In the late 1700s through the mid-1800s, skilled craftsmen and laborers built charming "Creole cottages" that drew inspiration from homes in the West Indies. These cozy homes were typically constructed using wooden frames, and were either square or rectangular in shape, topped with a hipped or side gable roof. To provide shade and shelter, the main roof extended over the porch or sidewalk, held in place by delicate gallery piers. Later versions included iron cantilevers or braces to further enhance the cottage's durability.
Stepping inside, one would typically find four adjoining rooms - one located in each corner of the house. As interior hallways were not common in these homes, two front doors were a popular feature. In addition, small storage areas were typically located in the rear, with one space often containing stairs leading to an attic, which could be utilized as a sleeping area. The Creole cottage was a beloved architectural style that represented the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Cajun culture.
In 1991, Leo and Dianne Deslatte acquired a home that had been abandoned for eight years with the hope of providing their handicapped son, Wesley, with a nearby residence while attending Louisiana College. However, they soon realized that it wouldn't be possible due to his TBI, and instead decided to renovate the home and move into it themselves. In 2010, Leo and Dianne embarked on a remodeling project to transform the home into an authentic "la maison," which means "house" in Cajun culture.
To create an authentic design, Leo and Dianne visited the "Acadian Village" in Lafayette, LA, and took numerous photographs to get ideas. The downstairs of the home now features two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a spacious utility room that contains the stairs leading up to the second-floor living area. The living area boasts an open floor plan of a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Upstairs, there are three large bedrooms, each with 14-foot cathedral ceilings, and a bathroom complete with a walk-in shower. The wide upstairs hallway features a built-in bookcase that spans its entire length.
Leo and Dianne changed the orientation of the house to face what was previously the side, complete with a porch that measures 12.5 feet by 48 feet, with a 10-foot ceiling and exposed rafters. At the end of the porch, there is a handicap ramp, and stairs lead up from the front porch to the living area, serving as an exit in case of a fire.