Listing of the Week: Getting Medieval

via Zillow

But it looks so ... normal ... from the outside.

By Erika Riggs
Zillow

334 Lea Dr #1, West Monroe, La.
For sale: $629,000
Year built: 2011
Details: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,630 square feet

Forget the traditional homes found in Louisiana — stately Victorians or family-friendly split-levels. For the ultimate in custom real estate, how about a medieval-style home with velvet furniture, a sink made from a boat and other features that make it strikingly different from any other house on the West Monroe real estate market.

Everyone has hobbies, some paint, some play sports and some build custom homes. The current owner of a gothic-inspired mansion in West Monroe falls in that latter category.

"She’s just an individual that loves to build houses. This is just a hobby of hers," explains listing agent Shane Wooten. "(She) builds houses, lives in them a little bit, and then sells them."

Previously the owner built a French Country-style home and had no trouble selling the estate. This time around, Wooten thinks it may be a little more difficult.

"We live down in the south and (this house) it’s just a lot different than what people are used to seeing," said Wooten. "She likes stuff that is different."

The interior of the home may be different from what a lot of people are used to seeing — no matter what part of the country they live in. Inspired by medieval architecture, the house is outfitted in custom furniture in dark velvets. Details like a family crest above the fireplace, dark woods and gold leafed accessories give the entire home a very Renaissance vibe. That is until of course, you visit a few of the bedrooms — one of which is decorated for a princess while the other features a camouflage design, complete with a Army hideout bed and concrete floor stained to look like dirt and stone. In one of the bathrooms, the sink sits on a bow of a boat. The custom furnishings, says Wooten, are negotiable and can be included in the sale.

Although the home itself is relatively standard, it's details like the arched stone door and the angel statue overlooking the curved driveway that sends the home over the top.

Wooten thinks that perhaps the over-the-top custom decor may be scaring off potential buyers, and has told the owner that if the home doesn't attract a buyer, they'll need to remove the custom furniture for something a little more common and buyer friendly.

As for the owner, after living in the home a few months, she's ready to move on.

"She's already picked out her next property," said Wooten. "It will be a castle."

The home is currently priced at $629,000, previously Wooten listed it for $10,000 more. With low mortgage rates of 4.041 percent, this home's estimated monthly mortgage is $2,716.

Full listing at Zillow.

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