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A cherished holiday tradition in Albemarle is set to continue this year with a new date and time.
The Holiday Tour of Homes, a fundraiser hosted by Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC), will take place earlier than in previous years — 4-8 p.m. Nov. 23.
The new tour date was selected in response to feedback from past homeowners and guests. Many have noted that visitors appreciate the atmosphere of a twilight or evening tour, where light displays shine more brightly. Additionally, this earlier date resonates with this year’s homeowners, who are eager to prepare their homes sooner, allowing them to fully enjoy the holiday season. This year’s tour features eight exciting tour sites.
Site No. 4 – Dan and Kristin Beck, 324 N. 5th St., Albemarle
This 1930-built home, with four bedrooms, two baths and 3,000 square feet, is a treasure trove of original character, including the porch tilework and hardwood floors throughout.
Previously owned by the Hicks family, the Becks were longtime neighbors who eventually acquired the house. Removing harvest gold carpet revealed the original hardwood beneath. In the former music room to the left of the entryway, the Becks created a study and preserved the piano once owned by “H.O.” Hicks. They updated the dining room with board and batten paneling and an antique chandelier, giving the original fixture to a family member of the previous owners.
Furnished with period-appropriate antiques, the first floor reflects 1930s style, while the former downstairs master bedroom now serves as a den. The master bath was remodeled with wallpaper, beadboard and an antique vanity, evoking the era.
The kitchen remodel exposed the original chimney, added custom cabinetry, granite countertops and brick flooring. The back porch, once a laundry room, was returned to its original screened-in state, while exterior updates included a deck and perimeter iron fencing. The upstairs also features mid-century accents, with one room converted into a closet.

Site 5 – Richard and Shay Watson – 805 Montgomery Ave., Albemarle
In 2022, Richard and Shay Watson acquired 805 Montgomery Ave., moving from Fort Mill, South Carolina. This historic residence, fondly referred to as the Dr. Kelley home, dates back to 1912.
Over a year of extensive renovations transformed the house into a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath retreat. Major updates included new electrical and plumbing systems, restoring original hardwood floors, removing walls, creating a master suite and installing a custom kitchen.
The 112-year-old house boasts custom cabinetry, marble countertops, four exposed fireplaces and numerous thoughtful details.
The Watsons have preserved much of the home’s charm, such as the wrap-around front porch and original hardware on solid wood doors, while adding modern amenities. Visitors on the Holiday Tour of Homes will find five Christmas trees and festive decorations, hinting at the ongoing outdoor renovations planned for the future.

Site 6 – Chad and Lisa Sides – 907 Pee Dee Ave., Albemarle
This 2 ½ story Colonial Revival-style home at 907 Pee Dee Ave., known as the Almond-Snyder house, was built circa 1925 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its brick facade and granite foundation create a unique front elevation with an asymmetrical window placement on the first story and a symmetrical arrangement of five windows on the second story.
The property is framed by a 1-story porte cochere with granite piers on the west and a 1-story sun porch with granite piers and apron on the east.
Inside, the home retains its original hardwood floors, second-story transom windows, and four fireplaces with original tile.
Originally built for local leader T.D. Almond, the home passed to Edward Snyder in 1958, who bought it upon moving his textile plant to the area.
Current owners Chad and Lisa Sides, who purchased the home in 2021, are dedicated to preserving its historic charm while updating it for modern living.
This year, they completed a full kitchen renovation, blending contemporary function with classic design. Chad and Lisa describe their holiday decor as primarily traditional, with a mix of vintage family heirlooms and eclectic touches.
Advance admission to the Holiday Tour of Homes is $12, and is available at Connie’s Coffee & Cafe, Livi Bug’s Boutique, Make it Personal and Starnes Bramlett Jewelers in downtown Albemarle, and online at www.albemarledowntown.com/events/holiday-tour-of-homes.
Admission can be purchased the day of the tour at the Depot at Market Station, 501 West Main Street, Albemarle.
ADDC Director Joy Almond invites guests from the Holiday Tour of Homes to visit downtown Albemarle after their tour to savor dinner at one of the restaurants that will be open that evening.
“Visiting our downtown restaurants is the perfect way to cap off an evening of enjoying the Holiday Tour of Homes,” said Almond. “Enjoying a fun event and supporting local businesses is the heart of community spirit as well as Christmas spirit.”
Proceeds from the Holiday Tour of Homes will enable the ADDC to continue to fund downtown redevelopment initiatives, which include beautification projects, public art, and matching grants for business owners.
Visit www.albemarledowntown.com for more information on the Holiday Tour of Homes and other downtown events.