One of the best examples of Colonial Revival architecture in North Carolina is located right here 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- Duke Mansion home and have contributed significantly to Charlotte’s history.
Southern Pubilc 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 Power Company (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 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! 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 three acres to Myers Park Presbyterian Church and 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, the entire third floor was gutted by a large fire and the Linebergers again, spent years restoring the gorgeous home. At Mr. Lineberger’s death, in 1976, 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 Historical 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 $4.5million 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 celebrated her 90th birthday in 2005.
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 our wonderful Charlotte history!
Now, let’s go shopping for homes in the Myers Park High School area!
Tags: History
Avg. Sales Price: $627,020
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