Acworth Charm Tour of Homes 2025: Map
Map Sponsor: Still Available
Sponsor Details: TBD
Ticket Pick-Up Location: TRG Vino Market 4823 South Main Street
Sponsor Details: TRG Vino Market offers more than just fresh market goods. Our purpose is rooted in community support and reduced waste, eco-friendly practices. With a portion of our proceeds donated to local charities and events, every purchase directly supports your neighborhood of Acworth.
1. 4462 Park Street
Sponsor Details: Lindsey Gravitt is a dedicated real estate professional who combines deep market knowledge with a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their goals.
History: This craftsman bungalow-style home, nestled on just over an acre, was built for Joseph Marion Tanner and L Elizabeth Ragsdale Tanner. The home stands where the Normal College once stood. The large school building was damaged in a fire and later demolished. The lumber salvaged from the school building was used to build this home. Joseph lived here until his death in 1916. The home was then sold to Henry F. Ford & Ruth J. Robertson Ford. Henry and Ruth, with their 3 girls, enjoyed this home until Ruth died in 1989. When Henry and Ruth first purchased the home, the name of the street was Mineral Well Street. The name was changed to Park St somewhere in the 1930s before the 1940 US Census.
Steve and Angie Goodyear had planned to get married in 2016 and began their new home search. They both knew that they wanted a historic home within walking distance to a downtown area. They had looked at other surrounding cities, but they knew Acworth was where they wanted to be. Steve says that he knew that this was their home when he turned on the old doorbell ringer. The couple loved the spirit of the home so much that they decided this was where they would be married. In September of 2016, surrounded by friends and family, they said I do at their new home.
Since their ownership in March of 2016, the couple has perfectly updated this home! They have refinished the hardwood floors, added a detached two-car garage, painted the interior and exterior, transformed an existing bedroom into a walk-in closet, renovated the two baths, and most recently, renovated the kitchen. Angie has also transformed their landscaping with her green thumb.
Future projects include adding a sleeping porch to the rear of the house.
2. 4277 Maple Drive, Circa 1971
Sponsor Details: Anchor Realty is here to help you find your dream home in Historic Downtown Acworth. Deborah & Malinda both live, work & play here and have a vested interest in where they live.
History:
The land where this home now stands was once part of a large pecan farm owned by Edward Wayne Nichols Sr. and his wife, Charlotte Anne Nichols. Edward’s mother, Maria Lemon Nichols, was the daughter of James L. Lemon. The Nichols’ Maple Drive property once stretched from Brenda Drive all the way to what is now beneath Lake Acworth. In the 1950s, a portion of Lakeview Street was sold to Otto Fowler for his Fowler Subdivision.
During the 1960s, Charlotte Anne Nichols developed Brenda Drive, while her husband Edward Sr. continued to manage the family’s holdings. Their children, Edward Wayne Nichols Jr. and Anne Nichols Blocker, later divided the remaining property. Anne received the three lots leading up to Brenda Drive, while Edward Jr. and his wife Ruth, kept the lakefront lots.
In 1971, their son, Ronald W. Nichols, began construction on this two-story traditional home on one of the most desirable sites along Lake Acworth. The original home featured three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a basement.
In January 1980, Ronald sold the home back to his parents when his job relocated him to South Georgia. Notably, Edward Wayne Nichols Jr. also served as the mayor of Acworth from 1967 to 1968.
The property was sold to William M. Penn in May 1987 and remained in his ownership until October 2014. In 2023, after relocating to Georgia from Arizona six years earlier, Donnette and Tom Sanderson discovered the home and immediately fell in love with its setting and character. They purchased the property in October 2023 and began a complete transformation of the 1970s traditional home.
Since then, the Sandersons have thoughtfully updated and expanded the property. Renovations include a new kitchen and appliances, updated lighting inside and out, enclosing the original two-car carport to create a great room, and converting the single-sided wood-burning fireplace into a double-sided gas log fireplace. They added new stairs and banisters, fresh interior paint and wallpaper, a new roof, and exterior siding. A four-car garage, brick driveway, sidewalk, and front porch were also constructed. The new covered front porch features cedar details and copper lighting, complementing the rebuilt screened porch overlooking the lake. Other improvements include new HVAC, a tankless water heater, fencing, landscaping, and a cozy outdoor fire pit.
Looking ahead, the Sandersons plan to finish the basement and add another bedroom and bath.
Today, they enjoy peaceful lake views from their home, often launching their kayaks from their own backyard. They also love being just minutes away from Acworth’s charming downtown shops and restaurants—perfectly blending lakeside living with small-town convenience.
3. 4242 Lakeview Street, Circa 1955
Sponsor Details: Downtown Acworth’s private school for dyslexic learners, grades 1-12, with more than 20 years of dedicated service to students.
History:
In 1955, O. R. Fowler envisioned a modern new subdivision near the newly created Lake Acworth. Named Fowler, it featured ranch-style homes that reflected a popular national trend. Originating in 1930s California, the ranch plan became the most common home design by the 1950s. These single-story homes included carports or garages, simple landscaping, and large picture windows that brought the outdoors in.
This home has had only four owners since it was built. The original owners, Norman and Betty Causey, raised their family here and lived in the home for more than 56 years before passing it down to their daughter.
Current owners Teresa and Ken Miller, originally from California, fell in love with Acworth and wanted a home close to both Main Street and the lake. In February 2021, Teresa happened to be visiting her daughter when this 1,170-square-foot ranch came on the market. Despite the lack of interior photos and the home’s poor condition, she saw its potential and placed it under contract. Ken trusted her instincts from across the country, having only seen the house on FaceTime.
The Millers managed a full renovation from California while also rebuilding their home that was lost in the 2017 wildfires. The house was taken down to the studs, reconfigured, expanded, and rebuilt with new electrical, plumbing, and a two-car garage. The transformation was remarkable.
Since moving in, Teresa and Ken have added a screened porch and new backyard landscaping, with plans to refresh the front yard next. Their home now stands as a modern reflection of Acworth’s midcentury charm and enduring sense of community.
4. 4375 Willis Street, “Lemon House”, Circa 1856
History:
The Lemon family’s American story began in 1773 when James and Martha Lamant left Ireland seeking religious freedom. After settling in South Carolina, the family name gradually changed from Lamant to Lemon. James fought in the Revolutionary War, while his brave wife, Martha, once faced British soldiers who threatened her life unless she revealed his whereabouts.
By the mid-1800s, their descendants had made their way to North Georgia. James Lemon and his wife, Mary Brown Telford, settled in Acworth in 1845, purchasing 800 acres near the town center. Their son, Captain James Lile Lemon, expanded the family home into a Carolina-style Plantation Plain, later remodeled in the 1890s with a neoclassical colonnade.
During the Civil War, General Sherman and his officers occupied the Lemon home as headquarters. Eliza Jane Lemon, seven months pregnant at the time, was ordered to sleep in the kitchen and cook for the soldiers. Captain Lemon, wounded and captured in battle, later walked 800 miles home from Fort Delaware Prison.
After the war, James Lile and his brother Smith helped rebuild Acworth by founding the S. Lemon Banking Company and helping organize the Acworth Presbyterian Church. Since 1993, the Lemon House has once again been owned by a Lemon descendant, Mark Lemon.
5. 4400 Lakeview Court, Circa 2024
Sponsor Details: Raven Printing & Design Studio is a female-owned and operated business, specializing in custom design work and specialty printing.
History:
Barrett Pritchard first discovered the property where The Cove at Lake Acworth now sits in 2006, after spotting it by chance on his way to lunch in downtown Acworth. At the time, he was actively building homes throughout Woodstock, Atlanta, and Smyrna, and living in a community he had built near downtown Smyrna. Barrett and his wife, Christie, loved the small-town lifestyle, being able to walk to restaurants, shops, and community events, and immediately saw that same potential in Acworth.
When Barrett found this piece of land overlooking Lake Acworth and within walking distance of the historic downtown, he knew it was something special. Although the property could have supported higher-density housing, he envisioned something different: spacious lots with custom homes featuring distinctive architecture and thoughtful design.
The final plan includes nine homesites, each with its own unique layout and elevation, creating a neighborhood full of variety and character. Four homesites remain available, with completed plans for Lots 7 and 9. Construction on Lot 9 will begin soon.
The Pritchard family has been building homes in the Atlanta area for over 40 years. In that time, they have built hundreds of homes and developed more than a dozen neighborhoods. Their goal has always been to create well-built, timeless homes with unique character and quality craftsmanship.
They build the kind of homes they would want to live in themselves and often do. Every homeowner they work with is part of a hands-on design process, personalizing details to reflect their own style while incorporating lasting architectural features and modern functionality.
The Cove at Lake Acworth perfectly reflects that philosophy: custom homes in a beautiful lakefront setting just steps from downtown.
Barrett and Christie’s own home has five bedrooms and five and a half baths. It was designed to feel open and livable while maintaining distinct character throughout. One of their favorite features is the butler’s pantry. It keeps the main kitchen area clean and organized and makes entertaining easy.
The dining room’s high ceilings and large windows make the space bright and airy. They chose classic, understated finishes like natural stone, detailed trim work, and custom cabinetry, materials that never go out of style.
The terrace pool overlooks the lake and surrounding woods, giving the home a quiet, tucked-away feel even though it is just a short walk from downtown.
The Cove at Lake Acworth offers something rare: custom homes on generous, wooded lots by the lake, all within walking distance of historic downtown Acworth. It is a peaceful setting that still feels connected to the heart of the community.
Each home is designed to complement the land and the neighborhood’s natural character. As Barrett puts it, “Watching this property evolve into a small community of distinctive homes has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our family.”
6. 5016 Dewberry Circle, Circa 1960
Sponsor Details: Award Winning & Top Producing Atlanta Area Real Estate Agents with Global Marketing Strategies for selling properties and homes faster using social media and portals globally. Since 1979, Tony & Pam Williams of eXp Realty have been Atlanta’s trusted real estate resource.
History:
5016 Dewberry Circle was built by Bob and Betty Kienel, and they moved in with
their children Bob, Rick and Mary Ann on Labor Day, 1959. The builder was
Betty’s brother-in-law Mark Smith, who also built the Beach House at Lake
Acworth. Betty and Bob lived here until their deaths in 2008 and 2014
respectively.
Local neighbors included Dr. Glenn Reed, a prominent Acworth dentist, Bill and
Ruth Hamner who owned the Chevrolet dealership on South Main Street that
became Day’s Chevrolet, Jack and Becky Diemer who were ultimate owners of the
Day’s Chevrolet, and Buddy Boone and family who owned Boone’s Service Station
just south of downtown Acworth.
After Bob’s death in 2014, the house was sold to Dr. Ron Alleyne and his family.
It was purchased in 2023 by Anthony and Pamela Williams, who undertook a
major renovation of the interior and exterior.
Not on Our Tour, but Worth Checking Out
Please Note: These locations are not part of our 2025 tour itinerary. Enjoy them from the road, as trespassing is strictly prohibited.
1. Bethel AME Church, 4826 School St., cir. 1863
History:
“Bethel A.M.E. was built by the skilled hands of freed slaves and has stood throughout time for 155 years. Bethel A.M.E.’s church history recalls General Sherman’s march throughout Georgia. At the end of the Civil War, there were 200 freed slaves remaining in Acworth. The emancipated slaves immediately became a vital part of the Acworth community, took on a monumental task, and used their artistry and skill to build a church. After the end of slavery, members of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and Zion Hill Missionary Baptist church shared church buildings. This tradition of alternating Sunday services lasted for many years until Zion Missionary Baptist church moved to a more contemporary church building in 1914; while the members of the Bethel A.M.E. remained in the original church building built by the freed slaves. Bethel A.M.E was built in 1878, and a bell tower was added in 1895.”
2. Acworth Presbyterian Church (c. 1870), 4561 Church St.
This church is not part of the tour but is worth seeing from the outside.
Capt. Lemon was one of the founders of Acworth Presbyterian Church. The church was built in 1875 on land donated by James’ brother, Smith Lemon. [1]
The Acworth Presbyterian Church was established in 1870 as a mission from the Mars Hill Church. Thirty-four members were dispatched to start the Acworth Church, and Mars Hill provided a joint minister until 1956. Smith Lemon donated the property and together with his brother James Lile, supervised the construction of the church building in 1875. [2]
The Church features stained glass windows, Gothic arches, and intricate brickwork are features of the brick edifice. Many of Acworth’s pioneer families were among the charter members. [3]
Thirty-four members from Mars Hill were received as charter members. They were: M.J. Abbott, Mrs. F.J. Ansley, J.H. Bate, W.T. Bate, Dr. A. Cotten, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Cotten, Mrs. Hattie Hull, W.H.A. Johnson, J.P. Lawhon, Mrs. J.P. Lawhon, Miss Lula Lawhon, Miss Belle Lemon, J.L. Lemon, Mrs. J.L. Lemon, Miss Jennie Lemon, Jessie, L. Lemon, M.E. Lemon, Margaret E. Lemon, Smith Lemon, Mrs. M.K. Litchfield (known as Mr.s Kansas Williams after her second marriage), H.H. Logan, Mrs. Emily L. Logan, J.E. McEver, Mrs. J.W. McMillan, John L. Nichols, Mrs. Maria L. Nichols, W. J. Palmer, Mrs. W.J. Palmer, Miss Nola Palmer, Miss Eula Palmer, William Prichard, John E. Prichard, J.C. Stancel, and Mrs. L.H. Tanner. [4]
On November 4, 1883, J.W. McMillan and H.H. Logan were ordained as elders by Rev. A.G. Johnson, the first minister of Acworth Presbyterian Church. [5]
Acworth Presbyterian Church was used in the 2011 remake of ‘Footloose’ as the Church of Bormont where Dennis Quaid’s character, Reverend Moore, is the minister. Carol Allegood, homeownter of the R.L McMillan House, is featured as an extra during one of the church scenes, along with Kim Wigington, Headmaster of Brookwood Christian School, one of Acworth Charm’s Hosts. [6]
3. Acworth Christian Church (c. 1858)
This church is not part of the tour but is worth seeing from the outside.
In 1858, Acworth had been established as a watering stop for the Western and Atlantic Railroad, but would not be incorporated until 1860.
That year, Nathan Smith, an established evangelist, founded the Acworth Christian Church, which originally was located on Mitchell Hill. Smith was one of the first schoolmasters in Acworth, and the first worshipful master of the Acworth Masonic Lodge.
The church thrived until the Civil War, when the building was dismantled and used as shanties for Union soldiers. The church re-established in 1875 at its current location on Northside Drive. Tragedy struck again in 1899, when a fire destroyed the church. Nathan Smith died that same year, so he never got to enjoy the rebuilt church, which opened its doors in 1901.
The church has been a fixture in Acworth ever since, and can be seen from Main Street and the downtown area. The church’s original brick exterior was covered by stucco in the 1980s.