Auxiliary (JA) of Houma presents – Bayou Breezes Tour of Homes. The annual event showcases some of the Houma area’s most outstanding examples of southern living. Guests will enjoy refreshments from the JA Bayou Breezes cookbook and enjoy the hospitality at various local homes including the Burguires home at 4523 Hwy. 311, the Castalano home at 218 Central Avenue, the Marceaux home at 223 Bellingrath Drive, the Melancon home at 319 Wilson Avenue, and the Small home at 4111 Hwy. 311.
The tour will take place Saturday, March 18 from 1-5pm. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased in advance at Outside and In, Shoe Fits, or from any JA member. Tickets may also be purchased at the homes on the day of the tour. Call 209-2060 for more information.
Proceeds from the Bayou Breezes Tour of Homes will benefit the Junior Auxiliary of Houma. JA is a non-profit organization committed to helping local children and making a difference in their lives. A few of the various projects sponsored by JA include making stuffed bears for pediatric patients at local hospitals, providing clothing such as shoes, coats or uniforms to needy children, presenting abuse prevention puppet shows in the schools, and hosting birthday parties for foster children.
319 Wilson
This unique, owner-designed home, built in 2000, took its inspiration from the five old oak trees gracing the property, and incorporated an Old New Orleans style. The columned wrap-around porch and flowing gardens, along with the semi-enclosed brick patio and wrought iron, follow this theme. The interior design is a blend of traditional (with its stained oak woodwork throughout) and contemporary (with its open floor plan). The Melancon's have filled the home with an array of items collected from around the world, as they lived abroad for many years. This retirement home is designed for casual living, comfort and functionality.
218 Central Avenue
John & Elizabeth Wilkerson built this Cape Cod style home in the mid 40's, sometime later adding a popular "mother-in-law" apartment. The house remained on the market for 3 1/2 years before its second and current owner, Sammy Castalano, envisioned a bedroom wing, where once was a second kitchen, an obstacle for most. The added decking and covered porches around the home, as well as the "Courtyard" feel of the front yard, brick walk and fountain help give the home a "French Quarter" feel. The Cottage in the rear makes a quiet haven for guests.
223 Bellingrath
The Georgian-inspired home of Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Marceaux is situated on more than an acre of land in off Highway 311 in West Houma. Its setting provides the intimacy of a neighborhood with the privacy of a large estate. Old St. Joe red brick adorns the outer façade, with beautifully manicured azalea gardens accentuating its aesthetic appeal. This stately home was custom designed by Sybil Maier and built in 2000. It features 4,000 square feet of living space, a marble foyer, a wrought-iron staircase leading to a second level, exquisite woodwork, both enclosed and exposed patio areas with maximum possibilities for entertaining, a home gym and a designer kitchen with granite countertops. A Jacuzzi bathtub, independent shower and walk-in closet (complete with a dressing island) highlight the master suite, which comprises one of the home’s three comfortable bedrooms. Large windows allow the warmth of natural light to enhance the warmth of the brick and wood flooring. The informal floor plan makes creative use of space with many functional storage areas accenting elegant open living areas – a signature of Maier’s designs. The Marceauxs have added their personal touch by choosing colors, flooring and furnishings that say “welcome” from the inside out.
4523 Hwy 311
An adaptation recreation of "Home Wood", the circa 1801mansion set on a hill at the entrance of the esteemed John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. 4523 Highway 311 was built by Linda and Hunt Downer (a former state representative).
This beautiful home on 2.5 acres of land features a custom bridge entrance with masonry balustrades bricks that spans over Little Bayou Black, a /12 acre pond an 11 beautifully appointed rooms in the main house. The home was purchased by Linda and Bobby Burgueries.
4111 Hwy. 311
The 8-year old home along the picturesque section of Bayou Black belongs to Darren and Kim Small. The Smalls bought the home one year ago and has since done constant work in the back yard and even added a pigeonaire. The pigeonaire dates back centuries ago in Europe, when wealthy families had ornamental pieces in their backyards to house pigeons, a delicacy. The nearly 3500 square foot home has “split personalities,” said Kim. One half is done in a rustic, authentic Cajun style, while the other half is more formal, with very traditional styling.
For more information on The Junior Auxiliary Tour of Homes, please contact any JA Member.
The Junior Auxiliary of Houma was established in 1972 and focuses on children and the local community.
These women give of their time, talents, resources and love with the hopes that they may help change the lives of children in the area and make the community a better place in which to live.
Through the years, Junior Auxiliary’s projects have helped more than 15,000 children and their families. The volunteers have donated over 6,000 hours of hands-on service, to clothe, feed, educate, and comfort the children of our community.