SOLD Properties!

We have been selling properties left and right! 
Take a look at our latest sales. We are so happy for these new homeowners and for all the clients we represent! Remember, yours could be next. Contact us today for a market analysis of your property!

Jennifer Rice and Team have SOLD this Acadian home!

Jennifer Rice and Team have SOLD this stunning Garden District home!

Jennifer Rice and Team have SOLD this charming cottage!

Jennifer Rice and Team have SOLD this beautiful property!

Jennifer Rice and Team have SOLD this beautiful cottage!

Featured Properties!

We are so proud of our beautiful listings and our sales. Each week the blog will showcase featured properties in the area. If you are interested in more details on any of the listings, please call our office at (985) 892-1478. 

1322 Jahncke  Covington, LA

 Spectacular French Quarter style custom home in demand Jahncke area of Old Covington situated around private walled flagstone courtyard with European fountains and lush landscaping.  Interior of quiet distinction with antique heart of pine floors, beamed ceilings, plastered walls, custom mantles and millwork, designer chandeliers.  Ideal floor plan.  Interiors professionally designed.  Office and exercise rooms not included in bedrooms.  Home features 2 fireplaces, 2 refrigerators, 2 dishwashers, and 2 disposals.  Two additional upstairs bathrooms need completion, for a total of 6 full and 1 half baths.

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net

72392 Military Road   Covington, LA

 This perfectly renovated 1910 cottage sets on 2+ glorious acres. Renovated by architect Ken Tate with his wife Charme, an interior decorator, this home is unique blend of West Indies style cottage look outside and more of a contemporary feel inside. Southern architectural features remain including 11’ high ceilings, clapboard exterior, wide center hall and deep porches on the front and back. Windows line the east kitchen wall allowing views to the porch, swimming pool and beautifully landscape backyard. This home MUST be seen to appreciate.

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net

75777 Old Military Road  Covington, LA

5 minutes to Downtown Covington.  Custom built builders home with New Orleans style features.  Park-like setting on 9+ acres of manicured land.  Stocked 1/2 acre pond.  Large barn and pool.  12ft ceilings throughout 1st floor.  15 minutes to Causeway bridge.

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net

Vintage Fish Plates and Bottles

When researching a post on displaying collections of dishes and miscellaneous collectible antiques, I came across this article about vintage fish plates and bottles. I have often seen these collectible items, but never knew their history or origin. Hope you find this information to be interesting as well! Source: Martha Stewart.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

No one knows for certain when the first fish dishes surfaced, but one speculation is that the items were tamer takes on quirky Victorian majolica, richly shaded earthenware depicting scenes from nature, including underwater vignettes. From these colorful depths emerged simpler pieces that celebrated a single creature: the humble fish, long a symbol of life and fertility. These dishes, manufactured from the mid-nineteenth century through the twentieth century, were ceramic, porcelain, glass, silver, cast iron, or cast aluminum. Many were souvenirs from coastal cities. Others carried goods -- spirits from Portugal, wine from Italy -- produced by areas celebrating their maritime heritage. On the other side of the world, in Japan, fish-shaped china appeared on tables, a serving idea still in good use. And one of the most enduring designs, a bottle whose neck protrudes from a fish's gaping mouth, was manufactured on the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, in the late nineteenth century.


To start your own collection, cast a line at yard sales, flea markets, or online auctions. Although a devoted collector might spend thousands on a complete set of well-preserved plates, the casual buyer can procure a single dish for a few dollars. Seek out streamlined shapes, and group them by color. Then consider mounting the collection against a marine-inspired backdrop, such as blue-green wallpaper or cool-colored tiles. The pieces also will look right at home with all kinds of sea-associated specimens and delights. Surround them with beach shells, antique nautical knickknacks, or decorative coral in hefty lumps or spindly branches. And before you know it, you'll be hooked.

Wines and spirits from nations close to the sea, including Italy and Portugal, came in bottles shaped like fish (this page); the small, round vessel once held perfume, while the white one is a reproduction of an 1860s bitters bottle.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

An Art Deco platter from the 1930s coasts above fish-shaped dishes and molds gathered on an entryway shelf; the handled cup near the center is a creamer.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Three sizes of ceramic fish plates from the early to mid-twentieth century are the settings on a marine-green table; silver-plated, fish- shaped salt and pepper shakers, antique fishing floats reminiscent of giant bubbles, and decoupage seaweed-motif trays are all part of the theme.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Skimming an end table under a coral fern are a ceramic baking dish roomy enough for a whole fish and a reproduction bitters bottle.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Multiple dishes, a bronze sculpture, a giant clam shell, and a nineteenth-century French table with legs cast as mythical dolphins capture a cat's attention; the two small fish floating in from the top right are Victorian milk glass, while the top round plate was part of a 1940s tuna company promotion.

Article Source: Martha Stewart

NEW PRICE EXPLOSION!

We have listings with new reduced prices we want to share with you!

80 Bluebird  - Covington, LA  NEWLY REDUCED $300,000

Charming Acadian tucked away on 1.8 acres with authentic stucco exterior, serene stocked pond, and lush landscaping. Inside you'll discover ingenious flowing floor plan with spacious rooms, high ceilings, wood floors, abundance of natural light, gourmet kitchen with brick enclosed oven, and private guest suite. Impeccably maintained.

Want more details? See the listing at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=1068862

47 Riverdale - Covington, LA  NEWLY REDUCED $320,000

Renovated brick Ranch in high demand Tchefuncta Estates.  Granite and stainless kitchen with Jenn-Air appliances, 6 burner gas range and wet bar, cathedral ceiling with exposed beams in great room, all new windows, post-K roof, beautiful private yard.  Neighborhood offers 24/7 security, park, marina, and optional Country Club with tennis, golf, swimming, and fabulous new clubhouse. 

Want more details? See the listing at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=1219120

14411 Bennett Bridge Road - Covington, LA  NEWLY REDUCED $429,000

FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES! (See the entire article here:http://nyti.ms/iBlKQk)

This property had a log cabin and an Acadian home when the current owners bought it. They tore down the house and remilled its wood to renovate the inside of cabin, using the old heart pine for trim, floors and ceiling in the living and dining room. The master bedroom opens to a porch. The renovation included updating the bathroom and kitchen, both of which were completed within the last four years. The house is set on 17.5 beautiful acres, partially wooded with live oaks and cypress trees. There is also a large pond located on the property.

Want more details? See the property at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=1168557

7 Mockingbird - Covington, LA   NEWLY REDUCED $475,000

Unique opportunity to enter the Tchefuncta market in a beautifully and completely renovated home, ready to move in! Walls have been removed to create spacious open living areas perfect for today's lifestyle.  Kitchen opens to great room and boasts high end appliances, slab granite counters, bar and breakfast nook.  Formal living and dining as well as 32x19 media room with $10,000 screen, and solarium with custom mahogany bar which opens to patio and private back yard.  Huge master, Chic updated baths, heart of pine flooring, designer light fixtures, two fireplaces, new windows throughout, custom cypress columns, must see to appreciate this wonderful renovation.  Tchefuncta offers 24/7 security, community marina, private club with golf, pool and tennis.

Want more details? See the listing at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=1194415

81005 Robinson - Folsom, LA   NEWLY REDUCED $650,000

Beautiful 20 acre farm/estate with two barns, riding arena and walker. Newly renovated custom home surrounded by majestic oaks features wood and tile throughout. Cathedral ceilings in downstairs master with luxurious master bath. Chef-designed gourmet kitchen with thick rough-cut granite, 6-burner Wolf Range with grill/griddle and double ovens, Sub Zero Fridge and Wine Cooler. Double-sided fireplace. Cooper topped wet bar. Upgraded lighting and in-ground pool.
An additional 6 acres with commercial building available.


Want more details? See the listing at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=863769

900 Main Street - Madisonville, LA   NEWLY REDUCED $744,900

Fabulous raised Acadian with huge front porch on oversized corner lot with pool one block from Tchefuncte River in the heart of Madisonville. Mother-in-law apartment with balcony overlooking the pool. Wood floors, old Chicago brick floors in kitchen, den and utility.

Want more details? See the listing at: http://www.jenniferrice.net/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=1036424

Call Jennifer Rice, Hyatt Hood, or Alice McNeely for even more details! 985.892.1478

12 Weekend Projects Under $20

We're always excited to find home improvement tips that not only look great, but are inexpensive as well! Sometimes it's the smallest changes that can make the biggest difference in the way a room functions. Get inspired by these 12 easy changes that can easily be made for under $20. Update your home this weekend!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 1: ADD A LOWER BAR  -  Adding a lower bar to your closet lets your hang tops above bottoms and can effectively double your closet space. You may need to move the existing rod up a bit to accommodate the arrangement. In addition to allowing for more space, we've found that this also makes creating an outfit a breeze!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 2: INCREASE LIGHTING  -  Install an additional fixture to shed light on a dim area. Think about dark closets or corners where you sit and read. Small lamps and candles also look great on the mantle.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 3: UPDATE WITH PAINT  -  Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint. For wood pieces, remove dirt or wax build up with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away dust. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow to dry in between coats. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain. Use a brush to finish surface with smooth strokes. Viola! An old piece of furniture that feels brand new!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 4: ADD A DIVIDER  -  Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping pans, lids, spatulas, and chip clips in their respective places. Some units match your cabinetry for a completely  custom look. Snap a photo of your cabinets / drawers  and measure out some specs. Head over to the hardware store where specialist can assist you in matching and even cutting the wood for your specific dimensions.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 5: UPDATE WITH HARDWARE  -  Update a cabinet or a desk in your home with new hardware! Replace the pulls and knobs on any drawer in your home. This simple update will keep the wood free of messy fingerprints and add a finished look to any room in your home.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 6: ORGANIZE YOUR ENTRYWAY  -  Hang a hook for each family member near the door where belongings typically get tossed upon entry. When coats and totes have a home, you'll feel super organized as you grab and go each day.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 7: ADD EXTRA STORAGE  -  Create a between-the-studs shelf or cubbyhole where you need a little extra storage, especially in a bathroom. Use the space to hold magazines, towels, and bath products.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 8: REPLACE WINDOW SHADES  -  Have the window shades in your kitchen been marred by repeated exposure to splashes and cooking liquids? Replace stained window coverings and see your kitchen in a whole new light.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 9:  PUT TOWELS WITHIN REACH  -  Don't walk across the room to grab a towel! Add towel bars where you need them, or move current bars to make them more accessible. Hunt for bars the compliment existing bathroom hardware. Don't have room for a bar? Try placing a basket nearby with neatly folded towels. 

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 10: UPDATE YOUR DOOR  -  All it takes is a screwdriver and a few minutes to change clashing or poorly operating door hardware. Door looking less than attractive? Try a fresh coat of paint or stain!

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 11: ADD AN OUTDOOR PATH  -  Consider adding stepping stones where people walk across the grass each day. It's a simple job, but requires a little digging for the pavers. Make sure you have utility lines marked first!

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 12: INSTALL A WINDOW BOX  -  A perfect pop of color for summer! Dress up your windows with an herb or flower garden. Terra cotta units are an affordable option, but units can also be constructed from cedar planks. Attach your planter with brackets below a window.

As always, we would love to see your home improvement projects! Show them off on our Facebook page! Want to see even more Better Homes and Gardens tips? Click here to see the source of our article!

Featured Properties!

We are so proud of our beautiful listings and our sales. Each week the blog will showcase featured properties in the area. If you are interested in more details on any of the listings, please call our office at (985) 892-1478. 

75111 Highway 1083  Covington, LA

 Spectacular 58+ Acre farm estate in Covington, LA. 7 Bedroom main house will delight the entertainer in you with open floor plan, chef's kitchen (including Hibachi grill!) and media room. Property also features a guest house, caretakers cottage, and 36 stall barn with indoor riding arena and two apartments.

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net 

11583 Willie Garrett  Folsom, LA

 Raised Louisiana-style home with wrap-around porches on 27 beautiful acres featuring sparkling pool and ponds. Completely renovated with every amenity. Guest house and workshop.

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net 

225 Mattingly Lane  Madisonville, LA

Stunning custom home on 3.5 manicured acres in beautiful gated community. Grand staircase, marvle floors, gourmet kitchen, fabulous master and bath overlooking pool. Beautiful, must be seen!

Want more details? See the listing at: jenniferrice.net 

REMINDER!

Don't let this property sale incentive pass you by! CLICK HERE to learn more!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is fast approaching! This Sunday, surprise Dad with a thoughtful gift made my none other than you! (or maybe the kids!)  We've compiled a list of our favorites via MarthaStewart.com and would like to share them with you! Get inspired and get creative... because really, isn't it the thought that counts?

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Shadow box frames keep memories of special days alive forever. Think of a special day you and your father shared... memorialize that with souvenirs, photos, and special elements of the day. In the example above, the couple commemorated their daughter's birth by framing Father and Daughter's first photo, the ultrasound picture, her first hat, and hospital ribbon.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Cooking for Dad is a sweet idea! What's even nicer is bottling up all that BBQ sauce you used in creating the meal! Simply fill a jar with the sauce, add a basting brush, a gift tag. It will be a special keepsake from a memorable dinner!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

For the golf enthusiast in the family, we found this cute cupcake idea! To decorate, add a thin layer of the icing of your choice. Cover the icing with green sprinkles for the green. A toothpick with triangular scrapbook paper can serve as a flag. The golf ball can be created with a dot of icing or any round candy. To create the sand, use a food processor to crush a graham cracker. These materials are just suggestions....Get creative!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Turn Dad's favorite treats into one of a kind gifts! Simply print out these clip art labels on your printer at home or at a document center. We recommend printing on a sticker format to make sure these labels have a little longevity! Dad is sure to be in for a special TREAT!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Transform a digital video into a still shot series of images. Simply play the video on your desktop, take screen shots of frame by frame, and bind them together in simple booklet. To see more information, click here!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Let the kids color on this basic office staple... the notepad! This thoughtful gift is sure to add a special touch to any office desk. Their messages will last well beyond Father's Day!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

A twist on the traditional tool set... for the Dad who travels, why not make a Travel kit? Tire pressure gauges, swiss army knife, flash light, pencil, and road maps will make the perfect addition to the vehicle!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Give Dad the gift that keeps on giving... a little elbow grease! Steel pails can be found at virtually any feed store! Hit up a local automotive store for the products. We recommend car wash, sponges, Armor All, wax, and an Absorber to dry it all up! Get creative and make a hang tag for the pail... or take it one step further and see idea #4 for creative product labels. 

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Instead of using traditional ribbon to wrap that wallet or money clip, think of using a bow tie to wrap Dad's gift! Bow ties fit around many small gifts. Functional and pretty!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Everyone loves a deal... especially Daddy! Give him a coupon booklet filled with unbelievable deals: 100 percent off a lawn mowing, car washing, delicious breakfast, and more! Your imagination is the limit!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Dad's belts a disorganized mess? Make a handsome belt rack for his collection! To add the cup hooks (found at any hardware store) to the wood belt, you will need to drill holes with the appropriate-sized bit.   (If you try doing this without drilling, you run the risk of the wood rod splitting) Space all holes evenly, about 2 inches apart. If the screws of the hooks are too long, snip off ends with wire cutters before screwing them in.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Ties... what father hasn't gotten one? Whoever said that tie needed to go straight from the store to the gift box anyways? Try something a little more personal this Father's Day... Custom Embroidery! Choose the typeface, choose the placement, choose the initial(s) and have the tie embroidered. This one of a kind gift is sure to be cherished by Dad for years to come!

Hope these ideas help you create a memorable occasion for the special guy in your life.
As always, if you try any of these tips, be sure to post them on our Facebook! We love to see your creativity. To see more of the Martha Stewart gift ideas, click here. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!