Mulberry Grove - Monroe, Louisiana
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 32° 29.463 W 092° 06.821
15S E 583269 N 3595212
Historic mansion also known as Layton Castle in Monroe, Louisiana.
Waymark Code: WM385P
Location: Louisiana, United States
Date Posted: 02/24/2008
Views: 12
Layton Castle is set on seven acres of flatland which fronts the Ouachita
River. Although the house was once a part of a large plantation, suburban
development has engulfed all but the present acreage. All of the out buildings
and workers' quarters have been lost except for a small brick wine house with an
attached garage, and a family cemetery.
The "castle" itself has approximately 60 rooms, with the major living
spaces located on the second floor. It began in 1814 as a broad two story raised
cottage with a hip roof. In about 1850, an addition was built to the northeast
side which was enlarged in the late 19th century. This created a square, three
story tower with a mansard roof which was connected to the old raised cottage by
galleries. In 1912 a massive rebuilding and remodeling program took place in
which the present house was largely created. A gracious, 15 feet wide hall was
built behind the raised cottage. This connected a new large dining room and
kitchen at one end of the house with a new living room at the other end. A third
story was created over the northern end of the house which became part of a
large open space where balls were often given. New front and rear galleries were
built and a two story carriage port was added at the main entrance on the north
facade. A large columnar porch of similar design was built on the east facade.
Much of the house is supported by round brick columns with arches running
between. Floors are supported by heavy wood joists which run between one row of
arches and the next. The only bearing walls are in the mid and late 19th century
portion of the house. The old raised cottage has been restructured with brick
arches and columns. Probably only a few of the old walls remain in the second
story. In the circa 1912 remodeling, the entire house was re-roofed with a pair
of massive hip roofs which were covered with red tile. Some of the lites were
made of glass to provide for skylights.
The exterior of the house was designed to convey the idea of a castle.
This is achieved through the use of tall round turrets at either end of the
building which create strong asymmetrical massing. This feeling is also achieved
by the extensive use of corbel tables. But the exterior also has something of
the character of an industrial building. Much of this is due to the plain brick
walls and the use of warehouse-type windows with brick segmental arches and
plate glass sashes. A most unusual feature is the two story carriage port with
its round brick columns and 15 feet arches. There is no record of any architect
involved in the circa 1912 remodeling. Family tradition has it that the work was
designed by the builder in conjunction with the owner. Perhaps this is why the
exterior resembles a castellated warehouse. ~
Nomination Form for National Register