The Slayter House, also known as “Maison Bonne Vive,” was a stunning architectural marvel that once graced the corner of Prescott and Horseshoe drives in Alexandria, Louisiana. Built by the late businessman Aaron Slayter, this 20,000-square-foot mansion took six years to construct and was completed in 2007. But the story of this grand estate doesn’t end with its completion. It’s just the beginning of a tale that spans nearly two decades and culminates in an unexpected twist.
This article explores the history, features, and ultimate fate of this grand estate built by the late businessman Aaron Slayter.
Who is Aaron Slayter?
Aaron Slayter was a prominent businessman in Alexandria, Louisiana, known for his ambitious vision and love for grand architecture. While specific details about his total assets are not readily available, we can glean some insights from his most famous project – the Slayter House.
Slayter’s net worth must have been substantial to fund the construction of a 20,000-square-foot mansion valued at $3.9 million. This impressive home suggests that Slayter had considerable wealth, likely accumulated through his business ventures. However, without more concrete information, we can’t provide exact figures for his total cars, yachts, homes, private islands, or jets.
What we do know is that Slayter had a passion for creating a home that rivaled historic plantations in its grandeur and style. This ambition speaks volumes about his character and financial capabilities.
Aaron Slayter at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aaron Slayter |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Notable Project | Slayter House (“Maison Bonne Vive”) |
| Project Location | Alexandria, Louisiana |
| Project Completion | 2007 |
| Project Value | $3.9 million (at one point) |
Where Does Aaron Slayter Live Now?
As of 2024, Aaron Slayter is no longer living. He’s referred to as “the late businessman” in recent reports about the Slayter House. The exact details of where he lived in his final years are not publicly available.
However, we can explore the location where his most famous project, the Slayter House, once stood. The mansion was situated on the corner of Prescott and Horseshoe Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana. This area is known for its upscale neighborhoods and beautiful homes.
Alexandria is a city located in central Louisiana, serving as the parish seat of Rapides Parish. It’s situated on the south bank of the Red River, about 100 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. The city is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions.
To give you a better idea of the location, here’s a Google Maps embed of Alexandria, Louisiana:
To interact with this map, you can:
- Click and drag to move around
- Use the + and – buttons to zoom in and out
- Click on the “View larger map” link in the top left corner to open Google Maps
The exact location of the Slayter House was at the intersection of Prescott and Horseshoe Drives. While the house is no longer standing, this area remains a prestigious part of Alexandria.
Slayter House
The Slayter House, officially named “Maison Bonne Vive,” was a testament to Aaron Slayter’s vision and ambition. This grand mansion stood as a landmark in Alexandria for nearly two decades, captivating locals and visitors alike with its impressive size and architectural beauty.
Built over six years, the Slayter House was completed in 2007. It wasn’t just a home; it was a 20,000-square-foot masterpiece that showcased the best of Southern architecture and luxury living. The mansion was designed to evoke the grandeur of historic plantation homes, specifically drawing inspiration from the Oak Alley Plantation in St. James Parish.
Throughout its existence, the Slayter House had an interesting journey in the real estate market. It was listed for sale multiple times over the years, with its value fluctuating. At one point, it carried an impressive price tag of $3.9 million, reflecting its size, features, and the prestige associated with the property.
Features of Slayter House
The Slayter House boasted numerous features that set it apart from other luxury homes in the area. Here are some of the key elements that made this mansion truly special:
- Massive Size: At 20,000 square feet, the Slayter House was one of the largest private residences in Alexandria.
- Architectural Style: The home was built in the style of the Oak Alley Plantation, featuring grand columns and a symmetrical facade typical of antebellum architecture.
- Antique Chandeliers: The house featured two antique drop-down chandeliers, adding a touch of historic elegance to the interior.
- Marble Fireplace: A stunning marble fireplace served as a focal point in one of the main living areas.
- Antique Furniture: The home was furnished with carefully selected antique pieces, enhancing its historic plantation-style aesthetic.
- Entertainment House: In addition to the main residence, the property included a separate entertainment house for hosting gatherings and events.
Personal House Touches
While we don’t have specific information about Aaron Slayter’s personal touches in the house, we can infer a few things based on the available information:
- Historical Inspiration: Slayter’s choice to model the home after the Oak Alley Plantation suggests a deep appreciation for Southern history and architecture.
- Attention to Detail: The inclusion of antique chandeliers and furniture indicates a commitment to authenticity and a keen eye for historical accuracy.
- Entertainment Focus: The addition of a separate entertainment house shows that Slayter valued hospitality and social gatherings.
House Amenities
The Slayter House likely included a range of luxury amenities, both indoors and outdoors. While we don’t have a comprehensive list, we can speculate on some probable features based on homes of similar size and value:
Indoor Amenities:
- Gourmet Kitchen
- Multiple Living and Dining Areas
- Home Theater
- Library or Study
- Wine Cellar
- Fitness Center
- Spa-like Bathrooms
Outdoor Amenities:
- Expansive Landscaped Gardens
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
- Tennis Court
- Gazebo or Covered Patio
Outdoor House Spaces and Neighbourhood
The Slayter House was situated on a prime corner lot at the intersection of Prescott and Horseshoe Drive in Alexandria. This location is known for its upscale homes and well-maintained properties. The mansion likely had extensive grounds to complement its grand size, providing ample space for outdoor entertaining and leisure activities.
The neighborhood around Prescott and Horseshoe Drive is considered one of the more prestigious areas in Alexandria. It’s characterized by large lots, mature trees, and a mix of traditional and contemporary luxury homes. The area offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity while still being conveniently located within the city of Alexandria.
Residents in this neighborhood enjoy proximity to Alexandria’s amenities, including parks, golf courses, shopping centers, and cultural attractions. The Red River and its recreational opportunities are also not far away, adding to the area’s appeal.
Market Value
The Slayter House had an interesting journey in terms of its market value over the years. Here’s a breakdown of key information:
- Build Year: Construction began around 2001
- Completion Year: 2007
- Construction Duration: 6 years
- Listed Price: At one point, the home was listed for $3.9 million
- Current Status: As of January 22, 2024, the home was being demolished
It’s important to note that the home’s value likely fluctuated over the years due to various factors, including market conditions, maintenance costs, and the unique nature of such a large, specialized property. The decision to demolish the home in 2024 suggests that maintaining or selling such a grand property had become challenging.
Aaron Slayter Houses Portfolio
While we don’t have information about other houses owned by Aaron Slayter, the Slayter House itself stands as a significant part of his legacy. This 20,000 square foot mansion was the crown jewel of his real estate holdings, showcasing his taste for grand architecture and luxury living.
The Slayter House, or “Maison Bonne Vive,” was more than just a home; it was a landmark in Alexandria, Louisiana. Its features included:
- 20,000 square feet of living space
- Antebellum-style architecture inspired by Oak Alley Plantation
- Two antique drop-down chandeliers
- A marble fireplace
- Antique furniture throughout
- A separate entertainment house on the property
The home’s location at the corner of Prescott and Horseshoe Drives placed it in one of Alexandria’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The story of the Slayter House is one of ambition, luxury, and ultimately, change. Built by the late businessman Aaron Slayter, this 20,000 square foot mansion stood as a testament to grand Southern architecture for nearly two decades. From its completion in 2007 to its demolition in January 2024, the house, known as “Maison Bonne Vive,” was a landmark in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Inspired by the historic Oak Alley Plantation, the Slayter House featured antique chandeliers, a marble fireplace, and even a separate entertainment house. At one point, it was valued at an impressive $3.9 million. However, the journey of this grand estate came to an unexpected end with its demolition in 2024.
The rise and fall of the Slayter House reflect the changing nature of luxury real estate and the challenges of maintaining such grand properties. While the physical structure may be gone, the legacy of Aaron Slayter’s vision and the impact of “Maison Bonne Vive” on Alexandria’s architectural landscape will be remembered for years to come.
The Slayter House serves as a reminder of the grand dreams that shape our cities and the ever-evolving nature of our built environment. Its story, from conception to demolition, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of luxury real estate and the mark one man’s vision can leave on a community.
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