City: Napoleonville, LA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (985) 369-7151

Address: 4250 Louisiana Hwy. 308

Description: The origin of this wonderfully restored, two-story Greek Revival mansion constructed in 1818 on Bayou Lafourche is rooted in sibling rivalry. Madewood was built over a period of eight years by the youngest of three sons of a wealthy North Carolina planter to outdo the architectural splendor of his older brother’s Woodlawn home. But, as luck would have it, the youngest brother died of yellow fever before Madewood, designed by noted architect Henry Howard, was completed.Be that as it may, what really sets this 21-room Plantation Country charmer apart from its competitors is the reputation of current owners Keith and Millie Marshall for treating overnight visitors staying in one of the greathouse guest rooms to a unique experience: a library wine-and-cheese reception followed by a sumptuous multicourse candlelit dinner in the large dining room and, later, brandy in the parlor. Some guests opt for a more secluded stay in one of three informal suites in Charlet House, a restored raised cottage built in the 1820s on the plantation grounds, which features a family cemetery and carriage house.Not to be outshined by nearby Houmas House, site of the movie Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Madewood lured Hollywood to its breezy gallery and massive white columns for the filming of A Woman Called Moses, starring Cicely Tyson. Tours are available daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a cost of $10 for adults and $6 for children. Madewood is located 2 miles south of Napoleonville on LA 308, 74 miles from New Orleans and 20 minutes from Houmas House.