Louisiana is affectionately known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise” and upon spending time there, in areas other than Bourbon Street, one can easily see why the moniker has been granted to this Southern State. Hunting, fishing, water sports and more abound in this outdoorsman’s mecca. Louisianan’s are known for their “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (Let the good times roll) mentality and, of course, their top-notch Southern hospitality. Laid-back living where everyone is welcome and “the good times roll” is a lifestyle in our neighbor to the South. Having married into a big Louisiana family, and having lived there myself for a brief spell, I can attest to all of this as fact.
Louisianan’s just seem to have a knack for making the most out of their landscape and climate. One such example lies in our latest home tour of a breathtaking lakeside estate perfect for both relaxing and entertaining in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The 86 year old home lies on 5.8 picturesque acres on the bank of Cross Lake. The grounds of the home feature a 3 acre horse pasture with barn, tennis courts, a private boat dock and swimming pier with shade structure. The home was purchased by the current homeowners in 1996. Throughout the years the owners have tackled many large renovation projects, such as a complete overhaul of the kitchen, taking down walls and making changes to the existing floor plan, adding a car port and courtyard, remodeling all bathrooms in the home, adding a master suite, replacing all windows, adding front facing French Doors, building an outdoor kitchen and removing old vinyl siding from the exterior of the house and exposing the soffits of the home, to name a few.
A traditional Louisiana-style gas lamp lights the way for those approaching the front French Doors of the home.
Photo via homeowner
The addition of a picturesque courtyard with Bluestone flooring lends a New Orleans feel to the home.
A decorative iron gate opens into a space of peaceful retreat filled with lush greenery.
The front brick gallery stretches the length of the home, which is common in Louisiana style architecture. All front facing bedrooms boast French Doors opening on to the gallery which is outfitted with gas lanterns, potted ferns and greenery, and a charming bistro set.
French Doors off of a front-facing bedroom.
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A large dining room overlooking the lush courtyard greets guests as they enter the home.
Photo via homeowner
An antique pie safe found at an estate sale is used to store and display stemware. An antique highchair purchased at an antique store in Bastrop, Louisiana sits beside the pie safe and has been used by grandchildren at family gatherings.
A bank of large windows provides a view of the lovely courtyard lit with white string lights.
Photo via homeowner
A large antique Tiger Oak claw-footed dining table comfortably seats 12 for large gatherings of friends and family. A chandelier purchased from Southern Design Lighting Gallery, similar Here, adds a contemporary touch while staying true to the traditional style of the home.
Antique jugs found at Caboose Antiques & Decor sit atop the buffet. A painting depicting a Louisiana Cypress Bayou, which was an $8 estate sale “steal,” now proudly hangs above the buffet.
A fireplace on one wall of the dining room is decorated with an antique screen (another estate sale find), wooden candlesticks from Nader’s Gallery , and a family heirloom mirror from the homeowner’s family’s plantation, Oakland Plantation, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The plantation, a National Historic Landmark, is now owned and operated by the National Park Service and is part of the Cane River Creole National Historic Park.
Photo via homeowner
Adjacent to the dining room is an expansive brick-floored kitchen.
The chef’s kitchen features a gas stove top with custom wood vent hood, pot-filler faucet and decorated with a marble and wood spoon rest from Golden & Pine.
Photo via homeowner
Windows over the kitchen sink provide sweeping views of the horse pasture, barn and tennis courts. Louisiana cotton decorates the top of the cabinetry. A peninsula with Marguerite Stools from Ballard Designs provides extra seating and dining options in the kitchen. The wood beams surrounding the entryway of the kitchen and used on the kitchen ceiling were reclaimed from an Antebellum barn from the family’s Oakland Plantation.
Photo via homeowner
Beyond the kitchen lies a light-filled formal living room. A wall of windows provides an unobstructed view of beautiful Cross Lake.
Photo via homeowner
A large wood burning fireplace provides warmth on chilly winter evenings. Elk antlers from a hunting trip in Wolf, Wyoming hang above the fireplace.
A wall of built in bookcases showcases the homeowner’s collection of historical books, heirlooms and mementos.
An antique soapstone bust from Soapstone Statue Manufacturers in St. Louis, Missouri is a family heirloom. Antique leather-bound legal books came from a law office in Shreveport.
Antique French books and medical bottles from Oakland Plantation decorate another shelf.
A photograph of a past relative sits next to antique wooden spools.
Photo via homeowner
Twin sofas frame a coffee table from Medina Interiors. A swivel chair from Briggs & Company allows guests to take part in living room conversation, but can easily turn to take in the beautiful lake view.
A family heirloom chest is used as a creative and unique end table.
A round table provides additional seating and dining space perfect for taking in lake views. An elk hide rug warms the space.
Photo via homeowner
A spacious master bedroom retreat features French Doors and large windows to maximize the lake views. In renovating the home, the homeowners combined two existing bedrooms to create a master suite that includes a full bath and walk-in closet.
Photo via homeowner
A beautiful canopy bed provides a striking design feature to the room. The bed was built by famed Louisiana carpenter, George Olivier, and is made from Louisiana Cypress.
Photo via homeowner
A well-appointed guest bedroom with full bath holds an item of furniture most dear to the homeowner, the canopy bed. The bed, called a “Full-Tester” bed, is a family heirloom from a plantation home that is no longer in existence, Lambre Plantation in Natchitoches, Louisiana. French Doors leading to the front gallery were added to all front-facing bedrooms by the homeowners.
Another guest bedroom with full bath features an antique “Half-Tester” bed from a bed and breakfast in Natchitoches.
A gorgeous rug in rich red and navy blue anchor the space.
Photo via homeowner
The third guest bedroom and full bath is flooded with light from wrap-around windows overlooking both the lake and pasture. This room is decorated in French Toile in traditional pale yellow an blues. Two French antique daybeds, found at an estate sale, were taken apart by the homeowner and fashioned into a headboard for a King-sized bed. The sunny room features built-in cabinets, shelves and desk.
Photo via homeowner
A cozy family room provides the family with a comfortable place to watch television.
The fireplace in the family room is well-utilized during the winter months. A framed photograph of Oakland Plantation in Natchitoches, Louisiana hangs above the mantle.
Photo via homeowner
Upon exiting the family room you are greeted with the homeowner’s favorite space in the home, the screened porch. The large porch holds a conversation area, dining table, television and outdoor kitchen. With Louisiana’s mild winters, this room can truly be utilized all year long. The homeowner loves this space as it allows true indoor/outdoor living. “I’m just an outdoors-type person.” she said, “I love that I can sit on the porch and look out on the lake and yard.”
Photo via homeowner
The outdoor kitchen area is a fairly recent addition by the homeowners. The brick kitchen features a sink and gas stove top. Sliding barn door made from reclaimed wood from Texas provide decorative camouflage for additional storage and a refrigerator. Another beam from the family’s plantation barn tops the space.
A gently winding lane traverses the front of the property.
A newly constructed barn in a grey-washed finish sits in the distance near the horse pasture.
Tennis courts surrounded by magnolias and lush greenery provides the perfect spot for a match with family and friends.
A reproduction iron syrup kettle decorates a spot on the home’s side yard.
The back deck of the home was recently renovated by the homeowners. The deck was enlarged and old wood railings were replaced with sleek cable rail, adding a modern look and providing an open view of the lake beyond.
A low iron fence, affectionately dubbed “the grandkids fence” was installed to provide a safe enclosure for the grandchildren to play while not taking away from the lake views.
A long swimming pier provides the perfect spot to enjoy the lake and the nightly gorgeous sunsets.
The home also holds a private boat dock flanked by native Cypress trees.
The homeowners have thoughtfully curated their beautiful home to reflect their Louisiana roots while keeping the needs of family at the forefront. This home has hosted countless parties, family gatherings, a celebrity-filled movie wrap party and two family weddings. What has been created is a home compound rooted in the rich history of Louisiana but equipped with modern amenities. The juxtaposition of the old with the new, in combination with a simply stunning setting, has made for a home that tells a story, is inviting, and rich in memories already made and those that are yet to come!
The screen porch: best place ever for morning coffee