Our Heritage
Lake Toxaway has a rich history marked by periods of grandeur, devastation, and revival. The area first gained prominence in the late 1800s as a vacation destination for wealthy families, attracted by its temperate climate, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This popularity was bolstered by the construction of new railroad lines, which made the region more accessible.
In 1895, a group of Pittsburgh entrepreneurs formed the Toxaway Company with the intention of developing the land and creating resorts. The company, led by Edward H. Jennings, embarked on an ambitious project to dam the Toxaway River, creating what would become the largest man-made lake in the Appalachian Mountains. Construction of the dam began in 1902, and by 1903, Lake Toxaway was filled, spanning three miles in length and one mile in width, with a shoreline of 14 miles. The Toxaway Inn, a luxurious resort hotel, was built on the lake's shores, attracting notable guests such as Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and the Vanderbilt family.
However, the lake's initial period of prosperity was short-lived. In August 1916, after being hit by multiple hurricanes, the region experienced catastrophic flooding. The dam, which lacked a proper water level control system, failed under the immense pressure, releasing 5.3 billion gallons of water downstream. The flood caused significant damage, although there were no human casualties. The destruction of the dam led to the decline of the Toxaway Inn and the surrounding area, which became a ghost town as tourists and residents left.
The lakebed remained dry for several decades until the 1960s, when a group of investors led by R.D. Heinitsh, Sr. purchased the land and rebuilt the lake. This effort marked the beginning of Lake Toxaway's modern era, restoring its status as a premier vacation destination. Today, Lake Toxaway is the largest privately held lake in North Carolina, continuing to attract visitors with its natural beauty and recreational offerings.
The Greystone Inn
The Greystone Inn, located on Lake Toxaway in Transylvania County, North Carolina, has a storied history that intertwines with the region's development and revival. The mansion that would become the Greystone Inn was originally built in 1915 by Lucy Camp Armstrong, a Savannah socialite, and her husband George Armstrong. Known as the Moltz Mansion, the home was designed in a Swiss-influenced vernacular style to complement the surrounding mountain scenery. Despite the decline of the Lake Toxaway resort area following the catastrophic dam failure in 1916, Lucy Armstrong, later known as Mrs. Moltz, remained a permanent resident of the mansion until shortly before her death in 1970.
Following the death of Mrs. Moltz, the mansion experienced a period of varied use and ownership. It served as the clubhouse for the Lake Toxaway Country Club under the ownership of Peter Batista in the late 1970s. However, the mansion faced the threat of demolition in the early 1980s when a developer proposed razing it to build condominiums. The Lake Toxaway Property Owners Association successfully opposed this plan, preserving the historic structure.
In 1984, Tim and Harriet "Boo Boo" Lovelace purchased the mansion with the vision of transforming it into an inn. Despite having no prior experience in hospitality, the Lovelaces embarked on extensive research and renovation efforts. They renamed the mansion the Greystone Inn, inspired by the distinctive stonework of the property, and officially opened it to guests on July 15, 1985. Their approach to innkeeping emphasized maintaining the mansion's original charm and elegance, treating guests as if they were visitors in their own home.
Under the Lovelaces' stewardship, the Greystone Inn gained a reputation for exceptional guest services and was recognized with numerous awards, including AAA Four-Diamond Awards and features in prominent travel magazines. The inn became a beloved destination for travelers seeking a combination of historic charm and modern luxury. Today, the Greystone Inn is owned by TGI, LLC. The Greystone Inn has won numerous Local and National Awards. The Greystone Inn remains a testament to the preservation of historical architecture and the enduring appeal of Lake Toxaway as a premier vacation destination. Please visit The Greystone’s website to learn more.
Historic Toxaway Foundation
The Historic Toxaway Foundation does an excellent job of preserving our stories. Their mission is to “preserve Historic Toxaway’s past while preparing for its future.” Their website is an excellent source if you are interested in learning more about the history of Lake Toxaway.
Joining the Lake Toxaway Community
The Lake Toxaway Community Association is a nonprofit North Carolina corporation organized specifically for the residents of Lake Toxaway Estates. With over 1,127 residential lots, the LTCA maintains the lake, 30 miles of private roadways within the estates, and several recreational amenities.
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