Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Albania Plantation on the Bayou Teche

Albania

After a busy day with Tobasco, Creole food, and fresh French Bread, we continued on to the little town of Jeanerette.   While touring the  Jeanerette Sugar Museum, the hostess suggested we drive a ways down the road to view Albania , a  Greek Revival sugar cane plantation.  Although not open to the public, it is acceptable  to stop out front for photos.  The owner, Hunt Slonem ,  a world renowned  Manhattan artist in the abstract impressionist style, purchased the 12,000 square foot mansion about 1o years ago and has beautifully restored it.  He has been known to invite strangers into his lovely home for personal tours.

So down the road we went, in search of Albania, and shortly we were parked in front of this lovely home…Tobasco and Sugar Cane 080

…taking photos from the roadside….. and the next thing we knew, TS and Harrell beckoned us into the drive, where we had been invited to come in for a personal tour!

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Carol, Molly and TS on the steps

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So, we parked under the canopy of cypress and live oaks….

….and were welcomed inside to view this lovely home.

 

 

 

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Harrell pauses in the Parlor of Albania

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Artwork of Hunt Slonem graces a settee in the anteroom (above)

Tobasco and Sugar Cane 098 The rear verandah overlooks the Bayou Teche and lush grounds.

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Tommie Sue and Harrell rocking away at Albania

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Molly chattin’ up Hunt for a moment

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A huge sugar kettle guards the side yard

And this was the parting view of Albania on the Bayou Teche…

 Tobasco and Sugar Cane 104

So ended a wonderful and busy day, taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Bayou, and a very special one, as Hunt Slonem kindly shared his home with us, giving us a glimpse of  a lovely old jewel in Cajun sugar cane country.

6 comments:

Speedy said...

We sat outside drooling but no one invited us in to see anything! You both just have the look?? We are so invious...
We drove the same tour you two just made last year and loved every minute of it.

Bobbie and Jim said...

Aren't you two lucky ducks? Thanks for sharing the inside photos as most of us will never see it any other way.

Darrell said...

How neat!!! Isn't this lifestyle just the best? Love the pictures.

roamingwhenwecan said...

Wow, nice place.. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Arlene

Debbie Goode said...

I just love Louisiana! Keep having fun!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful mansion and awesome photos!! So glad you were able to tour the inside too and thanks so much for sharing!! Miss ya!
Hugs!!