With plenty of swamp moss -- adorned oak trees, porches that go on for days, and a delightfully sordid history, this Plantation-style home in Marrero, LA, is a quintessential Southern dream home.
Listed for $305,000, the circa 1876 home is "believed to be the first home ever built in that area," says listing agent Harriet Reynolds. Once a plantation, the two-story home has kept the classic design with front columns and second-story balcony.
Inside, the home has been tastefully updated. On the first floor, there's a modern kitchen, a built-in bar, and glorious, glorious central air.
On the second floor, the bathrooms have been modernized and there are more closets than the original owners could even fathom -- but updates aren't always a bad thing, especially when you can preserve the home's inherent charm.
And this house has plenty of charm. There are fireplaces in nearly every room, including one tucked away beside the soaking tub in the master bathroom. So you can relax by the fire and in the tub at the same time. There's wainscoting in the study and high ceilings with crown molding in the bedrooms.
Outside, the house is "placed in a special way" on a large lot surrounded by historic homes, lush lawns, and the aforementioned swamp moss -- covered oak trees.
Among the massive trees, the back lawn is Reynolds' favorite place to be on the property.
"I love the covered patio in the back, because you can just sit there and look out at the pond and the trees," she says.
It is definitely peaceful, but it wasn't always so calm and quiet. This home has a serious past.
"This is what I know and what was passed down to the owner. The downstairs used to be a saloon. It was open to the lawn and really lively. Upstairs, they used to run a brothel," Reynolds says.
That's right. This home, outside of the small town of Crown Point ("Blink and you'll miss it," Reynolds warns), once hosted a brothel for the sailors coming in from nearby Barataria Bay.
Aspiring johns or madams need not apply, because Louisiana criminalized prostitution not long after the home was built. However, there are plenty of legal pursuits to keep you busy. The home isn't far from New Orleans if you're looking for the city life. But if you simply want to sit on the back porch with an adult beverage and keep an eye on your private pond, that's OK, too.