In 1895 George W. Layton commissioned William Robert Allen, an early 20th-century architect in Utah, to build his new home.


Allen was the most prominent architect in Utah during this period. His most important work, the Davis County Courthouse, is no longer existent, yet a number of his works are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

This photo was taken circa 1905 when George W. Layton completed the construction of The Grand Victorian.

The Layton house documents the use of pattern book house types in the late nineteenth century, and it is the same pattern that Allen used in the John Henry Layton house in West Layton, and possibly in the Joseph Adams house in East Layton. Of the three houses the George W. Layton house received the most ornate program of ornament, and thereby records one extreme of the stylistic possibilities of pattern book design.

The Grand Victorian was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1982. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance.

The history and complexity of the brick and wood ornamentation, and its unaltered and well preserved condition make the George W. Layton house one of the most distinctive Victorian pattern book houses in Utah. You can visit the National Register of Historic places website and see the official listing of The Grand Victorian by clicking here.

By 1986 the property was virtually abandoned. The once beautiful and vibrant home, which was well acquainted with large gatherings, warm fires, and laughter was now left exposed to the elements. It's grand rooms now quiet, empty, and dusty.

Thankfully someone saw the beauty and significance of this grand structure and started the restoration process. After beautifying the home, the landscape, and making a it up to living standards, the home soon became the new living quarters for its happy new residents.

In 1992 there was a small party held at the home, where several friends of the owner's daughter were invited. One of those friends was Melissa Bair, and the other was Jason Helquist. Both Jason and Melissa grew up in Davis County, and until now had never met.

It was at this mutual friends party that they first met, within the walls of this beautiful victorian mansion.

Thanks to the Wood family the George W. Layton home hosted its first wedding reception in 2002, and formally became known as The Grand Victorian. It has become the venue of choice for over one thousand couples since, and several other celebrations, retreats and special moments.

Jason and Melissa purchased The Grand Victorian and with the help of Jason’s sister Valerie, they assembled a team of professionals and raised the standard transforming The Grand Victorian into a dream destination for many couples from Utah and beyond

2024. Under new ownership, The Grand Victorian remains committed to honoring the legacy of this historic home while providing a luxury experience to the couples of Utah.