Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Southern hospitality mixed with elegance is what I see in the photos of Matthew and Jessica Hickman’s home in Magee. Matthew and Jessica graciously opened their home for the Ollie Mayhall BYW Tour of Homes Sunday, December 3rd. The Hickman home was one of three homes on the tour. Jessica shared with us a glimpse of what makes their home special through photos and dialogue.
A Big Thank you to The Hickmans, The Speights, and The Creels!!
The Hickman Home
When you walk through the blue front door of this picturesque but yet inviting Home, the Hickmans know old Southern hospitality. Matthew’s exquisite formal style and Jessica’s comfortable cozy style, have brought a unique spin on this 1947 home. In 2016, when Matthew and Jessica moved in, projects to revitalize this home began, by refinishing the oak floors and painting the interior in its entirety. Jessica has taken on the project of restoring the interior doors, to reveal the original pine wood.
When it comes to the Christmas decorations, the combination of old and new are breathtaking. While looking at the 9ft tree adorned with childhood ornaments, colored lights and Mardi Gras beads, guests reminisced of their own childhood. On the Burl Walnut piano, given to Matthew by Suzy Thames, is a Hickman family favorite, Byers’ Choice Christmas Carolers and above the mantle, an oil painting by Matthew’s Dale Grandmother.
In one of the guest rooms, Jessica’s grandmother’s Christmas village is on display next to the tree with hand painted Victorian people.
In the next guest room, the collection of Santas is of both families. Nona began giving each of her children (and now with their spouses), an ornament every year for their family tree when they got married. In the hallway, from the Santa room, the gingerbread man garland; sewn by Nona, hangs on banister next to the snowman scene tree skirt, sewn by Jessica’s grandmother, Rosemary.
In the dining room, the table is set with the gold rimed Royal Doulton Booth’s ‘Real Old Willow’ blue willow pattern; Matthew’s Grandmother Hickman’s favorite. Jessica’s mother, Cindy, was given the musical pixie elf as a child. The 12 days of Christmas candle was made in Japan and brought back by Jessica’s uncle when he served the the U. S. Army.
In the cozy living room, are a lot of firsts. Their first stockings; Jessica’s being sewn by her great grandmother. The first breakfast table Matthews Dale grandparents purchased is set with his great grandmother, Ms. Dixie Hickman’s Fostoria crystal pattern. The first Christmas tree Matthew and Jessica decorated as a married couple.
The plans to convert the pool to a garden will be this summer, so Matthew is able to continue his hobby of cooking. Every wall in the home has different paintings; most favorite being the ones by Matthew’s mother, Nona.
It was a special treat when sisters, Joy Foster Harris and JoAnn Foster, joined the tour and shared the many stories of when they lived there.
When you’re visiting the Hickman Home you feel welcome and comfortable. Jessica overheard one guest say, “Is this a bed and breakfast, because it should be?”
The welcoming hostesses were Nona Lee, Tawesia Meador, and Marjorie Buffington.
