LAKE TOXAWAY, NC – Greystone

The largest private lake in the state, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains

There’s something magical about Lake Toxaway. Maybe it’s the pure, stream-fed waters that make it one of the cleanest lakes in the region. Or the picturesque, meandering shoreline that invites ﬁsherman and nature lovers alike. Or perhaps it’s the backdrop of majestic mountain ranges that serve as faithful sentries watching over the community. Whatever it is that connects with one’s mind and soul, visitors over the years have felt it.

Since the turn of the century, people have been drawn to Lake Toxaway. Celebrated dignitaries and notable families – such as the Fords, Edisons, and Rockefellers – sought out the clear, crystal waters and invigorating mountain breezes. Today, Lake Toxaway is still attracting families and individuals who crave something more – a lifestyle that bestows a range of home oﬀerings, country-club amenities, and endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

We invite you to visit the Greystone Inn in this private, gated community located just minutes from Cashiers, Highlands and Brevard N.C. in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

History

The Lake Toxaway community has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when prominent turn-of-the-century families retreated to the area to embrace the unspoiled beauty of Mother Nature. George Vanderbilt was the first to establish the area as a playground for the rich and famous.In 1895, a group of investors from Pittsburgh formed the Toxaway Company; they had originally intended to mine the land, but eventually, began building a series of lavish resorts. One of their largest endeavors was to damn the Toxaway River to create Lake Toxaway and build a five-story, 250-room hotel called The Toxaway Inn on its shores. When it opened in 1903, the Toxaway Inn would have the most modern conveniences of its day, central heat and private indoor plumbing, long-distance telephones, elevators, a billiard parlor, bowling alley, and a gazebo for outdoor concerts.

In 1912, The Toxaway Company built a 9-hole golf course located near present-day Lake Cardinal. Throughout 14 seasons, the Inn welcomed Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, R.J. Reynolds, the Vanderbilts and many other prominent families and individuals.

However, in 1916 a tremendous flood caused the dam to burst. Residents reported seeing a 30-foot-tall wave that left debris nearly 4 miles downstream and created scars on the landscape that can still be seen today. When the lake disappeared, so did the tourists and the Toxaway Inn never reopened.

The Inn remained vacant until the late 1940’s, when its contents were auctioned off and the Inn was torn down. Only four homes on Lake Toxaway survived the flood. One was the home built by Savannah heiress Lucy Moltz Armstrong and her husband George, known today as the Greystone Inn.

Most of the land and lakebed remained unchanged until 1960 when Reg Heinitsh, Sr and a group of investors from Columbia, SC formed the Lake Toxaway Company with the idea of restoring the area to its turn-of-the-century appeal. Together they purchased 9,000 acres of property around the old lakebed at an average price of $50 per acre. The Lake Toxaway Company cleared the area where the lake had once existed, rebuilt the dam and restored the lake to its original level of 3,010 feet above sea level.

The Company began selling parcels of land around the lake as private home sites complete with exclusive private access to the lake. In 1963, Mr. Heinitish built a golf course and formed the Lake Toxaway Country Club.

Today, Lake Toxaway is a thriving community with approximately 1,100 home sites. Families share 5,000 acres where Mother Nature displays some of her best work year-round. Lake Toxaway Estates is surrounded by Hawk Mountain, Panthertail Mountain, Cold Mountain and Mt. Toxaway, along with several wilderness areas totaling more than 10,000 acres.

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