Ardoyne Plantation House

Ardoyne Plantation House is a Victorian estate in Terrebonne Parish featuring a distinctive 75-foot (23 m) tower and detailed interior craftsmanship. The structure includes cypress staircases, elaborate woodwork, and native wood throughout its rooms and ceilings.

John Dalton Shaffer commissioned architect John Williams to design this residence in 1888, with construction taking place between 1890 and 1894. The building rose during an era when the region relied heavily on sugar plantations and wealthy families invested in grand estates.

The rooms contain personal items and family memorabilia collected across generations of the Shaffer family who made this their home. These objects tell stories about how people lived and worked on this property over many decades.

The property is best visited during regular opening times when the owners are available to answer questions and guide visitors through the rooms. It is wise to check availability in advance since hours can vary and special visits may sometimes be arranged.

The property still operates sugar cane fields across hundreds of acres today, maintaining a direct link between current farming and its origins in the 1800s. This continuation reveals how agricultural traditions have been passed down through the family across many generations.

Location: Terrebonne Parish

Inception: 1894

GPS coordinates: 29.64917,-90.81944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58