Channel Bayou Living in Monroe, Louisiana, for $5.8M

3808 Bayside Circle in Monroe, Louisiana, is currently listed at $5,850,000 by Dorian Bennett Sotheby's International Realty.

Taking every advantage of its extraordinary site, New Orleans Architect Lee Ledbetter worked with his clients about twenty years ago to create this home. The residence has a grey slate roof and all the exterior millwork on the home, columns, handrails, French doors, and windows are custom-designed.

More lake than bayou today, the waterway is coveted for its water sports including canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, water skiing, and boat cruising. The site is five-sided and has a footprint of almost two acres, including docks, boardwalks and a classic boathouse. The waterfront runs an expansive 625 feet and there’s a view of the bayou from every room. 

A broad gable, portico, and generous steps define the entrance to the pale-yellow brick structure on the cul-de-sac side. The grand entrance opens to a perfect "double cube" great hall that is 22-feet wide, 44-feet long, and 22-feet high. It has handsomely paneled walls, a marble mantel, and a dome ceiling made of plaster. The floors are American black walnut, and continue throughout most of the house. The walls are beautiful custom millwork finished in a French milk paint. The great hall’s three custom chandeliers were designed by the architect. 

The dining room is oversized and has ample storage. A large, secured silver closet protects heirlooms and serving pieces. 

The carpeted primary bedroom on one wing of the house has vaulted 16-foot ceilings with two separate bathrooms, several walk-in closets, and a mirrored dressing room.

The breakfast and living rooms are combined off the kitchen and have an enormous mantel and bold coffered ceiling. There are two kitchens, with the main kitchen swathed in custom mahogany cabinetry and bluestone floors; the second kitchen serves as a pantry for caterers. 

At the other end of the house, there are three bedrooms with their own private bathrooms and walk-in closets. Completing this wing of the home is an exercise room and study with a patterned leather floor.

The boathouse is constructed in the same style as the main house. Outside, New York landscape architect Brian Sawyer used massive amounts of Pennsylvania bluestone on the kitchen terrace, large pool terrace, and throughout the site. He also designed a boardwalk made of Pau Lope wood that runs the entire waterfront.

Listing Details  

Bedrooms: 4 

Baths: 4 full, 2 partial  

Year Built: 2000 

Square Feet: 7,792 

Plot Size: 2 acres