NATCHITOCHES, La. — A piece of Hollywood history will be sold on the auction block this month.
Natchitoches’ Cook-Taylor House — made famous in the film “Steel Magnolias” — will be auctioned Saturday, Oct. 26, to the highest bidder.
The house was built in 1840 by Italian architects Trizini and Soldini and was purchased as a business by Louis Dupleix in what early Natchitoches historian J.H. Cosgrove referred to as a great business spot. During the Civil War, the home was used for a hospital and it is rumored to have played a part in the Underground Railroad.
The Times reports the home has about 5,900-square-feet of living space, six bedrooms, six bathrooms and an 800-square-foot guesthouse. Other features include circular brick columns along the facade of the home, the original wood floors and a grand staircase.
In 2003, Karen and Paul Rinehart purchased the home and transformed it into the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast. Christina Landry, the current owner, planned to convert the house back into a residence, but continued to run it as a bed & breakfast when she found she really enjoyed meeting the guests.
“It’s been a truly wonderful experience being part of this home’s amazing history and wonderful community,” Landry said “If it weren’t for the fact that we want to be closer to out-of-state grandchildren, we certainly would have lived in Natchitoches and this architectural masterpiece for years to come!”
The auction will be held at 10 a.m. on site at 320 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches. It also will feature antiques, high-end furnishings, movie memorabilia and other items.
“This auction is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Barbara Bonnette, auctioneer and agent with United Country — Bonnette Auctions Louisiana Outdoor Properties. “The Cook-Taylor House is one of the most valuable and desirable properties in Natchitoches parish. Properties such as these don’t become available every day.”
For auction and inventory details, photos and terms and conditions, visit www.BonnetteAuctions.com. The auction team can be contacted directly at (318) 443-6614.