11/19/2025
🎄Holiday Tour of Homes Spotlight -- House #3 🎄
A Festive Welcome to 809 McGill Street
This Colonial home in the Mt. Vernon Style, the residence of Wil Huneycutt. Built in 1940 for M. M. Palmer by contractor D. A. Holbrook, this house holds a significant place in local history.
Mr. Palmer was not just the original owner; he was one of the key local businessmen and real estate developers—along with E. E. Snuggs and G. C. Morton—who platted the Forest Hills area in 1938. This major residential development added over 150 acres to the growing city, dramatically expanding its size. The Palmer home, along with six spec homes built on Cannon Avenue, was part of this important neighborhood expansion that shaped the community.
As you enter, you'll be captivated by the home's distinctive features, including a graceful curved staircase in the entry hall and tall windows that let in lots of light. Notice the striking exterior stone, which is local Argillite. The house has seen thoughtful updates over the years, like the enclosure of part of the screened porch in the 2000s to create a laundry room.
Former owner Mildred Palmer hired famous Greensboro interior designer Otto Zanke (known for decorating the Carolina Inn) to refresh the home twice. The entry hall once even featured a stunning champagne silk moire taffeta. Most recently, Elle Luna Interiors completed an interior refresh in 2025, bringing in warmth, color, and cohesion. They sourced the lighting and the kitchen backsplash through Fifth & College Tile & Design Company.
While rich in history and design, this home is truly a place for family fun. Wil and his children love their large, fenced-in backyard which features a pool and a summer cottage with an outdoor fireplace. Inside, the children like having their own wing and the basement den. This holiday season, enjoy the festive spirit within this historic and beloved family home, a testament to the vision of its original developers.
✨ Join Us for a Festive Evening!
Bring family and friends, dress for the season, and explore the beauty and stories that make downtown Albemarle unique. With ten distinct stops, a festive atmosphere, and the freedom to set your own pace — the Holiday Tour of Homes is the perfect holiday outing. Secure your tickets today and help support our downtown community.
Event: Holiday Tour of Homes
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Website: www.albemarledowntown.com
Tickets are available in-store or online.
In-store: Buy your ticket at one of these downtown businesses and receive a keepsake bracelet that serves as your admission:
• Starnes Bramlett Jewelers
• Connie's Coffee & Cafe
• Livi Bug’s Boutique
• Make it Personal Embroidery and Custom Apparel
• Second Street Sundries
Online & Day-of: Purchase online at www.albemarledowntown.com
Advanced Tickets: $20
Day-of Tickets: $25
Day-of tickets may also be purchased from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at Starnes Bramlett Jewelers or Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate
🏙 Why Your Ticket Matters
Every sale supports the Albemarle Downtown’s efforts toward historic preservation, façade improvements, small business grants, beautification, and ongoing community events. Your participation helps ensure downtown Albemarle remains vibrant, historic and welcoming.
Photographs by: Emelia Ireland, Ireland Montroy Photography
