Nottoway undergoes restoration

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: May 11, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Nottoway Plantation, on La. 1 at White Castle, is in the process of a major restoration. Owner Paul Ramsay of Sydney, Australia, announced last week that he is providing the resources to ensure that the restoration is conducted in a manner that will preserve Nottoway for many more years.

Currently open for B&B guests, tours and weddings, Nottoway will be closed in July and August during reconstruction work.

The largest existing antebellum home in the United States, Nottoway was completed in 1859 by its original owner John Hampden Randolph. The 64-room, 53,000 square-foot mansion was designed by renowned architect Henry Howard of New Orleans in Greek Revival and Italianate style. Among its features were 22 massive columns, 165 doors and 200 windows. The mansion had flushing toilets, hot and cold water in all bathrooms, gas lighting throughout the home (unusual for the time) and a bowling alley installed for the Randolph’s 11 children. For more on the history of the Randolph family and the mansion, visit the Web site, http://www.Nottoway.com.

Ramsay has owned Nottoway since 1985. He is conducting the second major restoration since the home’s previous owner Arlin Dease opened the property for public tours in the early 1980s.

Under way are interior and exterior renovations, keeping the guest experience and service paramount as the plan unfolds. Johnny Waycaster of Natchez, a graduate of LSU and architect with extensive experience working with historic structures, is leading the initiative, along with Lanny Lemoine of Lemoine Companies, a commercial contractor who has conducted restorations throughout the south.

The interior restoration will return architectural features of the home to its original splendor, including the ornate plaster frieze work, interior and exterior moldings, cornices and original shutters and doors. Also, a new central and cooling system is being installed to replace outdated window units and to allow humidity control and improved circulation within the home. An interior decorator has been contracted to enhance the 15 overnight guest rooms that are part of the historic inn within the mansion in adjacent buildings like the overseer’s cottage. In addition, the installation of wireless communication in various parts of the property and flat screen televisions in all guestrooms will provide modern conveniences for today’s travelers.

Michael Cullen, also an LSU graduate and with Land Architecture in Lafayette, has developed an extensive new landscape plan which will be the centerpiece of exterior enhancements. Enhanced lighting, improved parking and pathways are scheduled for completion in the fall. The initial phase will include garden settings and backdrops to accommodate outdoor weddings and other special functions.

A new restaurant facility is just the beginning of the culinary enhancements at Nottoway, according to Ramsay. In a press announcement he said plans are to elevate Nottoway’s cuisine through the talents of a world-renowned chef. The selection of an executive chef is slated in the near future.

Other renovations under way are updates to Randolph Hall, which will be used exclusively for weddings, special events and corporate functions. In addition, new management and guest service is being recruited to further enhance the Nottoway experience.
Interim general manager Dale F. Huval said, “We are making a commitment to hospitality and cuisine, and it all will be very evident in the months ahead.”

To keep abreast of Nottoway’s renovation and restoration, visit http://www.Nottoway.com. Call (225) 545-2730.

Roses in Shreveport
Louisiana boasts one of America’s finest rose gardens, and this is the time of year to indulge your senses. Visit the Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport to see America’s largest park dedicated to roses.

Winding paths, babbling brooks and thousands of colorful roses invite you to relax and enjoy nature’s bounty. Discover why the gardens are among America’s most valuable treasures as you surround yourself with vibrant blooms and delicious floral scents while strolling through 20,000 magnificent roses.

The gardens will stay in bloom until the first week of June, said marketing and special events director Marilyn Creswell. Afterward, there will be sporadic color as the roses continue to bloom until the first frost.