Charlotte NC Historic MYERS PARK - The Duke Mansion
Colonial Revival architecture in North Carolina is exemplified in Charlotte's historic Myers Park. Built in 1915, the Duke Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is simply a sight to behold. Many of our most elite social leaders have called Charlotte NC Myers Park- The Duke Mansion home and have contributed significantly to Charlotte's rich history.
Southern Public Utilities' former president, Zebulon V. Taylor built 'Lynnwood' on 14 acres in Myers Park and called it home for four years. James B. Duke, founder of Duke Energy (formerly Southern Public Utilities) purchased and tripled the size of the home to its current size of 32,000 square feet. During James ('Buck') Duke's ownership, many lasting legacies were created on the grounds including Duke University, Duke Power Company (now Duke Energy) and the Duke Endowment.
The Duke Endowment was created in 1924 and by 1925, at the time of Buck Duke's death, more than $100 million had been established in the Endowment! The Duke Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is simply a sight to behold. Many of our most elite social leaders who have contributed significantly to Charlotte's history have called Charlotte NC Myers Park - Duke Mansion home. That same year, a local radio station (WBT) owner, C.C. Coddington, who also owned the local Buick dealership, purchased the home and lived there until his death three years later.
Martin L. Cannon, son of the founder of Cannon Mills, purchased the home in 1929 and renamed it "White Oaks." The Cannons were very active in Charlotte's community and some of Charlotte's prominent buildings are named after the Cannons. Among them, Cannon Campus of Charlotte Country Day School and the Cannon Research Center at Carolinas Medical Center. The Cannons, opened White Oaks up as an 'official guest house for special visitors,' starting the tradition of the elite 'bed and breakfast that it serves as today.
In 1949 the Cannons bequeathed White Oaks and 3 acres to Myers Park Presbyterian Church; in 1957, Henry & Clayton Lineberger purchased the home from the church. The Linebergers were a textile family from Belmont and spent years restoring the home and grounds to their original splendor.
In 1966, a large fire gutted the entire third floor and the Linebergers, again, spent years restoring the Duke Mansion. In 1976, upon the death of Mr. Lineberger, the home was left to the Duke Endowment. The home was then protected as a community 'treasure' by becoming a community conference center, only to be purchased one year later by developer William Allan. The Mansion was then converted into condos until 1989.
Rick & Dee Ray (Raycom Sports) then purchased the home and restored it to its original splendor once again. Now known as the 'Grand Dame of Myers Park' the home is now permanently protected as a nonprofit and in 1998 became an Historic Inn and Meeting Place.
In 2000, Duke Energy donated a $4.5 million gift to transform the home and help the foundation become debt-free. There are now 20 rooms available for guests and the grounds are simply breathtaking! The Duke Mansion celebrates her 95th birthday this year! So much history, so little space here! If only those walls could dictate to me!
Today, the most extraordinary of weddings and meetings are held here on the grounds; the Mansion has a full staff of event planners and chefs and the rooms are lavishly furnished for your incredibly luxurious overnight stay!
You simply must visit 'The Mansion;' envelope yourself in the splendor that is rich in history - Charlotte NC history ! Search for homes in the Myers Park Charlotte NC area - then give us a call for your private tour of one of Charlotte's most historic areas !
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
That must be a magnificent place to hold a function, especially a wedding. Thanks for giving us the history, Debe.
Wow! Glorious.
Wow what a gorgeous piece of localism - beautiful setting - wouldn't it be something to host a function there!
Debe, I flagged this post for a Feature it is so well written and really nice History on the Duke Mansion. I love these articles on the History of some of these rare buildings that have been saved through the years.
Hi Ladies! The Duke Mansion is simply glorious! And, they do hold functions there on a regular basis. I actually take cooking lessons there and what a glamorous place to take these classes! I always arrive early so I can get some new photos of the place--it truly is spectacular.
Have a great week...
Debe,
What a magnificent Bed & Breakfast. And such rich history. I thought that if (and when) I go to Charlotte, I will stop there.
Hi Jon! it truly is! You'd best let me know when you're coming so I can give you a personal tour of the Duke Mansion. You'd best bring your camera--there is more than meets the eye here, that's for sure!
Debe - Wowsa ! What a beautiful place ! The weddings and meetings held there must be simply exquisite !
Debe, what a lovely and grand old estate! Such rich history marks it for posterity! I love these history lessons!
What a neat place Debe, thanks for the info. I'd heard about the Duke Mansion but didn't know much about it. Would make a great getaway week-end destination.. Lovely photography by the way!
Debe...Spectacular to say the least...Cherise
The mansion seems 'charmed' to have survived so many owner, and several restorations over the years. It looks magnificent.
Debe, I have nothing against condos but I cringed when I read that for a short time this beautiful structure housed condos. I am glad it is back to its original (but new and improved) destiny.
Debe, What a beauty. I'm so glad they restored it and now it's protected. They don't do that with many of our "treasures" and once they're gone, they are gone forever :(
Chris & Stephanie: It IS and they ARE! It's such a glamorous setting for events and weddings and the history throughout is just captivating.
Caren: We are all so thankful for Duke Energy's donation to save one of our most cherished pieces of history in Charlotte.
Lee & Pamela: Thanks! When you take your next getaway, give it a try--you may never leave the grounds! The lessons in history are everywhere you turn there! As for the photos--every time I'm there, I try to get something that I wasn't able to capture before!
Cherise: Thanks--you're so sweet!
Mike: It truly is! As I said, a history lesson at every turn.
Barb: I agree! Though they did what they had to do in order to save the massive structure and grounds--oh, how I wish I had lived there when I moved to Charlotte!
Debe: It looks like a fantastic place. It reminds me of the governers mansion here in downtown Austin, TX.
IF those walls could dictate to you Debe, I'll bet they'd have a hundred stories to tell! What a lovely place!
Hi Christopher! It really is a fantastic place! I'd love to see some photos of the governor's mansion in Austin!
Hi Mary! Yes, and since I'm no good at shorthand any more, I'd have to carry along my laptop so, I could capture it ALL!
Debe we have many historic homes in my area and this homes sounds like it would fit right in. What a spectacular setting for a wedding.