Seven Gables a.,k.a. Palmetto House

Ever since the old Seven Gables was repossessed or what ever the government calls it when illegal activities force the closing of a place, maybe confiscation who knows, I have wanted someone to do something spectacular with it. Well let me tell you Robin Dunn has worked magic in that place. The last time I was in the building was 1996. It was dark and creepy but no more. The Palmetto House, as it is now called, sparkles from within. I made an impromptu stop the other day and was greeted by Cassandra Elam, the hostess, who was gracious enough to give me a tour and fill me in on some of the details.
The two larger meeting/dining/event rooms are on the main floor. They are named for Mrs. Dunn’s two sons Chandler and Cameron. The Cameron Suite can hold 40-70 people seated while the Chandler Suite from my perspective was a bit smaller. There are rooms upstairs; offices and additional meeting/dining spaces. One of those rooms will have access to a balcony area when it is complete but now it holds tall four person tables and a smaller more intimate room for maybe a gentleman’s gaming room is next to it. The Timber Trace room is the perfect venue for the guys to get together to watch football. There is also a room they call the Bridal Suite which comes with a full bath and bedroom although at present no one can spend the night. It is more for the bride to change into her gown or going away clothes, however, the attached bedroom gives one the feeling of being at home rather than a wedding or reception venue. Back downstairs there is a full commercial kitchen and all that that infers. At present The Palmetto House does not use the kitchen themselves for events. All events there are catered. Off the Chandler end, near the kitchen, a full bar has been added but is only in use during events. Outside there is seating for 50-60 under a covered porch with the only drawback being the noise from traffic on Georgia Avenue. They have even spruced up the run down motel like building in the back adding to the feel of history from the place. Although I did not stay long I managed to find out the house was built in 1903 but if you, like I, are interested in finding out more about The Palmetto House, tune into HGTV, during If Walls Could Talk, I am sure some of its history will be revealed. Since writing this column the lovely old building has burned to the ground leaving nothing but a few charred remains.
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. I hope your holiday meal was fabulous and I also hope you did not wear yourselves out on Black Friday chasing all the sales. Remember, those of you that are old enough, when the holidays meant kitchens full of goodies, family, homemade gifts, football and many naps? For the life of me I have never understood the need to leave the comfort of home for crushing crowds, snarled traffic, short tempers and sore feet just to save a few bucks or chase the next fad. Homemade, to me, comes from the heart; a gift of love.