Find 02.08.12

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012

A LITTLE PLACE ON THE RIVER
Ever dream of owning an antebellum Louisiana plantation home? Pencil in March 10 on your calendar and head to Braithwaite in Plaquemines Parish for the Neal Auction Company’s “going once, going twice” fire sale of historic Mary Plantation, a Louisiana French Creole-style cottage home on 7.5 acres of moss-draped high land on the east bank of the Mississippi River about 20 miles south of New Orleans. The 2,400-square-foot, two-story home and accompanying guest house are being auctioned separately from their contents, much of which are original to the plantation erected beginning in 1795. Neal is selling the spread and its appointments in what are known as absolute auctions, meaning there are no minimum bids — whatever she goes for, she goes for — although the company anticipates Mary Plantation selling for somewhere in the $500,000 range, which as gorgeous plantation homes go is quite the steal. One caveat: If you’re the high bidder for the home be ready to drop $50,000 or 10 percent of the winning bid price, whichever is highest, on the day of the auction, with the balance due at closing within 30 days. Oh, and a 10 percent buyer’s premium will be added to the whole shebang (20 percent for the winning contents bidder). Holler at ’em at (800) 467-5329 to learn more. — Walter Pierce