The pastoral forest and waterways of the northshore were known for centuries as a weekend or seasonal escape from the hustle and bustle of the Crescent City.
From rustic cabins to country retreats, St. Tammany Parish's environs provided a relaxed lifestyle.
A three-vehicle garage is connected to the house via a grand parking court as well as a porte cochère.
Built more than a century ago, the property at 70511 Riverside Drive in Covington was a summer house that is now a stately country manor of more than 6,600 square feet, complete with four bedrooms and more than three baths on almost 13 acres of waterfront property.
The convergence of the Abita and Bogue Falaya rivers is a prime spot for a home.
Packed with contemporary conveniences and abundant entertaining space, the $4.75 million main residence includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, boating access and a casual attitude that is inviting and welcoming, less than an hour from New Orleans' downtown.
The entrance from the porte cochère leads to the stairs rising up to the second floor plus the dining area.
A long drive leads up to the circular drive past mature trees and also connects to the porte cochère and a three-vehicle garage.
Broad stairs lead to the window-clad front of the home, a wrap-around enclosed porch with exposed wood ceilings and an immense amount of space for dining, conversation or for children to have fun.
The living room is treated to lots of natural light from the porches via the French doors with transoms.
Nestled in the midst of this is a bright sitting room with a plethora of French doors that allow natural light. Wood floors and a fireplace keep things cozy on cooler evenings. Wrapping around the side is more living space, with glass-front built-in shelves that mimic the French doors of the sector.
A wet bar masquerades as a piece of furniture in the dining area. It is one of the interesting elements of the home, fashioned to look more like furniture than just shelving.
At the side entrance under the porte cochère, stairs lead up to the second floor, and straight ahead is a dining space with room for two tables. Built-in cabinets hold crystal and serving pieces while a cleverly fashioned wet bar appears to be a piece of furniture.
A trio of French doors allows easy access to the patio off the kitchen in the home.
Seating for four is comfortable on the kitchen's working island, set in the room with light blue tones and white cabinetry.
Pale blues and greens, country whites and stainless appliances meld in the kitchen, featuring a white slat-board ceiling with exposed beams. A central island has seating and offers the cook a stellar view of the back patio through multiple French doors.
For the wine lover, a climate-controlled storage room is packed with holding spaces for a variety of vintages.
The primary bedroom features an en suite and a restful ambiance for rejuvenation.
The primary bedroom is on the first floor, a rejuvenating space with high ceilings, slatted shutters on the windows and an en suite.
A soaking tub sits beside a standing shower in the primary bath.
A free-standing soaking tub sits by a glass-walled shower with a bench, providing options for bathing and relaxing. A double vanity offers extra counter space.
An additional suite has a cozy feel with a large standing shower in the bath.
Upstairs, two dorm-like bedrooms provide vast amounts of space for weekend guests, with plenty of windows in both and a cove ceiling in one. A full bath is located on the level.
A pavilion stands watch over the hot tub and cascading waterfall into the main pool.
An outdoor kitchen and entertaining area are part of the estate.
Outside is a wonderland of recreation and relaxation as well. The curved lines of the pool are juxtaposed with the straight edges of a pavilion, which provides seating near the hot tub. A separate pavilion has an outdoor kitchen and weather-protected space.
A bulkhead lines the waterfront where the Abita and Bogue Falaya rivers meet, with two slips for boats.
The home is listed by Puddy Robinson, of Sotheby's International Realty, (985) 200-4802.