Midcentury on Bayou St. John has ambiance, style for $1.8M

May 31, 2023

In New Orleans, waterfront property with a view is a luxurious commodity. When the property holds an authentic midcentury modern dwelling, the spot is a choice find, indeed.

Enter 5330 Bancroft Drive, on the banks of Bayou St. John near New Orleans City Park. The 1959 home, with almost 4,000 square feet of space, has four bedrooms, three full baths and one half-bath and conjures images of a tropical oasis.

Listed for $1.8 million, the home is conveniently located on a pie-shaped lot bordered by Filmore Avenue, making access to most points of the metropolitan area a breeze.

Besides the stellar location, the home is a slice of style from the recent past whose design, texture and functionality have been faithfully maintained.

A looping drive brings visitors to the front of the home on Bancroft Drive.

A graceful looping drive leads to the home, with a drive-thru entrance. Asian elements, including bold red double doors, are prominent.

Through the doors lies an entryway featuring a melange of textures, from redwood ceilings to brick half-walls and custom terrazzo floors.

The vast room, dominated by a seemingly suspended staircase, features a sunken conversation pit with matching metallic rails and a rear wall of glass that looks over the landscaped backyard and the bayou. A built-in fireplace and entertainment area of clean lines and smooth wood occupy a space on the wall next to the kitchen entrance

The dining area, located near the conversation pit, is open to the space yet delineated by unique flooring. It opens onto the period-style kitchen, complete with contemporary stainless appliances and plentiful storage.

A conversation pit is the focal point of the main living space of the home, with the dramatic seemingly suspended stairs to the primary suite at the right.

In typical style of the period, the majority of the home is on the primary level. Behind the kitchen are an office and full bath, with sliding-glass-door access to the outdoors. As in many rooms of the home, wide-planked louvered blinds provide covering and ease of control for lighting.

Also behind the kitchen are a laundry room and access to the two-car garage.

Across from the central living rooms are two bedrooms: A guest bedroom with hall bath, featuring a large room-size shower, and an ensuite with vintage bath tub that features a glass exterior wall, plus access to the backyard and the pool area.

The aquatic ambiance of the home is evident in the kidney-shaped pool and the tranquil waters of Bayou St. John.

The primary suite occupies the top floor and includes access to a deck overlooking the bayou. Three closets provide generous storage, plus there's an additional storage room.

The kidney-shaped pool sits in the spacious rear yard, with views of Bayou St. John expanding the aquatic appeal.

A wall of windows overlooks the covered rear patio, providing access to the backyard and allowing an abundance of natural light into the vast room.

The home also has a whole-house generator.

It's listed by Debbie Lewis, of Burk Brokerage, (504) 488-8600.

One in a Million is an occasional series featuring upscale homes for sale in the metro area.