‘Bayou Breezes’ a glimpse of southern living

Locals will get a rare glimpse into five southern homes April 12 when the Junior Auxiliary of Houma hosts its 4th annual Bayou Breezes Tour of Homes.

Between 1 and 5 p.m., locals can take a self-guided tour through five stately homes, enjoy the hospitality of the Auxiliary and benefit the community at the same time. Tickets to the event are $25.

“We’re really excited about the diversity of this year’s tour,” said publicity chairwoman Jennifer Stringer. “We’ve got several different styles of homes, including a plantation home, in different areas.”

The plantation, Ducros Plantation at 147 Old Schriever Highway, is owned by Richard Bourgeois and Angela Cheramie. The home, which is in the process of being restored, was built before the Civil War.

Bourgeois and Cheramie purchased the antebellum in December 1994. Since then, they’ve reconstructed the four chimneys that rise 15 feet above the roofline, rebuilt the rear veranda and upstairs gallery and redesigned and replaced the inside staircase.

Also, the delicate ceiling medallions had to be preserved throughout the renovation, and completely new plumbing and electrical systems were installed.

During the next phase, cisterns and walkways will be renovated and a rear courtyard added.

“We’re thrilled to have this house on this year’s tour. There’s so much history in Ducros,” Stringer said.

To give it even more flair, Stringer said local artists’ work will be on display and a jazz band has been scheduled to perform as visitors tour the home.

“The Bayou Breezes Tour of Homes gives homeowners the opportunity to showcase the architectural and interior design of their home,” Stringer said.

Each home on this year’s tour was selected for its distinct style, she noted. “These homes have a lot of history. That’s one of the things we try to do – select homes with a lot of unique features.”

And this year’s tour will not disappoint, the publicity chair said.

At each of the homes, visitors will also be able to sample dishes featured in the Bayou Breezes Cookbook, another fundraiser for the Junior Auxiliary that funds outreach programs.

The cookbooks will be sold for $21.64 at each of the tour homes, Stringer said.

“These homes are so unique and really capture the essence of southern living,” she explained. “They are all homes with individual charm and character. Which home is the best? Well, they’re all the best. That’s the real beauty of the tour.”

The other featured Houma residences on the 2008 Bayou Breezes Tour of Homes include:

• 804 San Antonio Blvd., owned by Carroll and Melanie Daigle.

• 100 Krumbhaar Circle, owned by Dr. Patrick and Lauren Haydel.

• 113 Krumbhaar Drive, owned by Darrin and Pamela Guidry.

• 439 Myrtle Grove, owned by Stephen and Angela McCoy.

For more information, call (985) 873-9399, or visit www.houmaja.org.