The Home of R.M. Willingham and Ginny King will be one of the homes featured on the Christmas Tour this year. "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go...."

The Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation invites you to board an enchanted sleigh and fly off on the magical 2009 Christmas Tour of Homes.

Magnolia Cottage! You may not see it as you drive through town. The magnificent twin Magnolia trees in the front yard guard its secrets. The home is steeped in history, and filled with warmth and charm. Ginny King and Robert Willingham invite you to experience the beauty and historic ambiance of their lovely home.

Built in 1873, Magnolia Cottage was a wedding gift from Henry N. Wylie to his daughter Nannie and her husband Wylie Duncan DuBose. They were the parents of 10 children. They lived, laughed, and loved in the cottage for 19 years.

In 1892, the home was purchased by Anson King. He and is wife, talented musician Belle Hill, hired architect Edmund G. Lind to remodel Magnolia Cottage. Lind used many types of wood to install pocket doors, mantelpieces and paneling.

Robert A. Oslin bought the home with his wife Duella in the twentieth century and their family lived there for several generations.

Magnolia Cottage was recently restored by Mike Dyches. He designed the wonderful bookcases in the library. Don't miss the hand-blown glass vessel sinks and the Tuscan slate floor in the kitchen.

Ginny and Robert have an extensive and eclectic collection of artwork. Robert is an author, his most recent book "Deadly Trust" has been widely received. Magnolia Cottage will be featured on Friday, December 11, as part of the Candlelight Tour.

The Tour of Homes includes many special events including a gingerbread house display, a showing of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Retro Cinema, and the presentation of "A Tuna Christmas" at the Bolton-Lunceford Playhouse. There will be carriage rides and an organ concert. The Town Square will host a Christmas Gift Bazaar, the local restaurants will be offering their best, and one of Santa's elves whispered in our ear, there's going to be SNOW!

Go to www.historyofwilkes.org to purchase tickets and for information on other upcoming events. Or call 706-678- 5001 or toll free 877-221-7689 for more information.