http://graylyn.com/news/MewsPressRelease.pdf.

For an insider's look at the new layouts click here...
http://graylyn.com/popups/promotions/Mews_Renderings.pdf

Thank you for visiting the new “Mews News" blog!!!

Blog Under Construction - Please Visit in November 2011

2011-09-08T00:10:00.001-04:00