Madison's Christmas Tour of Homes attracts thousands of visitors
Story by Lynn Hobbs, photos contributed by Jimmy Stanton
Jimmy Stanton and Patrick Greco proudly featured their home as one of the destinations on Madison’s Christmas Tour of Homes in 2017. “And I said I’d never do it again because 5,000 people came through our house,” Jimmy laughed.
Fast-forward six years, and Jimmy and Patrick’s “Honeymoon 1851 Mansion” is on the annual tour once again.
“A lot has been added on the property and to the house and I can’t wait for people to see what’s been done,” Jimmy said. “We love the holiday festivities and whatever we do, it’s big when we do it.”
The couple’s Greek Revival mansion was, as its name implies, built in 1851 and boasts 5,000 square feet of rooms artfully and opulently decorated by Jimmy, who has been a professional interior designer for more than 22 years. Jimmy described the estate’s interior art canvas as his and the 5-acre exquisite yard as Patrick’s. “He has a huge dahlia garden and koi pond,” Jimmy explained.
Much of the home’s décor came from Stanton Home Furnishings – Jimmy’s retail and designer service store. The store recently was expanded more than 5,000 square feet to accommodate its well-stocked showrooms and offerings that include prestigious designer luxury furnishings and customized, exclusive accessories and art.
Jimmy said he is most excited about a Mario Buatta English-style painting of a dog he purchased at Sotheby’s New York for his home. “So, people will get to see that on the tour,” he said. “Mario Buatta was my inspiration to get into design work.”
Jimmy and Patrick strictly adhered to the historical preservation codes on the mansion’s exterior as well as the architecture of the interior. But the interior design is immersed in his own signature flair.
Jimmy noted that docents will be available in each of the 13 homes during the Morgan County Historical Society’s annual tour.
“Experience the magic of the holidays as you explore beautifully decorated houses, each with its unique, festive charm,” the tour’s invitation reveals. “Get ready to be amazed by the dazzling lights, sparkling ornaments and heartwarming decorations that will showcase our small town charm.”
IF YOU GO:
Madison’s Christmas Tour of Homes
Dec. 1 – 2, 2023
Sponsored by
Morgan County Historical Society
277 South Main St., Madison, GA 30650
706-342-9627
Day Tours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Candlelight Tours 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tickets $28 - $56
Special rates for groups of 10 or more.
Call the above number to make reservations
or visit https://mchistorical.com/
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This story appeared in Lakelife magazine, Volume 17, Issue 6 and is the property of Smith Communications, Inc. No portions of the story or photos may be copied or used without written consent from the publisher.
