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There is no denying the regal spirit and sense of antiquity that accompanies Christmas in South Louisiana. Each Parish, and city within, has its own way of capturing that unique magic. This year, the St. Mary Landmarks and the City of Franklin Design Committee will take the beauty beyond the lampposts with the 2018 Christmas Tour of Homes. Of the stunning estates featured, three of the featured homes are National Register of Historic Places properties.

The Christmas Tour of Homes will be held on December 16, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a free Christmas concert at 2 p.m. at the Franklin Church of the Assumptions titled “Lessons and Carols.” Tickets are available in advance, at the event, from various local businesses and online at franklinchristmas2018.eventbrite.com.

Albania Plantation

21066 Highway 182

Jeanerette, LA

This cypress mansion was built between 1837 and 1842 by Charles Alexandre Grevemberg. In 1909, Isaac Delgado willed Albania to the city of New Orleans. In 1957, it was purchased by Mrs. Emily Cyr Bridges. Today, Albania Plantation is owned by world-renowned artist Hunt Slonem. The mansion is home not only to the artwork of Hunt Slonem, but also a variety of other art collections, including a collection of Southern portraits from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and Old Paris porcelain. 

The Barn At Adeline

7899 Highway 87

Jeanerette, LA

Originally built in the 1800s as a raised mule barn on Whitehouse Plantation, this structure has seen amazing transformations. Farmer Ed Smith purchased it in the 50s with a grand vision to make it his home. In the 80s, Smith worked on the reconstruction for nine years before his death. In 2009, Ted and Walteen Broussard purchased the home and put it through its most radical transformation yet. Acadiana LifeStyle featured this property in our 2018 April issue. You can read the full story, and see all the amazing pictures, at Acadianalifestyle.com.

Shadowlawn

906 Main Street

Franklin, LA

This striking Greek temple was built chiefly of northern pine in 1853 by Connecticut native Simeon Smith.  The rear of his home was attached to a smaller 1807 Greek Revival building, which was originally a tavern operated by Barnet Hulick.  Shadowlawn remained in the Smith-Berwick-Snowden family for a century and a half.  In recent years, the home was meticulously restored by the late Dr. Mildred Christian.  In 2011, it was donated to the St. Mary Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society by Dr. Alan Hoberman.

1894 Center Hall Cottage

610 Adams Street

Franklin, LA

1894 Center Hall Cottage is a charming late Victorian center-hall cottage featuring a full-length front gallery and a side bay. Lovingly renovated by Dr. Donna Tesi, this house shows how seamlessly modern conveniences can be incorporated into a historic home. Dr. Tesi’s outstanding contemporary art collection enhances the large, high-ceilings of each room.

Bittersweet

301 Main Street

Franklin, LA

William Porter Allen built Bittersweet around 1845 for the contractor and first mayor of Franklin, Scotsman Simon C. Mathison. It was purchased in the 1880s from Mathison’s heirs by Allen’s son, Judge A.C. Allen, who was also a Franklin Mayor. In 1972, owner Mrs. Joseph Alexis Blanchard carefully restored the house and added a rear wing for contemporary living.  Bittersweet is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dana Louviere.

Gates/Bell (Patout) House

205 Main Street

Franklin, LA

This elegant Greek Revival raised cottage was built in 1851 by Alfred Gates of cypress processed at his lumber mill.  The house features a hipped roof surmounted by a large belvedere.  It was the home of the Matthew Bell family for 50 years, it was later owned by the Dr. Guy Aycock family.  It was restored in 1965 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brumby, the latter a descendant of the builder.  It is now the home of Mrs. William Schwing Patout III.