HISTORICAL FACTS
The history of Greystone can be dated back to 1924 when the Old Records building in downtown Greenville was demolished. The original owner, who was an executive at Duke Energy, sent a fleet of trucks to the site to load up stone and columns from the demolition. He used those materials to build Greystone in Colonial Revival style and construction on the original house was complete in 1928
While standing at street level you will notice the vast landscape of the property which sits on 1 acre of land (made up of 3 separate lots) surrounded by mature hemlocks and oak trees. The historic entrance of Greystone is constructed of the original steps to the Old Records building where historic figures such as John C. Calhoun and others stood, spoke and passed
The original columns which can be seen in photos of the Old Record building were fully renovated in 2014. The original solid wood front door with original hardware is still intact and is 100+ years old and allowed one access to the old courthouse. Looking out from the front porch at the tranquil forest with no other houses in sight, it’s hard to believe that less than a mile (short walk) is the bustling, metropolis of downtown Greenville.
Picture behind text here features the columns and stone on the Old Records Building before demolition In 1924.
OWNER HISTORY
Original Owner - Built the original house and lived at Greystone from 1924 - 1993
In 1993, previous owner purchased the property and made renovations which added the kitchen, great room area, as well as the third floor.
In 2005, current owner purchased the property. Over the years, major projects that the current owners completed include renovation of the Kitchen, Master Bathroom, 3rd Floor Bathroom, Pool addition and Carport Addition.
ENTRANCE
The hallway features the original hardwood floors, custom molding with a spectacular staircase to the second level and a fresco ceiling. All hardwood floors throughout the house were re-sanded and finished in 2005.
LIVING ROOM
To the left Is the original formal living room which Is now a second TV room which Is perfect for reading or visiting as it is the quiet room In the house. In 2022, the old gas fireplace was replaced with a remote-control modern gas fireplace. Recessed bookcases and display areas can also be found In this room along with 10foot ceilings, extensive wainscoting and plaster molding.
FORMAL DINING ROOM
On the other side of the hallway, the formal dining room can be found which also has extensive wainscoting and heavy moldings.
GENTLEMAN’S SMOKING/ CARD PARLOR
Off of the formal dining room Is the “Gentleman’s Smoking Parlor” where the original owner and friends enjoyed playing cards, smoking cigars and sipping bourbon. This room features extensive original wood paneling, slate floor, hand-hewn dentil molding, extensive bookcases and original exterior doors. Four magnificent Palladian windows and door look out to the pool area. For the current owners, this was both an art room and library chocked full of books.
MORNING ROOM
Moving down the right side of the house, one enters the Morning Room, which was the original owners original kitchen. The cozy sitting area has lighted glass display cabinetry and gas log fireplace with original copper awning The original entry way single french door Is where the original owners entered the house. In 2013, the extravagant, custom birds were painted by local artist, Marquin Campbell and became known to the current owners as the “Bird Room”.
KITCHEN
The previous owner added this kitchen and family room to the original house and the stone exterior Is a highlight of this grand kitchen. The original stucco was replaced with stone that was leftover from the original house construction. In 2014, the kitchen was fully gutted and renovated with top of the line features that include: Custom White Macaubas Quartzite countertops, 10' island with farm sink, instant hot water and seating for 6, custom cabinets to the ceiling, Lews hardware on cabinets, hidden storage above stove, pot filler, Thermadore gas stove (convection and steam options), refrigerator (full side by side with separate motors) and dishwasher. A Scottsman pellet Ice maker was installed In the bar sink area. New lighting and sound was also installed and the ceiling was raised to 10' to match the other ceilings. The kitchen also features the original door to the unfinished basement.
The original pantry area was completely reconfigured to allow for extensive storage, coffee bar with sink, second dishwasher and fridge, herringbone style tile floors, and laundry area with washer/dryer and lockers.
BREAKFAST ROOM
The breakfast room retained Its round shape but was fully renovated with new arched windows and door and features 11' ceiling and side door with combo lock that leads to driveway.
HOME OFFICE
In the middle of the house is a spacious home office that could also be used as a bedroom. This room was renovated in 2020 when the current owner worked from home. This room features a unique, original, rounded wall along with built in bookcase. Attached is a fully renovated full bathroom with built in cabinet sink along with shower. This bathroom was customized with granite floor and shower.
FAMILY ROOM + FULL BATHROOM
Off of the kitchen, the grand Family Room was renovated by opening this space up to the kitchen area and contains a very large “U” shaped couch which faces a large screen tv with integrated sound system and a large wood burning fireplace with teak mantle piece. Large built-in display cases were added along with the kitchen renovation.
Off of this room is a Cabana Bathroom with separate entrance to back yard which is where guests can change into their bathing suits to swim in the pool. It includes a full, spacious bathroom with sink and shower and is accented with handlaid mosaic flooring, lattice feature at sink wall and is rounded to accent the other rounded Gentleman’s Card Room - adding yet another touch of history, authenticity and atmosphere.
SECOND FLOOR
The main staircase, (there is also a back staircase that was originally used by the original owners help) leads to the second floor that houses the main
MASTER SUITE + BATH
The Master Suite features two sitting areas as well as double French doors that lead out to a private terrace with panoramic views of the pool. Drinking coffee in the early morning hours from this terrace one can hear the roar of the lions from the close by Greenville Zoo giving one the feeling of being on the set of “Out of Africa”. Two cedar closets (both with closet systems)one being a walk-in, providing ample storage space.
The master bath was completely renovated in 2020 and features his/her separate sink areas, large standalone bathtub, private water closet, porcelain flooring along with custom marble steam shower.
THIRD FLOOR
EXTERIOR
Double french doors from the kitchen on the main level lead you out to the breathtaking, serene views of the back of the home. These features Include a covered back concrete patio surrounded by synthetic grass, pool, jacuzzi and circular stone firepit with built-in bench seating. Iron fencing surrounds the entire perimeter of the property.
POOL & SAUNA
In 2020, a pool and jacuzzi were installed for those hot summer days. The 20’x40’pool is Gothic Roman shaped, which ties in with the homes architecture. It also features vinyl bottom and intricate limestone coping with spacious brushed concrete deck surrounded by synthetic grass. The raised jacuzzi has a gunite bottom and has ample room for many to enjoy. Both pool and jacuzzi are salt water and heated via natural gas. They are both powered by modern Pentair salt filtrated system which can be accessed via mobile device.
CARPORT
In 2024, construction was completed for the (2 car) carport & shed. It is noteworthy that this area originally held one of Greenville’s most extravagant pools which was 15 feet deep, included a high dive accessed by stone steps and was in the shape of a goldfish.
An extensive stone retainer wall was built to protect the integrity of the exterior wall and original stone left over from the original 1928 home was laid as the driveway surrounded with pea gravel
The large spacious shed provide great storage for bikes, yard equipment, etc. and is something that the original house did not have. This will provide ample parking options so guests don’t have to park on the street.
ALLEYWAY
Greystone’s driveway can be entered by the alleyway at back of home or street on Ridgeland Way. There is a turnaround area at the top of the alleyway.
BASEMENT
Before leaving it is well worth taking a tour of the expansive cellar for reasons both past and present. The original house did not have a kitchen located on the 1st floor. Food was prepared by servants in the cellar and transported up one floor via dumb waiter. Some of their original equipment remains in place for prosperity and conjures up the mind the image of how life once was for the privileged class, and those who serve them. The multi room seller offers perfect environment for a wine seller in humidor, as well as a multitude of miscellaneous storage uses. It also houses the commercial specification 7 zone gas heating and water cooling system, dual water heaters, any source copper piping that runs throughout the house.
