The 57th annual Open Door Tour of Homes will be held Sunday, March 16, 2008. Proceeds from the Tour will benefit two local service agencies, O’Brien House and the Speech and Hearing Foundation.

PURCHASE TICKETS: Tickets for the Tour can be purchased online at the Blacktie-Louisiana website. Click here to purchase.

The following businesses are providing major support for the Tour:

Tour Sponsors
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
The Christen Foundation/Amedysis
The Advocate
Chipper Hatter Photography

Home Sponsors
Georgia Pacific
Good Business Consulting
Marie Constantin Photography
United Home Care

Platinum Sponsors
C. J. Brown Realtors
Gabriella Rothschild's
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

Below is a brief description of each unique local home on this year’s tour.  Please view the pictures of the homes to truly appreciate their appeal.  For a printable map of the home locations, click here. 


The Dupree Home, 1226 Glenmore Avenue - view pictures
The exterior of the Dupree home reflects the quiet, traditional elegance of Glenmore Avenue.  Once inside, however, an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furnishings, Chinese influences, and dramatic works by local artists achieves a unique “transitional modern” style.  The antique prints on rice paper and Chinese buffet in the entryway, contrasted with the “hotel room” style contemporary master suite with its modern furniture and orange and aqua fabrics, make this home both stylish and fun. The living room and kitchen blend traditional architecture with vintage accessories and works by such artists as Rhea Gary, Sarah Griffith, David Humphries and Frank Land. Don’t miss any of this home’s eye-catching designs.

The Graves Home, 1933 Old Carriage Lane – view pictures
The Graves acquired this home, set on a beautiful one and a half acre lot, in 1982.  It was designed by A. Hays Town and built in the early 1950’s.  The home was originally owned by Harold and Joan Sicard, President of Moran Printing in New Orleans.  While keeping with the original Town theme, the Graves added a large section to the master suite and just last year renovated the breakfast area.   Spacious, inviting rooms and exquisite antiques dating from the early to mid 1800’s, each with a story of their own, make this home truly welcoming for large family gatherings and party events.  The wonderfully landscaped gardens draw visitors outdoors to fully experience this Baton Rouge treasure. 

The Greer Home, 6926 Woodstock Drive - view pictures
The Greer home can best be described as classic Southern with a minimalist twist.  A beautiful traditional carriageway leads up to this striking home, made from old New Orleans salvaged brick. The foyer with its adjacent courtyard gives an impression of a step back in time. However, the interior spaces are a delightful juxtaposition with the style that the exterior might imply. Inside the home the clean, symmetrical lines and exposed cypress beams with brick walls both charm and surprise.  The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining hundreds of guests.  Designed with loving detail and a blend of contemporary art and furniture mixed with unique antiques placed in the minimalist design, this home is a must see.

The H. Mills Home, 2623 Kleinert Avenue - view pictures
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, this elegant colonial home is reminiscent of a more genteel time.  A representative of revival architecture, this gracious home built in 1939 shares architectural details with the Old Governor’s Mansion on North Boulevard.  The Mills home reflects the owners’ commitment to comfort and elegance, while preserving and extending the classic features of the architect’s vision.  From the white marble in the foyer and on the fireplaces to the gold leaf mirrors and crystal chandeliers, this residence represents all that is wonderful about Baton Rouge’s architectural history. Along with the sophisticated touches, the antique rugs and oil paintings of the children remind us that this is a well lived in and well loved home.

The S. Mills Home - 8021 Oak Hollow Drive - view pictures
The Mediterranean style of the Mills home is accented by the dramatic curved driveway and large double doors that lead to the more intimate courtyard.  This beautiful courtyard serves as a transition to the second set of double doors that leads into the home itself. The living room reflects the family’s love of art and has an English-castle feel, accomplished by the thoughtful placement of furniture, brocade fabrics and the striking two-story fireplace. Home furnishings include cherished family pieces mixed with modern furnishings. Large windows that overlook the backyard patio and pool frame the tranquil outdoor view. Set on the subdivision’s lake and nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home welcomes guests to come in, relax and enjoy.   

The Simon Home - 4644 Whitehaven Drive - view pictures
Mid-century modern is the perfect description for the Simon home, a remodeled ranch-styled home on Whitehaven. White leather, glass walls, and terrazzo evoke the glamour of old Hollywood. Aubergine-lacquered wall panels and mirrored ceilings in the gallery set the tone of the home, which boasts onyx tile, a colorful media room, crystal pendant lighting, and metal mesh drapery panels. The master bedroom, which features a luxurious, upholstered platform bed, is reminiscent of a 1950's movie set. Decorative touches are not only unique but also one-of-a-kind, including Murano chandeliers turned upside down! Furnishings and pieces of art are thoughtful and inspired, from celebrity pictures and autographs to restored 1950's chairs with funky fabrics. Tucked within the quaint neighborhood of Southdowns, this house is a stunner!