Nested amidst white quartz and warm greys sits a colorful home in Lakeview with a design all its own and a history only New Orleans could write. And it's for sale.
A spirited history
The year is 1953. The U.S. ends the Korean War. Queen Elizabeth the II is crowned in England. "How much is that doggy in the window," plays on radios across the country and is interrupted by breaking news that the USSR had just exploded their first hydrogen bomb.
Meanwhile, in New Orleans a humble home is constructed to serve as a fishing camp. The only other structure, as far as one could tramp or pirogue? A brothel.
For years the camp stands alone and proud, an island, perhaps on one. It sheltered those escaping the bustle of the city. It witnesses school boy pranks and adventures taking place in the wooded space behind Tad Gormley Stadium.
But change is on the way. Water management technology is improving and levees are being planned, as are Lake-neighborhoods and an airport.
Post-war construction springs up overnight, stretching from the old Creole Faubourgs to the Pontchartrain.
The land near the old camp is subdivided and dubbed, "The Park Places of Lakeview." The home finds some friends.
The new face of Lakeview
The Park Places of Lakeview is a unique pocket neighborhood. The "Algiers Point of the East Bank," the "Mid-Century Modern Bayou St John," it's "Upper Mid City."
Today its residents here enjoy being 800 feet from City Park, hearing the bands practice at Tad Gormley Stadium (where the Beatles once played), Endymion Parade Parties, and allowing their children to walk safely between homes to play.
Nestled behind Delgado and riverside of 610 The Park Places of Lakeview's secluded location is one even locals overlook.
Residents dine at off the beaten path restaurants owned by James Beard Award winning chefs. They catch up with neighbors over coffee and cocktails at neighborhood cafes, craft beer pubs, and wine bars.
Houses vary in type and form ranging from cottages, to ranch homes, and those right out of the wonder years.
In the past decade, new owners have begun updating and even replacing the post war homes originally built in the area. Those that remain are often find their once vibrant MCM kitchen and bath finishes ripped out and replaced with more contemporary ash greys and warm whites.
Love at first sight
For 64 years, the fishing camp remains, watching the years, the changes, and the investments roll by. It falls out of fashion, out of use, and into disrepair. That is until 2017.
In 2017, Clair Hoyt, a woman with an eye for design and a heart for good old things, discovers the old camp.
"We had to sneak in for a 'showing.' The listing agent at the time said she feared for our safety and the only people allowed in would be the new owner's demo crew."
The listing agent refuses to let anyone on the property. A no trespassing sign is plastered on the door. It becomes the stuff of Halloween stories, dares, and gossip.
Unafraid, and undeterred, Clair sneaks in on her own and falls in love. She loves the old camp's character, charm, and history. She promises to bring the place back to life. She purchases the property.
A rebirth
The next few months proved challenging, but Clair was committed to doing the old place justice. She knew it would call for all new electric, plumbing, HVAC, and even taking the place down to the studs.
She knew her skills in home and hotel design would come in handy. She didn't know she would be required to (nearly) rebuild the entire structure.
"We took it down to the frame and then learned we needed a new frame! So the home was reframed to match its old design. A small extension was made to extend the home in the rear. We used old images, the old frame, and old stories to inform and rebuild what was once there."
Today the home is almost entirely new construction with a façade identical to its 1953 self. It's also benefited from some well-deserved panache.
Clair, also a lover of all things fun and vibrant, called on mid-century modern color palettes. She injected soul, whimsy, and color into the old place.
Outside she opted for a cheerful blue hue, with white trim, and a flamingo pink front door. Two yard flamingos nestle in the landscaping.
She balanced the best modern finishes with a fun twist. Brand new dark bamboo floors run throughout, a deep soaking tub and steam shower grace the primary suite. Three bedrooms and two and half baths were designed to flank a floorplan designed for hosting parties. The old upstairs sleeping loft became a second-floor art studio.
Perhaps a tad more Bywater than Lakeview, pops of color surprise and delight at every turn. Pulling on the blues and pinks of the 50's and 60's but with a modern spin, Clair added teal cabinetry in the kitchen and a bold pink vanity in the guest bath. The primary ensuite is a sanctuary. Bold geometric tile hugs the soaking tub and steam shower. Fun new and reclaimed chandeliers dance from the ceilings throughout the home.
In search of new stewards
To the average visitor the old camp feels a bit like the colorized portion of The Wizard of Oz. A breath of fresh, air sandwiched between the black and white monotony of 2020's design choices nearby. It's wholly unique and entirely magical.
It gives one pause to wonder what the good ol' boys who sought refuge in the old fishing camp would think if they came back "home." One thing is for sure, the home still sits on an island. A refreshing, happy spot of clever design and color amidst a sea of contemporary greys and whites.
Clair is also certain that it is time to move on, thus a for sale sign is the latest addition. It's been hard for Clair to say good-bye to her magical home, but she is ready for new chapters and new projects. It's time for someone else to take on the old camp turned single family home.
5668 General Haig awaits its new care giver. Perhaps that's you!
It's currently listed for sale by Elisa Cool Murphy of Team Cool Murphy, brokered by exp Realty. It offers three beds, two and a half baths, an upstairs studio, a big back yard, a whole lot of soul and a little bit of history.
Take a peek inside by viewing a full video tour below.
If you are interested, or know someone who may be interested in becoming the new owner and steward of 5668 General Haig. Please reach out to Elisa Cool Murphy at cool@coolmurphy.com.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
Contact Her -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
Comentarios