Ivy Vale Plantation

This 1818 vernacular farmhouse in northwest Louisiana stood vacant for 39 years before being restored as a home and event venue in 2017-2018. Originally a simple dog-trot house, it was expanded later with the wing on the left and the partial porch enclosure on the right.
It reminds us that a historic house does not have to be architecturally distinguished to be historically significant. Vernacular buildings document an important part of history – often representing the homes occupied by the majority of residents in a community.
The historic preservation movement has made significant progress in recognizing the need to save homes of all types to honor and remember the history of all our citizens, not just the mansions of the rich. Every region of the country has simple buildings that reflect the building traditions of its historic residents and the materials available in the area. This house is a wonderful example.