views — and with a formal, yet comfortable combination of European antiques and contemporary designs. The Nelkins also wanted to weave some meaningful and indigenous elements into the design. Hand-hewn wood pilings, used to build the original LaGonda plantation and found submerged in the bayou, were milled for the shelves and desk in Kenny’s office. Wainscoting for the office was created using a pair of 100-year old cypress doors, purchased and stored for many years by Kenny’s grandfather. Louisiana pecky cypress warms the walls of the wine room. Today the finished house, which has French doors overlooking the water and carefully considered Louisiana touches, is as much a part of the property as the bayou itself. “We created this house on-site,” says Kenny. “We’d draw and throw away and start over again until we got it right.” n
(Far left) A French 18th century neoclassical trumeau from Karla Katz Antiques tops the marble mantel. French Louis XV-style chair and martini table, from Dop Antiques. (Top left) Becky and Kenny Nelkin in their wine room. (Top right) Only one is pictured, but Becky opted for two small tables in the dining room. “They work beautifully for large gatherings, but you can still have an intimate dinner for two,” she says. (Bottom right) The kitchen’s French-style marble and pewter hood is from Francois & Co. Large zinc lanterns by Niermann Weeks hang above the island. Counters and backsplash are honed Calacatta Gold marble.