MACON, Ga. — In the early 19-hundreds, a physician got the help of an architect named Alexander Blair the Third to build his house.
Blair has quite a resume; he was the architect for the grand opera house in Macon and the famous Crisco house mansion on College Street.
The home that housed the Red Cross for decades went on the market in 2019. Jay and Karen Palmer moved from New York to scoop it up.
"It was built in 1908 by a wealthy physician," Jay recalled.
"Eight original mantels are here, and each one is distinct and beautiful and probably meant for someone he loved," Karen described.
It was built as a single-family residence.
"All of the pocket doors operate, and on the first floor, it's just opulence," Karen said.
There is a second and third floor with this winding showcase of a staircase leading to each level.
Outside, there is a garden with a soothing fountain that sounds like a babbling brook.
"We're looking at the original fountain. It still has part of the original seahorse," Karen described.
In 1945, the Red Cross moved in on Holt Avenue; it was a staple in Macon.
"The American Red Cross took very good care of this home, but they helped people. They were a beacon of light," Karen recalled.
The Red Cross called the home for nearly 75 years, so the Palmers say it's not unusual for folks to knock on their door at night, maybe needing a little help.
"So we help them where we can or direct them to the Red Cross. This home has been a place for people to come to and feel comfortable. You think it would be pretentious, but it's not. It's such a welcoming place",” Karen said.
It's a welcoming place because it's now a wedding venue.
Jay shoots the photos and plays the music while Karen officiates and coordinates all the details.
"Every time I share this story, I can't believe I'm in this house"” Karen said.
Karen and Jay call it Chanticleer, but many still lovingly call it the Red Cross House. The Palmers are fine with that because these walls are decked out with detailed crown molding inside, and on the original floors, you'll find love.
Love of the home, love for anyone that comes through the doors, and love for the property's history.
"We're trying to honor the house by taking good care of it, restoring it where we can, and honoring what the house is. We're committed to being good stewards of the house," Jay added.
Check out more about Chanticleer Manor here.
INSIDE THIS HISTORIC HOME
WHAT OTHERS ARE READING
RELATED: Historic Homes: A place fit for a knight and his roundtable. This castle in Macon turns 100