History can be a little bland sometimes, so it blows my mind when you see a place like the Greenbrier. The Greenbrier's history starts in 1778 and has operated as a world-class resort with ventures in an army hospital, a casino, a medical spa, and a secret government nuclear war bunker- all in West Virginia. In the middle of the last century Dorothy Draper was commissioned to revamp the historic property and turned her kind of brilliance loose on the place, with floral upholstery, black and white floors, and color galore. Along with the design, Draper oversaw every detail down to the matchbooks and the uniforms. A couple of years ago after fighting back from bankruptcy the Greenbrier was given an $80 million dollar renovation with Draper's protege and current head of Dorothy Draper & Co, Carleton Varney at the helm of the design rejuvenation. This freedom of design and boldness makes me giddy.
photos above from DorothyDraper.com
Has anyone visited the Greenbrier?
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I have been and absolutely adored it. My husband and I went on an anniversary trip and had a wonderful time. Each room in the hotel is so beautifully decorated, and makes everything feel special. We will definitely be back!
ReplyDeleteMy cousin was married there! We weren't able to go but the place looked stunning from the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteI saw a documentary on this place awhile ago and would love to go check it out. They just don't build things this magnificently anymore!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog and I think it is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI vacation at The Greenbrier with my extended family and we have been lucky enough to make it a tradition over the years. However, every time I go, I am still in awe of the color, classic style, and stately architecture. Kristin is absolutely right in saying that places this "magnificent" are rare finds today. It is truly a magical place and the decor has much to do with it. The welcoming hospitality is also such a lost art. It's a gem!
Note: I definitely recommend Carleton Varney's most recent book, "Mr. Color." What an amazing sense of style!
This place is on my bucket list - it'll have to be a destination because it doesn't look like a place you would be passing by. Amber and Nathalie you are lucky gooses for being able to experience this first hand. Carla - what a bummer you couldn't go!
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