Dorothy Draper's Greenbrier
I was thrilled to see Victoria magazine's recent issue featuring a lovely spread on the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia -- a National Historic Landmark with classic architecture, stunning interior design, and a beautifully sculpted landscape.
(above) The Greenbrier, "back in the day"In 1946 Dorothy Draper arrived by train to take on a huge renovation project of the hotel. Her grand vision, "Romance and Rhododendrons" was over the top!
Now over 60 years later, The Greenbrier had a face-lift in 2007. Carleton Varney--Draper's protege, and president of Dorothy Draper and Company, oversaw most of the renovations to the tune of 50 million! This includes the delightful decorated cafe (above) with lavish plaster sconces, bright floral patterns and bold stripes. A nod to his mentor! Doesn't it look yummy?
I'd love to visit the Greenbrier-- the decor is so beautiful. And being a Draper fan, what's not to love?
Monogrammed silver flatware from the Greenbrier...
The reception hall with all the Dorothy Draper hallmarks, including the original large scale black and white checkerboard marble floor.
How can one resist the pink and green color combos? So refreshing...
This is a old postcard of the original Greenbrier's indoor pool built in 1912. It is available in a reproduction art print here. The pool was remodeled by Dorothy Draper in the 1940's.
To read more about the Greenbrier, visit their website here and be sure and pick up a copy of the July/August issue of Victoria magazine. It's a beautiful spread!
Comments
I love the second shot - the entire wall with a "drawn on" frame. So fanciful. If any other designer did this, it would look a bit insane - still does, but Draper pulls it off. Did you know they sold some of the original furniture? A shame- I saw it up on a few websites. Worth getting your hands on. The only hotel re-sale worth getting :)
Yes, nothing like Dorothy Draper to pull that look off. I do remember the auction. I wanted to attend so badly and even placed some absentee bids, but people got really passionate and things went for pretty high if I remember correctly.
Take care! :)
Sandra Evertson
M
xox's
xoxo
Judith~
Even a beat up DD piece beats most newer peices in terms of style and design.
Great article!
Can't wait to read more!