Smith & Peterson Eras
1981 - 1992

Warren Smith and his partner Rennie Davis (known for his role in the 1968 Democratic Convention protests in Chicago) owned and operated WA Smith and Associates with offices in the prestigious Writer’s Square of Denver. After visiting the acclaimed Glendorn estate in northwestern Pennsylvania with his client the Dorn family (owners of Forest Oil Corporation), Warren set out to find a property in Colorado that would rival Glendorn in luxury and function as a family and business retreat. With the help of all of his executives and several brokers, he found his dream in Greystone – but it was not on the market. For over one and a half years, Warren endeavored to convince the Sandifers to sell Greystone. Colonel Sandifer’s health was failing and Sadie no longer had the energy to care for the Guest Ranch, so in 1981, the Sandifers reluctantly decided to sell. Nathaniel and Margaret C. Burt purchased Greystone with 55 acres on behalf of their daughter, Margery Burt Smith and her husband Warren A. Smith.

After the purchase of Greystone, Warren moved his offices from Denver to Greystone and began conducting business from the estate. The Guest House was converted to offices. Many of his employees resided on the estate in the Carriage House, Pool House and Cabin; and also in houses adjacent to the estate.

Warren Smith built a helicopter pad in the present location of the tennis courts to accommodate the transportation of business clients to and from Greystone. A large overhead garage door was added to the original Pavilion for helicopter access and storage. The helicopter use generated a great deal of conflict between Warren and the neighbors, disturbing the peace and tranquility of the area.

Warren had great intentions of bringing Greystone back to its original grandeur, but economic times set him back and he was never able to accomplish his vision. In 1987, Warren voluntarily filed for bankruptcy and Greystone was for sale in 1989.

An Evergreen/Denver bachelor, Jerry Peterson, fell in love with Greystone and purchased it in 1991. With a background in restoration, Jerry knew that much effort would be needed to return the estate to its rightful place in elegant mountain living. However, when Jerry became engaged in early 1992 and his new bride wanted to live in the city, Jerry reluctantly prepared to list Greystone for sale. He phoned his real estate agent and miraculously within two weeks, another couple was interested in seeing the property. That couple was Richard and Pamela Bard.

Manor House side patio entrance as it was during the Smith Era. The Manor House structure, inside and out, remained virtually unchanged since Genevieve built the Manor House in 1916. Credit: Young Family Collection

The legendary Bar BC Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, established by famous author and Princeton educated Maxwell Struthers Burt in 1912. In 1928 Burt purchased a 300 acre ranch, twenty miles north of the Bar BC, named the Three Rivers Ranch, from which the Historic Log Cabin was moved to its present home at Greystone. Credit: Jackson Hole Historical Society, #1996.005.001
The Smith family moved this historic log cabin from the Three Rivers Ranch and placed it permanently on Greystone estate in the early 1980’s. The cabin paid homage to the sanctity of Western land and Margery Burt Smith’s dude ranching heritage 550 miles to the north. Credit: Young Family Collection
Wedding ceremony in the Manor House living room of Margo Weiss, a senior executive with WA Smith enterprises who lived and worked at Greystone. Credit: Weiss Family Collection
Wedding ceremony dinner buffet in the Manor House dining room. The dining room interior remained unchanged from the time Genevieve built the Manor House in 1916, with a solid dark stained wood ceiling and paneling throughout. Credit: Weiss Family Collection
Wedding dance in the Manor House living room. Since its creation, Greystone has been a warm and welcoming place to hold celebrations and entertain guests. Hundreds of weddings have taken place on the estate. Credit: Weiss Family Collection
Flower girls walking the “aisle” in the Manor House living room. Notice the dark stained wood and stone finishes of the walls, ceiling and floor, which had not changed from the time Genevieve built the Manor House in 1916. Credit: Weiss Family Collection
During the Bard era, the stones in the walkway were pulled out and used in the tower and garage additions. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Stone patio outside the living room. The stones were pulled out and reused in the Bard era renovation. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Uneven walkway behind the Manor House. The stones were pulled out and reused in the Bard era renovation. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
The Manor House front entrance during the Peterson era. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Dirt-entry driveway that used to run in front of the Carriage House. The Bards rerouted it behind the CH. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Dirt circle drive (now paved) between the Pavilion, Guest House and Stone Cottage. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Third floor of the Manor House during the Peterson era. Credit: Peterson Family Collection
Manor House kitchen with Cherrywood cabinets and Corian countertops added by Warren Smith. Credit: Peterson Family Collection

Explore Other History Eras of Greystone

Genevieve Era </br>1914 - 1939

Genevieve Era
1914 - 1939
Wilfley Era</br>1939 - 1946

Wilfley Era
1939 - 1946
Sandifer Era</br>1946 - 1981

Sandifer Era
1946 - 1981
Smith & Peterson Eras</br>1981 - 1992

Smith & Peterson Eras
1981 - 1992
Bard Era </br>1992 - Present

Bard Era
1992 - Present
Past & Present

Past & Present
Prominent Guests

Prominent Guests

(Retreat at Greystone) Evergreen with Dr. Sue was a lifetime experience. We began our day with yoga in a beautiful pavillion surrounded by the beauty of Evergreen. The food and lodging were outstanding, the entire experience combined with the love and guidance of Dr. Sue is very powerful. In addition to resolving a knee issue, I felt refreshed, realigned and overflowing with gratitude.

Debby Bliss