La Belle Maison

BRICKS

ON THEBAYOU

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT Though one might say it shares a certain commonality with Carl Andre’s “Equivalent VIII,” a sculpture that has been in residence at the Tate Gallery in London since 1972, the home built at 107 Northlake Court in Mandeville is hardly without form or solidarity. But much like the long-debated piece whose acquisition caused such great debacle, the house is a study in bricks, a tribute to these oftoverlooked materials that—when fully given their due and allowed to shine—can become an enduring work of art.

At 5800 square feet of living space, with 1800 square feet of outdoor living space under the home, the pile of bricks owned by Ryan and Elizabeth Wall is hardly small, its three levels of space encompassing 14 rooms that include a generous kitchen as well as formal dining and living rooms, in addition to four bedrooms and five and a half baths.

Beginning at the massive, 20-foot-wide curved solid brick staircase whose 19 steps lead to the front porch from a circular driveway—complete with a manicured garden bordering it full of cypress and mimosa trees as well as a center fountain—the home is quintessential Acadian architecture. Featuring white stucco and Hardie plank, the brickwork that serves as a foundational detail of the home is underplayed a bit, however, like a surprise hinted at but then secreted away until the perfect moment.

The house is a showstopper, a one-of-a-kind piece worthy of proud display—both inside and out. With its white columns and a wrap-around porch, the front stucco façade presents a traditional picture inspired by historic homes common to the streets of old Louisiana. Just inside, a sweeping staircase commands attention, leading up to the second level, while a beautiful chandelier claims pride of place in the foyer.

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On the first level, the formal living room holds a sense of grandeur, with massive windows and a pair of chandeliers that mirror that classic décor. A corner wet bar is offset with white custom cabinetry and sleek quartz countertops. Much the same way, the formal dining room is filled with classic appeal and details, with large windows that spill light into the space and onto the 10-inch solid oak wood plank floors sourced from Poland that run throughout entire house. An enclosed porch at the other side of the home offers even more light, with floor-toceiling windows that make up the entire wall, creating a space perfect for gathering and the ideal placement for the Wall’s grand piano. “The piano room is one of our most used spaces,” says Ryan, who works as an anesthesiologist at Sterling Surgical Hospital and Lakeview Regional Medical Center and shares the home with his wife and two of their three children. “We enjoy sitting in there, listening to our children play.”

Adjoining the room is the kitchen, a capacious room where brick is the focal point. Running throughout the entire space, the red brick flooring is polished and sealed giving the room a warmth that can only be achieved by brick. Cool white cabinetry and a center L-shaped island boast leathered Taj Mahal countertops, while solid brass hardware and a copper vent hood add to the warm tones of the room. Perfect for dinners at home, the kitchen is kitted with a hibachi grill and Thermador appliances.

Upstairs, the bedrooms continue the run of oak flooring, each with massive windows and architectural details that give them an elegance not typical of modern bedrooms. The bathrooms are equally sumptuous, featuring quartz and quartzite countertops, spacious walk-in showers and stand-alone baths, and even a fireplace in the master bath.

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Below, at ground level is the hidden gem: the study of brick that makes the home’s construction so unique. Supporting the entire structure, every wall and column is brick, creating a warren of spaces that are used for various pursuits. The resulting entertaining spaces are numerous, from dining and games to lounging.

Upstairs, more outdoor entertaining space on the covered boat dock offers views of the cypress-lined bayou, with a ceiling built of reclaimed antique cypress that was once original flooring to house. “We’re surrounded by cypress trees and the bayou in the backyard and Lake Pontchartrain to the front,” which is what made us fall in love with this location,” says Ryan. “The ease of jumping in my boat from my backyard and being in the Lake Pontchartrain or Tchefuncte River within minutes to take kids skiing or tubing is absolutely great. We also love the feeling of being so far away from the city yet only two miles from everything.”

When you leave your job, will you leave your savings behind?

No matter when you leave your job, the money you accumulated in your employer’s retirement plan while you were there—like in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan—can make the trip with you. You have several options, just be sure you don’t lose track of your assets along the way.

Talking with the right, experienced financial services professional can help you weigh your options and select what’s best for you.

Call me. I’m ready to help!

P.J. Demarie III CLU, ChFC, CLTC

634 Village Lane North Suite 201 Mandeville, Louisiana

o: 985-674-3744

c: 504-577-8999

pdemarie@ft.newyorklife.com

pjdemarie.com

Before rolling over the proceeds of your retirement plan to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or annuity, consider whether you would benefit from other possible options such as leaving the funds in your existing plan or transferring them into a new employer’s plan. You should consider the specific terms and rules that relate to each option including: the available investment options, applicable fees and expenses, the services offered, the withdrawal options, the potential flexibility around taking IRS required minimum distributions from the option, tax consequences of withdrawals and of removing shares of employer stock from your plan, possible protection from creditors and legal judgments and your unique situation. Neither New York Life Insurance Company nor its agents provide tax or legal advice. Consult your own tax and or legal advisors regarding your particular situation.

New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (a Delaware Corporation),

51 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010, www.newyorklife.com

SMRU442879 (Exp. 12.31.21)