Reynolda

By Beth Yarbrough

Suffice it to say that Katherine Smith Reynolds was not a woman inclined to do anything halfway. When her husband, R.J. Reynolds decided to build Reynolda just after the turn of the 20th century, she stepped in to assist. The resulting estate turned out to be a lasting testament to her vision and determination.

In addition to the design of a sprawling 60-room bungalow, Mrs. Reynolds worked alongside architect Charles Barton Keen, the landscape design firm of Buckenham and Miller, and landscape architect Thomas Sears, to create an entire self-sustaining farm of more than 1000 acres, complete with a man-made lake, a massive barn, a school, and even a village of houses for all of the workers needed to support the operation.

Sadly, neither she nor her husband lived for very long to enjoy Reynolda after taking up residence in December 1917. Mr. Reynolds died the following July, and Mrs. Reynolds passed away in 1924.

The estate, however, remained in the family until 1965, at which time it became a non-profit institution dedicated to the arts and education.

Two years later, it became a public museum of American art. Beginning with a small and very worthy selection of eight paintings, the collection today has grown so large that it not only populates the walls of the home but spills over into an adjacent 3000-square-foot gallery as well.

I treated myself to a stroll around Reynolda on a spring afternoon, inside and out, enjoying the heady company of American masters with names like Sully, Copley, Peale, Stuart, Sargent, Eakins, Homer, Bierstadt, Hassam (and the list goes deliciously on), and also the luxury of the gardens beyond. In terms of great art, I will say that Mother Nature in full bloom more than held her own against those nearby masterpieces.

And though Katherine Reynolds never lived to see things come full circle, her vision has been carried forward through the efforts of her children and theirs, leaving a treasure for all to enjoy.

Stop in for a visit some day soon and enjoy for yourself. At the moment, there is a wonderful exhibit featuring the work of one of my favorite American artists, Andrew Wyeth. Information on the exhibit, including ticket information and the full calendar of events can be found here.

Photos of Reynolda House and gardens by Beth Yarbrough.