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The Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation will host the annual Holiday Tour of Homes 2-6 p.m. Dec. 11.

Eight sites comprised of private homes, styled model residences and a public space will be featured on the tour. For the first time wristbands will be used in place of paper tickets. The proceeds from the tour fund many of the downtown beautification projects.

Site No. 7 is the home of Ann and Wiley Crutchfield at 909 Larkhaven Lane in the Melchor Heights neighborhood.

This ranch style home was built in 1983 and was home to William and Rebecca Freeman. In 1990 it was purchased by Michelin Corporation to house visiting executives. The home was later sold to a rental agency and was loved by many families.

After Ann and Wiley purchased this home in November 2021, they proceeded to make it reflect their own personalities.

Ann stated that a one-level house was a priority in their search for a home. They were further impressed by the open floor plan which affords a living space which includes a spacious kitchen along with an adjacent fireplace.

The kitchen with its gas cook top and double oven is Ann’s favorite room in the home. Another of her favorite rooms is the craft room which is used for sewing, embroidery and paper and vinyl crafting.

One of the multiple Christmas trees will be on display in a recently added sunroom. Each tree will have its own theme.

A collection of Jim Shore figurines will be on display along with other Christmas décor. An exterior tree will also be on display.

Site No. 8 is the home of Stephen and Tamara Chambers, a farmhouse style house built in 2019.

The exterior of the home features a four-gable symmetric design with all white LP Smart Siding and trim. A matching detached garage sits adjacent to the home.
The front and rear porches of the house feature Haint blue bead-board ceilings and beautifully stained wood decking. The rear porch overlooks picturesque rolling cow pastures.

The interior is spacious with an open concept living area and built-in bookshelves that house a media system and book collection. White oak hardwoods are throughout the home and matching columns define the dining and music areas. The music area features a digital grand piano.

Light and airy farmhouse decor can be found throughout.

A chef’s kitchen with white quartz countertops and white cabinetry are offset by a large gray island anchoring the space.

A master suite is located on the main floor. Three bedrooms can be found upstairs with one serving as a craft room. All bathrooms feature tile floors, and the master bath boasts a large clawfoot soaking tub and a walk in shower.

The main floor 9-foot Christmas tree will be adorned with hand-blown glass Frontgate ornaments. The upstairs tree features a collection of ornaments preserved from the owners’ former Victorian era home on Pee Dee Avenue as well as new additions to tie in the farmhouse theme.

An additional tree will feature hand-blown ornaments in shades of blush and rose gold to accent the soft pink of their granddaughter’s bedroom.

The Chambers family enjoys the open space inside and out for their grandchildren to play and grow. The rolling pastures and farmlands of this working farm keep them busy year-round.

Wristbands are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Advance wristband purchases along with tour map brochures are available at GloryBeans Coffee House, Make It Personal and Starnes Bramlett Jewelers in downtown Albemarle.

For online sales go to www.albemarledowntown.com and look for the Holiday Tour of Homes under the Events tab.

Wristbands purchased online will be available for pick up at the will call table at Site No. 1 on the day of the tour.

Day of tour wristbands and brochures will also be available at tour site No. 1 Pfeiffer University Center for Health Sciences at 245 E. Main St. in downtown Albemarle beginning at 1:30 p.m.