Our newest listing, the 20-acre estate known as Trinity, is not just a house.
It’s an experience.
With a 3+ acre stocked pond, beautifully landscaped gardens, and gorgeous outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, Trinity offers what few others can: a relaxed, country atmosphere that is only 10 minutes from the heart of Covington, LA.
This home boasts over 5,700 square feet of living area and has been recently renovated so it feels like new construction. The downstairs features 3 bedrooms plus a very large office/playroom and upstairs you’ll find a huge bedroom with its own bath and closet. This could easily be a 5 bedroom house.
Every detail of this home was carefully considered, from the kitchen with the Wolf gas cooktop and Subzero refrigerator to the French oak flooring in the bedrooms. For additional space (not included in total square footage), this home features a separate storage barn with guest house. The guest house has one bedroom with living room, full kitchen and full bath.
Trinity really does have it all. Imagine driving through your gated entrance with beautiful, flowering crepemyrtle trees flanking either side of your private drive, catching a glimpse of your lush garden and serene pond in the background, and calling Trinity your home.
Separate guest house and storage barn:
Are you interested in viewing Trinity? Call Lynn @ 504-577-6802 or Lauren @ 985-602-9597 for your private tour.
Hurricane Irene from the International Space Station, 2011
Well, it’s that time of the year again! Just as we’re starting to feel a bit more free to move about after the peak of Covid-19, we stop in our tracks as we realize it’s now HURRICANE SEASON. The way 2020 has been going, it’s no shock that it’s predicted to be a busy season. We already have our first named storm- Cristobal– in the Gulf, and forecasts are showing it’s likely to head our way. What’s more, the NOAA is speculating 13-19 named storms will arise throughout the season. Of those storms, it’s predicted that 6-10 could be hurricanes, including 3-6 major storms. Yikes.
While this is all speculative, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we’ve made this list of essential ways to prepare your home when a hurricane is imminent. While we hope you never have to use this list, we hope it’s helpful in the unfortunate event a hurricane is bearing down on us.
To all of our friends and clients, we want you to know that we are still here to meet your real estate needs and are eager to help you any way we can. While real estate is certainly different than it was just a couple months ago, we have adapted and are always evolving to maintain our client-first mindset.
For our buyers, we are more than willing to preview listings for you so that you can minimize your risk of exposure. We can take extra pictures and videos of homes and walk down neighborhood streets while face-timing you so that you can get a feel for the area. Of course, these are services we’d gladly perform (and have performed many times!) outside of a pandemic; however, we want to make sure you know we’re absolutely willing to continue serving you in this way while practicing social distancing for Covid-19. So, if you see us walking down the street wearing a mask, definitely wave and say hi– from at least 6 feet away! 😃
For our sellers, if you’re wondering about listing your home, but are unsure and unfamiliar with how it will work during social distancing, rest assured, we have answers for you. The real estate market, while it has slowed some in general, continues to thrive in our area. If you should choose to list your house right now, we would go out of our way to make sure your listing really stands out online, since now, more than ever, people are performing the bulk of their scouting online prior to making appointments. What does that mean for you as a seller? It means we will continue to hire a professional photographer for all interior and exterior photographs. We will also film and upload virtual tours to the MLS. We will produce a coheret, thoughtfully worded, and comprehensive description of your home to further attract buyers. If you are concerned about having strangers in your home, we are able to set strict showing guidelines that suit your comfort level.
While a great portion of real estate was conducted virtually even prior to the advent of the virus, the vast majority of it is virtual now. You can rest assured that we have all the tools and technology to make sure your buying or selling processs is as streamlined as it ever was.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling, right now might be a strange time, but that doesn’t make it a bad time for real estate. We’d love it if you’d let us help you navigate these tricky waters and prove our dedication to you, our client.
Ah, early spring time in south Louisiana- one of the few times we can spend more than 20 minutes outside before heat stroke gets the best of us. The nice weather in early spring often presents the opportunity for outdoor concerts, but, unfortunately, that’s not an option while we are all doing our part to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 trajectory. But, fear not! Many famous music artists are coming to the rescue with live online concerts. While these might not take the place of, say, Jazz Fest, they might be the next best thing.
So, grab a cold drink, a lawn chair and your family, and set your device on your porch table and mellow out to one of these amazing artists…
3pm – Larry Fleet on Instagram 5pm – Melissa Etheridge on Facebook 6pm – Ben Gibbard on Facebook and YouTube 7:30pm – Katherine McPhee and David Foster on Instagram 8pm – iHeart Living Room Concert for America on Fox
3pm – Colin Roberts Music on Facebook 3pm – Noah Guthrie on Instagram 5pm – Melissa Etheridge on Facebook 6pm – Ben Gibbard on Facebook and YouTube 7:30pm – Katherine McPhee and David Foster on Instagram
Friday, Apr 3
3pm – Dennis Lyxzen on Instagram 3pm – Saeforth on Instagram 5pm – Melissa Etheridge on Facebook 6pm – Ben Gibbard on Facebook and YouTube 6pm – Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn on Facebook 7:30pm – Katherine McPhee and David Foster on Instagram
3pm – Kameron Marlowe on Instagram 5pm – Melissa Etheridge on Facebook 6pm – Ben Gibbard on Facebook and YouTube 7:30pm – Katherine McPhee and David Foster on Instagram
When I think of my favorite Northshore neighborhoods, one of the first that comes to mind is River Oaks Estates. Located conveniently close to everything both Mandeville and Covington have to offer, and within the premier Mandeville school district, River Oaks is the best of both worlds- an established neighborhood with the fresh-feel of a well-maintained subdivision.
Flanked by beautiful, mature trees, the winding streets of River Oaks are home to some 275 families. The lots are generously sized, giving the neighborhood an open, uncluttered feel.
River Oaks offers some fantastic amenities, as well. Their community pool is large and immaculately maintained and features a small kiddie pool. During the summer, lifeguards are provided for a large portion of each day.
River Oaks offers a large clubhouse that opens to the community pool, both of which can be rented by homeowners for private parties.
River Oaks also has a beautiful tennis court, which was freshly resurfaced in 2019, and a small playground area adjacent to the pool.
Tennis court, located adjacted to the pond at the front River Oaks Estates Charcoal grill with small playground in the distance
Ask River Oaks residents, and they will tell you how much they adore their neighborhood. Close to shopping, hospitals and tons of restaurants, with easy access to 190 and the interstate, the location doesn’t get much better. Add blue ribbon schools and fabulous amenities to the mix, and you have a pretty perfect place to live!
Interested in finiding out more about River Oaks? Contact us!
It’s that time of year again! Although we might not do it as big as NOLA, the Northshore has a pretty impressive 2020 parade lineup. Also, note that Mandeville’s Krewe of Orpheus will not be rolling this year, unfortunately. Check out the full Northshore parade schedule below…
2020 Northshore parade schedule
Which Northshore parade(s) are you most looking forward to and why? Comment below! Laissez les bon temps roule!
Wondering where you can ring in New Years Eve 2020 on the Northshore? Here’s a list of some amazing (adult-only) parties to consider!
New Years Eve Roaring 20’s Speakeasy Party at Mandeville Social
9PM-1AM
Includes small plates, appetizers, house special alcoholic beverages, music, beer tasting, giveaways, roaming photographer, midnight champagne toast and MORE!
800 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 1D, Mandeville, LA 70448
985-951-2116
Advanced Tickets are $40pp or $70 per couple (plus EventBrite Fee)
Looking for something holiday-related to do on the Northshore this weekend? Check out these fun activities!
Santa makes an appearance at all of these events!
Mandeville- Winter on the Water: This is the 22nd year of Mandeville’s Winter on the Water– presented by The City of Mandeville and the Old Mandeville Business Association. The fun begins at 11AM this Saturday, December 7, at the lakefront gazebo. Gather ’round to listen to the Mandeville Elementary bell ensemble play Christmas tunes. You can also take pictures with Santa, have your face painted, and listen to Benny Grunch and the Bunch! Santa’s Walking Parade will begin at noon. This is a free activity that’s fun for the whole family!
Mandeville- Holiday of Lights @ the Koop Drive Playground: Celebrating its 20th year, the Holiday of Lights is a free, fun-filled event for the whole family. Festivities begin at 5:45 the nights of 12/6-7 and 12/12-14. Come out to the Tammany Trace Kids Town Pavilion & Kids Konnection Playground to enjoy spectacular holiday decor, twinkling lights, and free performances and kiddie rides. Santa pictures will be available and printed onsite for $20. While admission and rides are free, refreshments will be available for a charge.
Slidell- Christmas Under the Stars: On December 6 & 7 and 13 & 14, head down to Griffith Park in Olde Towne Slidell from 6-9PM for the 31st annual Christmas Under the Stars Celebration. You’ll have a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, tour life-size Christmas cottages, sing songs, and enjoy lights, decorations and the Parade of Trees. Admission is free!
Covington-Christmas at TerraBella: This friday, 12/6, from 6-8:30, head out to TerraBella Village for their annual Christmas at TerraBella celebration. Featuring free admission, live music, hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, letters to Santa, and rides on the TerraBella express, this is a holiday event that’s sure to please everyone! For $10, you can take a pic with Santa, too!
Madisonville-Merry Madisonville: This Saturday, 12/7, from 2-8PM, you can celebrate the 11th annual Merry Madisonville, a day of fun for the whole family. Head to the Madisonville Town Hall because Santa arrives by boat from the Lake Ponchartrain Maritime Museum. Admission is free and you will also be able to enjoy caroling, activities and photos with Santa.
Do you know of any activities we haven’t mentioned? Comment below!
Growing up on the Northshore, I’ve seen my fair share of restaurants come and go. To put it in south Lousiana terms, they might have been good but they ain’t there no more. Some, however, have withshood the test of time- Nuvolari’s still offers its upscale Italian on Girod Street, Fazzio’s still churns out its tasty seafood/Italian fare in Mandeville, and Morton’s is still frying seafood on Water Street on the Madisonville lakefront as they have been for almost 35 years! But my absolute favorite Northshore restaurant, still thriving after its inception in 1974, is Sal and Judy’s.
A dining experience like no other, Sal and Judy’s offers Sicilian-Creole cuisine with an unparalled depth of flavor that can only be described as sublime. I’ve been eating at Sal and Judy’s for 30 years and I’ve never once been disappointed. You might think I’m exaggerating, but I’m really not. From the hand-crafted cocktails to the myriad southern-inspired appetizers and entrees, to the Kentucky Derby pie for dessert, everything is always amazing. And, while some restaurants seem to embrace the “less is more” policy when it comes to portion sizes, Sal and Judy’s definitely subscribes to the “give them enough for a second meal” policy, so you never leave wanting for anything else. Trust me, the food is so good that you’ll wake up the next day incredibly happy to have that to-go box in the fridge.
Fair warning, if you’ve never been and feel inspired to go, Sal and Judy’s is NEVER not busy. You’ll need a reservation; especially around the holiday season. Because of its popularity with locals, it also exudes energy and, depite its white table cloths and professional waitstaff, is not a super quiet and low-key experience. What you’ll find when you’re dining at Sal and Judy’s is tables of people laughing and reminiscing, enjoying amazing food and life in general. Is it a great date-night restaurant? Yes. Is it where you go if you want to sit in silence and stare into your significant other’s eyes? Probably not. But if you want incredible food and courteous, professional service (much of the wait staff has been there since I was a little girl!), Sal and Judy’s can’t be beat.
Redfish with Nicholas Sauce and fresh green beans
So, on to the food. What exactly is so good about it? Well…everything! To me, though, the secret is in the sauce. Their sauces are beyond reproach. Their arguably most famous sauce, called Nicholas, is butter-based and loaded (and I mean LOADED) with lump crabmeat, shrimp and mushrooms. Speckled with green onions and parsley, it’s decadent without being overly rich and the ingredients scream fresh.
Eggplant Louis
On our most recent visit, we tried a sauce we’d never had before- sauce Louis- and it didn’t disappoint! In fact, I think it’s my husband’s new favorite. Loaded with lump crabmeat, this creamy tomato-basil sauce was served over delicately fried eggplant, for the ultimate Cajun-Italian combination. Though I highly recommend trying a dish with a sauce, you really can’t go wrong with anything. From their fried seafood to their traditional lasagna, it’s all delicious.
One particular dish that deserves its own paragraph is the crab claw appetizer. Also offered in an entree size (for the die hard fans), this is my favorite dish of any restaurant…ever. It consists of dozens of meaty crab claws in a white cream sauce so delicious you won’t believe what hit you when you take your first bite. It’s served with a full loaf of warm, crusty French bread, perfect for slathering in the excess sauce. Need more bread? (Because carbs don’t count at Sal and Judy’s) They’ll bring you another perfectly warmed loaf without question…or judgement. So, I implore you, if you go to Sal and Judy’s, get the crab claws! You’ll thank me, I promise.
Crab Claw Appetizer
So, next time you are looking for incredible food in a warm and inviting atmosphere, I highly recommend you check out Sal and Judy’s. It’s been a Northshore staple for 35 years and I have a feeling it’ll still be here in 35 more.
Have you been to Sal & Judy’s? Do you agree with my review? Leave a comment below!
Do you love the idea of crabbing and fishing off your own dock? Come home to this stunningly picturesque fishing retreat in Slidell! This amazing home was custom built by the contractor/owner for his personal use, and it features dozens of high-quality upgrades and additions. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and 2,079 sq ft of living space. The home is raised and the ground floor features a 1000lb capacity cargo elevator in addition to the stairs. It sits on a 1.5 acre lot. The covered carport area leaves ample space for cars and storage. The home, with a like-new feel, features an open floor plan, high ceilings, and 4′ double insulated windows that allow for a beautiful and serene water view. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wooden cabinetry, granite countertops and a huge center island. Entertain on the ample balcony overlooking the Geoghagen Canal, which is a short 8 minute boat ride to Lake Pontchartrain and 1/4 mile to the Rigolets Marina. Additionally, the home features a private pier made of synthetic concrete to withstand the elements for years to come. The dock, with boat lift, features electricity as well as water, and upgraded lights for nighttime fishing. This home really does have it all!
Interested in viewing this home? Contact us below and we’ll set up your private tour!
The Larter Team 