16487 Highway 3 The majesty of this property is evident at least a mile before arriving at the first gate. The 1/2 mile driveway is lined with live oaks and the 20-acre estate appears to be an oasis in the middle of the farmland surrounding it. Anticipation builds as you approach the second gate, and the home does not disappoint! The impressive columns are reminiscent of by gone days of Tarra. In fact, this palatial estate boasts 10, 000 square feet of elegance just like Tarra. The original owners were inspired by the work of A. Hays Town, the renowned South Louisiana architect that ''defined southern style.'' This home was designed by an architect using the best of Hays' designs. Upon entering the foyer, you will be awed by the grand spiral staircase and incredible crystal chandelier. As you walk through the home you will see many incredibly beautiful chandeliers. True to the influence of Hays Town, you will also see beautiful, hand-picked wood for the molding, doors, and walls used to allow elegance, comfort, and style to live together perfectly. Downstairs are large, elegant rooms that were used as dining, sitting and entertainment rooms. Most of the rooms have wood burning fireplaces with ornate mantle pieces. The largest formal dining room opens to the breezeway/closed in porch that runs the length of the house. An entertainment room and sitting room also open to the breezeway. The breezeway has several doors that open to the courtyard and pool, allowing the guests to enjoy the cool evening breeze (another Hays Town feature). There are two kitchens that include granite countertops, 2 fridges, 3 ovens, 2 cooktops, a Thermador hood, an ice maker, wine cooler, and 3 dishwashers. There is also a mud room/small office and family dining/breakfast room adjacent to the kitchens. There are 2 1/2 guest bathrooms downstairs. There is also a large prep area and butler's pantry outside the formal dining room. On the other end of the breezeway is the entrance to an oversized rustic family/game room with a spiral staircase leading to a loft which opens to the enclosed balcony. From the breezeway downstairs, stairs lead to the beautiful, enclosed balcony with spectacular views of the heated pool, tennis courts and well-appointed grounds. Off the balcony is a room that can be used as a wet bar to serve upstairs guests. There are doors off the balcony to bedrooms and an upstairs hallway. The 7 bedrooms can also be accessed by the front staircase. All the bedrooms are grand; 6 with on suite bathrooms and several with doors to the 3 large, covered balconies. The primary is large, with a fireplace and his and hers on suite bathrooms. The beautiful marble countertops are unlike any that you will find in an American quarry. Just outside the bedroom is a door to one of the two outside balconies overlooking the grounds. This elegant estate allows for grand entertaining, but also gracious living in comfort and style, nestled in 20 acres of beautiful flora and fauna. The estate would also make an excellent Bed and Breakfast and/or Event Venue with so many opportunities for guests to enjoy both the inside of the magnificent home and the many outdoor opportunities. The home needs some TLC and the AS-IS price reflects that.