Home Smart - Editor's Page
April 1994, p. 9

     It is hard to imagine New Orleans without the beautiful lakefront and Lakeshore Drive. However, that area was not always a much-desired residential neighborhood. Time was when it was simply part of Lake Pontchartrain and a place where city folk would go for recreation. There was even a train -Smokey Mary -that hauled weary workers to the then non-polluted shoreline and playground.

     With the miracle of modem engineering, the land was reclaimed from the lake to create carefully planned neighborhoods. And while some folks may think the Garden District or the French Quarter is the only place to live, many will argue that the Lakefront is the best neighborhood in town. Dr. John S. Barrett, owner of Barrett Chiropractic Clinics, has no doubt that he lives in one of the most scenic locations in New Orleans. And after spending the day in his house gathering material for this month's Home Smart, I would have to agree. The second and third floors of his home offer a spectacular view of Lake Pontchartrain. The house is simply a showcase.

     Designed by architect George D. Hopkins Jr., with the interiors created by Emily Adams, John's house is dramatic and fascinating. Unfortunately, space prohibits our showing you all of the wonderful rooms in the house. For example, John has the best den/media room l. have ever seen. "I call it my sport's bar," he says with a sense of playfulness. Imagine -three large television screens suspended over the bar and another one across the room. When football is in its full glory you can watch four games at one time. (Just think: a soap opera buff might watch multi programs at once, too.)

     There is also a glass-door restaurant refrigerator (stocked with plenty of beverages) and even a candy machine (a box of quarters rests on top, for ready use). Of course, there's the customary pool table nearby. And for a touch of whimsy (or art) John had his vintage motorcycle mounted for display. ("I don't ride motorcycles anymore," he says.). Why would you ever want to go upstairs? This is the party land room of my dreams.

     The mood changes on the second level of the house. While the dining and living rooms are grand and elegant, the state-of -the- art kitchen that commands a great view of the lake is where I would like to fix my red beans and rice from now on. It's a cook's dream and if you get tired you could "sit for a spell" and just take in the view. The balcony on the second level is accessible from both the living room and kitchen. However, the third floor balcony is the spot from which to catch the best view of the sunset.

     For different publications over the years, I have written about at least a dozen homes that were done by George D. Hopkins Jr. We reminisced about all the houses he has designed. My first feature on George's work was for Better Homes and Gardens in 1971. (P.S. He is still doing great houses.) I haven't known Emily Adams, the interior designer for the Barrett house, as long as I've known George, but we have been friends for several years. When she began talking about designing furniture I had no idea that the result would be a l4 piece collection that has everything from throne-like chairs to armoires.

     Here's a designer who has put her heart and soul into making her dream a reality. John's house is truly a showcase for her work. And the good news is that she has a couple of major sources negotiating to purchase the line. Rene Fransen, the landscape architect involved with the house, did not come by for a photograph, but the grounds are as pristine and pretty as the rest of the house. Enjoy. And come back next month when we will take you to the Northshore for our featured home.  

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