the designer. Her most recent undertaking involved redecorating
the master bedroom based around a set of six antique botanical
prints the couple brought back from a European excursion.
Beverly also bears in mind the McDonalds’ wish to create awelcoming retreat that’s always primed for gracious hospitality,
opting for easy-to-maintain surfaces and floor coverings along
with plenty of cozy seating areas throughout. “They aren’t trying
to make it look like it’s a show house,” says Beverly. “They want to
have a very comfortable house. That’s why the art is so important:
it represents them.”
Over the years, the McDonalds have hosted an array of guests,including classically trained musicians and performing artists who
travel to the area every year for world-class events such as
Twickenham Fest. Now in its 10th year, the free concert series is
spearheaded in part by the McDonalds’ oldest son, Matt, the
principal bassoonist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in
New York. “We love supporting artists and performers, and being
around interesting people,” says Ginney, who previously chaired
the Huntsville Museum of Art Gala and also helped establish a
society that funds free family admission to select Huntsville
Symphony Orchestra performances.
The McDonalds encourage visitors to enjoy the comforts oftheir home as much as their own family has. “The property has an
emotional karma that lures people to stay and linger,” Ginney says.
“Every bit of it is lived-in and loved.”