Havenbrook

The Village of Clemmons, located in Forsyth County in the northwestern Piedmont, was founded in 1802 and incorporated in 1986. It is ten miles southwest of Winston-Salem, a city of approximately 223,000, and has population of 17,651. The proximity of Clemmons to this major urban center and its location along Interstate 40 has contributed to the growth of the Village which encompasses 12 square miles.

Clemmons is the location of Tanglewood Park, an ideal countryside park with streams, woodlands and grassy pastures with a wide range of recreational activities. Tanglewood is rich in history, beauty and southern charm. The property was part of land claimed by Sr. Walter Raleigh for Queen Elizabeth in 1584. Among the earliest European settlers of the Yadkin River Valley was William Johnson, an immigrant from Wales, who purchased the mile square central portion of the present property from the Ellis family to whom the land was deeded in 1753 by Lord William Linville. The Ellis family leased the land for a short time "for five shillings lawful money of Great Britain in hand a yearly rent of one peppercorn payment at the Feast of Saint Michael, the archangel".

Johnson built a fort overlooking the Yadkin River to protect his family and neighbors from attacks during the French and Indian War. In 1809 a simple frame church was erected which remains today as one of the park’s architectural attractions.

In 1859, the Johnsons had the 18-room Manor House built on a hill in the center of the estate as a wedding present for his daughter. Two wings were added later. The Johnson heirs sold the property in 1921 to William Neal Reynolds, brother of tobacco entrepreneur R. J. Reynolds. “Mr. Will” raised and raced thoroughbred harness horses and established Tanglewood Farm as a home to some of the country’s finest pacers. In the Manor House, a special room was dedicated to his trophy’s, called the "Trophy Room."

Today, the Manor House is a Bed & Breakfast Inn with 10 guest rooms, sweeping staircases, the Trophy Room, 20’s Room, and Rock Fireplace Room. These facilities are used for weddings, meetings, and overnight accommodations. It is rumored that Mr. Will’s spirit makes friendly visits to the house from time to time.

Mr. Will’s wife, Kate, a horticultural enthusiast, began the extensive native and ornamental plantings at Tanglewood and employed a German master gardener, Frank Lustig, who continued her plans. He contributed the 800 bush Rose Garden on the Manor House lawn, the Arboretum behind the house, and the nearby Fragrance Garden.

In 1951, the Reynolds willed Tanglewood to Forsyth County to share as a public recreational park so others benefit from the beauty, elegance, history, and recreation their country estate had to offer. Thus, Tanglewood Park was born.