For Sale By Owner

FURTHER REDUCTION: NOW $250,000.00

This home was originally listed by a realtor who suggested an asking price of $315,000.00, and while we still believe that is a fair price, we realize the market is tough right now.  Our current asking price is $250,000.00, a bargain when one considers a home like this could not be built for any price.  The property, a much larger tract, was originally obtained through a land grant by Charles Jumonville Devillier in 1811.  The home was built of hand-hewn cypress in 1828 by Sam Cochran.  The foundation beams measure 14" by 14" by up to 34 feet long, from trees that were probably saplings before Columbus discovered America. One Andre Nerault bought the home in 1843 and it was inherited by his daughter, Mrs. Alexis Mayer. It was know as the "Widow Alexis Mayer House" for many years until it was bought by Jerome Taylor around the time of the Civil War.  Many of Jerome's decendants still reside in Arnaudville and the home was believed to have been used as a hospital during the war. In 1921 the home, on its present 1 1/2 acres, was bought by Pierre Mistrot who, with his wife Regina, raised 7 daughters and one son here.  Mr. Pierre, who was Arnaudville postmaster and 2-term mayor, died in 1941.  Miss Regina eventually moved to a nursing home where she died.  The home was vacant for 8 years until we bought it in 1983.  We completely replaced all the plumbing and wiring and the roof, but no substantial structural repairs were necessary and none are necessary now.  A 5-ton central heating/AC unit was installed in 2005.  The two 300-plus year old Live Oaks in the front yard are registered with the Louisiana Live Oak Society and are named The Widow Alexis Mayer Oak and the Pierre and Regina Mistrot Oak.

Someone interested in only four walls and a roof for a place to live probably won't be interested in this property.  Someone with an appreciation for history and the heritage of Acadiana, the vision to take this wonderful property to its next level, and would like to have their own private "Audubon Park" for a front yard, may want to give this home a second look.

Peaceful setting amidst mature live oaks, pecan, fig and citrus trees. Home has rich history, built with handhewn cyprus secured by wooden pegs; 10 ft ceilings; bousillage insulation (mud/moss). 11' x 48' front porch with swings. Wood burning stove on brick.  Six ceiling fans. Large brick patio with waterfall and fishpond feature. Large workshop (22X22) with half bath. Home in excellent condition. Third bedroom presently being used as study. Unfinished 2nd story has potential for additional 1800 sq ft living area. Window treatments, light fixtures,many furniture pieces & some appliances included. Ideal for Bed and Breakfast or Art Gallery/Studio. Small town atmosphere located 20 minutes from Lafayette and 40 minutes from Baton Rouge. Non-flood zone.  Fire & Police stations less than 1 mile.