To mitigate the formality of a 1920s southern plantation—an architect and interior designer turned to classical design and vernacular forms for modern inspiration. The result is a comfortable, casual, and gracious estate that creates a perfect flow between interior and outdoor spaces.

Caddo Parish, LA. Typically, the term “colonial architecture” conjures up images of sturdy Cape Cod houses, noble Georgian mansions, and elegant Southern plantations. When you mention the word “colonial,” most of us envision domestic bliss lived out by our forebears in cozy rooms with generous fireplaces, spinning wheels, and grandfather clocks. It is a romantic view of a bygone era, but it is a powerful one—the very basis of the influential Colonial Revival movement. Born of a desire to capture an idyllic vision of the nation’s heritage, today’s architects, writers, and artists continue to create something they believed to be distinctly American.

This beautiful southern plantation in south Caddo Parish is no different.

Set on seven spectacular acres of farmland, Cecile Plantation is the current residence of Ashley and Buzz Hancock and was designed to look as though generations of owners have—over time—added to what was once a grand 1920s southern plantation.

The history of the property is straight out of a Louisiana history book. The home was built in 1924 by Ashley’s great grandfather, Charles Moore Hutchinson and his wife, Mattie Screven Frierson, by the architecture firm of Jones, Roessle & Olschner of New Orleans. Charles Moore was the son of William Joseph Hutchinson—who developed Caspiana Plantation (which is located a little less than three miles south from the property down Highway 1). The Caspiana land was purchased in 1852 and the first home was built in 1857. It was eventually expanded and known as the “Big House.” Part of the Caspiana structure is being preserved at the Pioneer Heritage Center located at LSU-Shreveport. Charles and Mattie married in 1904 and made their home at the Big House in Caspiana where he worked for several years. He began leasing land from his father-in-law to the north of Caspiana and began his own farming operation—hence, Cecile Plantation was built.

And even though times have changed, the land’s natural beauty has persisted. According to Ashley, “it’s been said that the oak trees that form the alley in front of the house came from Audubon Park in New Orleans. Seven of these trees have been named and registered with the Live Oak Society. One is recognized as being more than 100 years or older.”

Today, nearly three years after the renovation was complete, the interior architecture celebrates Ashley’s love of collecting, within a comfortable setting for family life, thanks to the design efforts Elberson and Johnston, and all the design specialists who assisted in the renovation. Broad openings between rooms create an easy flow for entertaining while updated windows, along with a few subtle expansions that allow ample light to flood the house. “We wanted to add space to make the home comfortable when entertaining,” says Ashley. “We expanded the kitchen. Being that we have two daughters, we wanted to create a space for them to have their friends over. We also needed an attached garage—one that had room above for a media room, dance studio and office space for me and my husband. Likewise, we definitely wanted to keep the integrity of the original design of the house when adding the addition.”