2019-10-01_Southern_Lady

43 SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM

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rt and music course through the veins of Ginney and

Foster McDonald’s historic Huntsville home. Paintings

by contemporary masters like Nall, Mark Singer, and

Steve Penley accompany antiques from London and

pieces crafted by local artisans, a concordant blend of

high and low that illustrates the family’s distinctive taste.

“If it speaks to us, we will find a place to hang it,” says Ginney, who

has turned to designer Beverly Farrington time and again for various

projects since the family moved in more than 15 years ago.

Beverly takes inspiration from the McDonalds’ eclectic collection

of artwork for each update, infusing their interiors with a personal

flair that reflects a laid-back lifestyle and affinity for art. “Instead of

going in and doing it all at once, [the décor] has evolved over the years,”

says Beverly.

When the McDonalds purchased the property in 2002, the previous

owners had completely renovated the small Victorian cottage (built by

the grandson of Huntsville’s founder, John Hunt) and expanded it to

create a shotgun-style layout. They also had incorporated two cottages

on the street behind the main house as separate guest quarters and a

garage—both 19th-century structures were originally owned by Helen

Keller’s cousin, Annie Keller Turner. Ginney and Foster were captivated

by the warmth and informality of the small estate.

With three musically inclined sons, the McDonalds repurposed the

dining area at the front of the primary residence—one of four rooms

original to the 1885 home—into a music room. But other than adding

built-in shelves and a snug window seat to the space, Beverly says, “We

did what I call ‘cake and powder.’ They obviously liked the house and the

plan, but we came in and started changing colors and fabrics.”

In addition to showcasing the family’s treasured paintings and other

collectibles, Beverly balances traditional elements with modern touches

to complement the cottage’s Victorian-era character, which includes

shiplap walls, several original fireplaces, and beautiful pine paneling in

Foster’s office. “It looks more like an acquired and curated environment

versus something that we went out and just bought all at one time,” says