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Fuller-White house in Minden, La.
Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery in Minden, La.
The Villas at Spanish Court in Minden, La.
The burger at the Broken Bean in Minden, La.
The Broken Bean Coffee House in Minden, La.
The Broken Bean Coffee House in Minden, La.
The Villas at Spanish Court in Minden, La.
The Villas at Spanish Court in Minden, La.
The abandoned Spanish Court Apartments in Minden, La.
Minden, Louisiana, is a unique town, tucked away in north Louisiana — a destination for outdoor lovers, quiet seekers, history buffs, antique shoppers, festival lovers, and more.
"We've been dubbed the friendliest city in the South," Sara McDaniel said. "People can come here to experience what life is like in a Southern, friendly small town and have a cozy, relaxing getaway."
McDaniel is an educator, known for restoring properties in Minden which have been featured in design magazines and television shows.
It all started when she moved back home, bought an abandoned house to live in, and chronicled the renovation on her blog.
She later purchased the abandoned Spanish Court Apartments in Minden and renovated them into short-term rentals. They are now named The Villas at Spanish Court — and they were the 2022 project house for "Cottages & Bungalows" and "American Farmhouse Style" magazines.
McDaniel said that they were built in 1931 and were the most state-of-the-art apartments in Louisiana at the time.
"They were Minden's very first multifamily long-term rentals. And it's our understanding, based on historical accounts of people that we've talked to, that for whatever reason, they went out of use in the 80s," she said.
When the last person moved out, some of the units still had furniture in them.
"They were in terrible, uninhabitable condition — windows broken, ceilings caving in, full of asbestos and lead paint," she said. "We had to get all of that remediated, under the supervision of the state of Louisiana."
McDaniel was able to save all of the original tile in the bathrooms.
"It's kind of funky in some places, but it looks amazing," she said.
She decorated the eight villas in what she calls her design sense of "Southern cottage charm."
"They're all just happy — joyful when you walk in," she said. "There's lavender flowing so it smells wonderful, it feels like you're walking into a spa-like experience. We always have music playing really softly in the background."
Each villa has a different design and color scheme and is named after designers or people special to her: Laura, Piper, Annie, Cindy, Carrie, Daisy, Penny and Wheeler.
The Villas at Spanish Court serve custom-blended coffee made just for them. It's called the Villas Blend and is from a local business called Brick Street Coffee on Main Street.
McDaniel is also a big fan of another coffee shop and cafe, The Broken Bean. Both are walking distance from The Villas.
She said the patios are one of the guest favorites. Every villa has its own patio, a smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and string lights.
"It is just this quaint, cozy, comfortable experience like none other," she said.
The villas sell s'more packages too.
Each unit has a fully stocked kitchen. Plus, McDaniel says there are several places to go out for dinner within walking distance.
The Villas are in a gated area with security cameras and unique door codes for each guest.
Minden's downtown is a few blocks away — and is a quaint area full of shops, businesses and eateries. Part of downtown Minden is paved in the old, original bricks. The downtown area boasts three murals, often used for selfies.
McDaniel is in her second term on the Minden Tourism Commission and said there are several reasons people travel to the Minden area.
For those who love the outdoors there is fishing, hiking, and kayaking at Caney Lakes Recreation Area, Lake Bistineau and Bayou Dorcheat — where people can bring their own watercraft or rent canoes and kayaks from Dorcheat Bayou Rentals.
"Another big draw is our antiquing," she said. There are several antique and thrifting stores where you could spend a few days shopping.
She said some people come to see the historic architecture in town. There is a retail spot on Main Street, Parish Design Co. which features merchandise from local artisans, from paintings to pottery to preserves and more.
Minden is off I-20 and about 40 miles east of Shreveport. People heading to casinos and concerts or football games who want to stay outside the city in a quieter environment choose Minden, she said.
There are festivals throughout the year, including the three-day "Christmas in Minden" festival coming up Dec. 13 - Dec. 15. "Basically Minden turns into a Hallmark Christmas movie," McDaniel said. Minden is part of the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights.
Renting out The Villas for corporate retreats or other groups is also popular she said. Guests have access to another property she restored next door which serves as an event space in Minden, the Fuller-White House.
The renovation of this Queen Anne Victorian style house was captured as part of the HGTV show "Home Town Kickstart" and was featured on the Magnolia Network. The Fuller-White house will also be on the 2024 Holiday Tour of Homes as part of the Christmas festival.
Johnnye Kennon, director of community affairs at the Webster Parish tourism bureau said it’s been about seven years since they had a Holiday Tour of Homes.
“We’re bringing it back in grand style,” she said.
There are eight properties including the Fuller-White house, some close to 200 years old. She said the Christmas festival also includes a wine walk, hayride through the historic district, a parade and fireworks.
Also part of the HGTV program was downtown restaurant Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery, which received a design makeover, and is a popular lunch spot.
McDaniel has other short-term rentals in the Minden area and blogs about all the activities to do in the area. You can find both on this site.
Email Elizabeth Deal at [email protected].
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