Albania Plantation on the Bayou Teche

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…

…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!

Carol, Molly and TS on the steps

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

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

 

 

 

Harrell pauses in the Parlor of Albania

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

 The rear verandah overlooks the Bayou Teche and lush grounds.

Tommie Sue and Harrell rocking away at Albania

Molly chattin’ up Hunt for a moment

A huge sugar kettle guards the side yard

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

 

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.