FROM TACO DREAMS TO TUSCAN BEAMS

SB Magazine — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:58:35 +0000

Nestled in the lush heart of one of Shreveport’s most exclusive neighborhoods, this home isn’t just a testament to elegant design—it’s a statement to resilience and reinvention.

In Shreveport’s respected Southern Trace neighborhood stands a testament to the power of manifestation—a Mediterranean villa that its owner first spotted while pitching a business deal that would end in rejection. Today, that same house has been transformed into an elegant estate that bridges Old-World craftsmanship with modern luxury, all thanks to a restaurateur who refused to take “no” for an answer.

“I was just a hopeful entrepreneur back then, driving through the gates of Southern Trace as a ‘caterer,’” recalls homeowner Don O’Byrne. “I saw this beautiful pink stucco home with a tile roof and said to myself, ‘One day I’ll live there.”

At the time, O’Byrne was living in a modest 1,100-square-foot home in Haughton, facing rejection after rejection from banks and investors who couldn’t see the potential in what would eventually become Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos— including the very people he catered for that fateful night- Don eventually launched his restaurant in 2006. Fast forward to 2011, and O’Byrne found himself holding the keys to that very same Southern Trace villa—though “holding together” might be a more apt description of the property’s condition.

“I could literally see daylight through parts of the ceiling,” he recalls, shaking his head. Where others saw a money pit, O’Byrne—by then a successful restaurateur—saw his next great project. Taking on the role of general contractor, he and his wife Amy embarked on a renovation journey that would transform a troubled property into a showpiece of Old-World craftsmanship and modern luxury.

The Art of the Long Game

The home’s renaissance began where many of its problems originated—the roof. “We stripped it down to the bones,” O’Byrne explains, detailing a comprehensive rebuild that included new trusses, purlins, automatic roof vents, Ice & Watershield Underlayment, and wider flashings. Ever the perfectionist, he even sourced a mix of new and reclaimed roof tiles to achieve an authentically aged Mediterranean look. “The idea wasn’t just to fix it—it was to make it look like it had been here forever, doing exactly what it was supposed to do.”

That attention to detail extends throughout the property. Step into the foyer, and you’re transported to an Italian palazzo with Venetian plaster walls, granite-inlaid Italian porcelain tiles, and a stunning gold-leaf ceiling. “I applied each 4-inch square by hand,” O’Byrne notes casually, as if spending countless hours applying sheets of gold leaf was just another Tuesday. Oil paintings from his time living in Italy in the 1960s add authentic gravitas to the space.

Where Old Meets New

The great room exemplifies the O’Byrne’s talent for balancing preservation with innovation. Gone are the original faux French doors, replaced with expansive picture windows that frame a resort-worthy backyard scene—a sparkling pool, elegant fountain, and dramatically uplighted palm trees. A white marble fireplace anchors one end of the room, while a sumptuous sectional invites family gatherings at the other. “Amy’s the decorator, and I’m the builder or the person who gets it built,” O’Byrne says, crediting his wife with the home’s cohesive aesthetic. “Her job seems more fun than mine,” he adds with characteristic humor. Yet watching him discuss the intricacies of hand-applying Venetian plaster to 20-foot walls, it’s clear he finds joy in the craftsmanship. The couple has masterfully integrated modern conveniences without compromising the home’s Old-World charm. A Control4 system, installed in 2020, manages everything from lighting to security to audio throughout the property. The kitchen showcases Sub- Zero and professional-grade appliances, though the 2011 granite countertops they initially installed have become a source of gentle domestic debate. “My hardest job now is convincing Amy that perfectly good granite doesn’t need replacing with marble. It never grows old!” O’Byrne chuckles.

The Great Outdoors

The landscaping of the nearly one-acre property is where the O’Byrne’s vision truly shines. In 2015, Don tapped Chris Elberson at Somdal Associates to assist with the design of the outdoor kitchen and garage. The garage, far from a mere storage space, features epoxycoated floors and custom wood doors from California Ranch House Doors, creating a climate-controlled space that’s as suited for entertaining as it is for vehicles. It was meticulously designed to complement the main house, down to customstained roof tiles and handapplied ¾-inch thick stucco. “The idea was to make the new addition appear built in 1997 with the home”. The pool area—the O’Byrne’s most enjoyed feature—has been transformed into a resort-worthy retreat, complete with a state-of-the-art heater/chiller that extends the swimming season to eight months. “This year, we were swimming with our dogs one week before Thanksgiving,” Don notes proudly, “and enjoyed 86-degree water on July 4th.” The chiller unit is one of his favorite things about the home.

Uncovering History

The renovation process revealed some surprising insights into the home’s original 1997 construction. “Inside the chimney duct on the bottom floor, we found a whole power saw that had been sealed inside during the build-out,” O’Byrne reveals. “If there was a shortcut to be taken when this home was built, it was taken. But we’ve corrected everything.”

Today, the property stands as a testament to perseverance and attention to detail. The thick concrete stucco walls keep the interior comfortable year-round, while the Floridian-inspired landscaping, complete with palm trees, creates a resort-like atmosphere. Don still dreams of adding 20-foot Italian Cypress trees to complete his Mediterranean vision.

Living the Dream

This Mediterranean sanctuary, surrounded by palm trees and the sound of flowing fountains, the O’Byrne’s have created more than just a home—they’ve crafted a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. From the roof over their heads to the Venetian plastered walls that surround them to the meticulously maintained grounds their two Weimaraner’s roam on, every detail reflects a labor of love and the joy of proving the doubters wrong.

While Amy favors the formal living room with its blue Venetian plaster walls and ceilings that Don finished by hand, Don’s preferred spot is the lower back porch, where he can take in views of the outdoor kitchen, a fireplace and pool surrounded by privacy walls. It’s a fitting favorite spot for a man who once stood outside these gates, dreaming of the day he’d call this place home.

“This house isn’t just our dream come true,” Don reflects. “It’s proof that with enough determination, you can build the life you’ve always imagined—even if you have to tear down a few ceilings to get there.”