Wednesday
Feb012012
the greenbrier resort
02.1.2012 
If you've read the newest issue of Matchbook Magazine, then you've already seen (and swooned over) these photos of the Greenbriar Resort. I've been dying to visit the West Virginia locale for years and, after viewing this editorial, am on a mission to make it happen. I mean, it was decorated by Dorothy Draper, for pete's sake! If color makes you happy, as it does me, than the Greenbrier is your mecca :) Have any of you had the pleasure of paying this piece of American design history a visit? I'd love to hear what you have to say!
(photos by Cooper Carras)
Reader Comments (12)
I absolutely love the Greenbrier! I went a few years ago and I could have spend the entire time wandering around and looking at the beautiful interiors and decorating. Such a great snapshots of the phenomenal resort. Hope you are having a wonderful week.
Toodles,
Twirling Clare
twirlingclare.blogspot.com
I went a few years ago and adored it! I'd love to go back!
Wouldn't that make the most amazing escape? I'm dying to visit!
Oh, the Greenbrier. My grandmother used to tell me stories about this place when I was a little girl, and I have always wanted to go -- even if it was just for tea!
No! I've never been and didn't know what I was missing until this feature, and it's extra-upsetting because my parents stay there quite regularly, and to know now what they've been keeping from me, I think I've got ten years' worth of new therapy-worthy grievances. Oh, the inhumanity!
x
The Greenbrier is everything these photos show and much, much more. I am so spoiled: my grandparents have a lovely vacation cottage there and have treated us to a visit many times. The croquet lawn, brunch at the dining room, movie theater, bowling alley and indoor pool are favorites, although I have yet to be back since the new casino was built. Slot machines, anyone? Perhaps we need a Matchbook retreat this year... ;)
Of course you posted about this today....I too was drooling over these! Some new shots and I love the bright lighting : ) Unfortunately I haven't yet made the pilgrimage to the Greenbrier, but have you heard that Carleton Varney is starting a Dorothy Draper School of Decorating there soon?? AND....they're working on an entire Dorothy Draper Museum. All the more reason to visit! Here's the article if you haven't seen:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/garden/carleton-varney-on-teaching-dorothy-drapers-design.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carleton%20varney&st=cse
xxKelly
I visited the Greenbrier in October. It was like being trapped at nana's house in boca. It photographs better than being there. It's discordant, way too busy, and really, kind of ugly. Dorothy schmorothy.
I visited the Greenbrier in 2009. Here are some pics from my small little blog.
http://redmittens.com/2009/10/04/dorothy-draper-land/
http://redmittens.com/2009/10/05/our-greenbrier-room/
http://redmittens.com/2009/10/05/gawking/
It was SUCH a lovely experience.
An amazing place. We visit three or four times per year. It is my happy place. If you don't like color everywhere this place isn't for you. If you understand and enjoy Dorothy Draper you need to visit. Also, I have won more than I have lost at the new casino! The casino was done by Carlton Varney to match the Hotel.
I couldn't be more JEALOUS to read about all of your experiences at the Greenbrier! And Ellie, yours made me laugh out loud. Classic :)
Black and white checkered floors and turquoise walls, oh my! I'm in heaven! Not to mention the dramatic green walls, white fireplace with pink floors is to die for. I'd visit West Virginia just to step inside this happy haven!