Art News

Historic Louisiana plantation to be auctioned

BRAITHWAITE, LA (AP).- A grand white-pillared plantation house built on historic River Road near the Mississippi nearly 200 years ago will be sold in a March 10 auction that could provide a new twist in its colorful history. Over the centuries, the yellow home with its green shutters overlooking exotic gardens survived a British invasion, the Civil War and the ravages of hurricanes Betsy, Camille and Katrina. The home offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s past, with original horse hair plaster walls, red brick floors and upstairs French doors that open to a wraparound gallery ushering in breezes. Auctioneers are hopeful the romanticism of River Road and the beauty of the relic-filled home will fetch a hefty price for the property, called Mary Plantation. The plantation had been listed for traditional real estate sale by its owners, historic preservationist and noted antiquarian Blaine