Ardoyne Plantation

Ardoyne Plantation house is set in a cluster of live oaks on several acres northwest of Houma, Louisiana, on little Bayou Black. The Plantation was founded in 1838 by a Scottish family. The land was later purchased by Louisiana state senator, John Dalton Shaffer, in 1888 and the home was completed in 1894 and is  constructed of cypress and pine taken from the property and milled in St. Louis.  

Designed by W. C. Williams and Brothers Architects in New Orleans, the Victorian Gothic style was chosen by Ardoyne Plantation owner, Senator John Dalton Shaffer, after he saw a magazine photo of a house described as a "Scottish Castle." This stately home is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is listed for it's 75 foot tower, cove-molded ceilings, carved fireplace and Victorian Gothic architecture. 

The family tree connected to Ardoyne Plantation is quite extensive and includes German, English, Scottish and French heritage and can be traced back to the early 1700's. In the family are our fist president, George Washington, a Secretary of War, Charles M. Conrad, a Louisiana senator, John D. Shaffer, a Louisiana governor, Stephen Minor, an actress, Barbara Townsend, an artist, Murrell Butler, a writer, Anne Butler plus other plantation owners, William Minor (Southdown), William Shaffer (Cresent Farm) and John Shaffer (Magnolia).  

Ardoyne is connected to other plantations along Little Bayou Black (now Highway 311). Drive the twelve mile stretch and you will see Magnolia Plantation, Ardoyne Plantation, Ardoyne Store, Ellendale Plantation, Cresent Farm and Southdown Plantation. (Do note that only Ardoyne and Southdown are open for tours. So please do not trespass.)

Ardoyne has been the filming location for three Hollywood movies: "Crazy in Alabama" (1999), "Deadline" (2008) and "Tribute" (2009).