Page 8 - Lazy Lane

The Mithoffs completely remodeled the kitchen, bringing it somewhat closer to its original design.
They reclaimed a pantry and added a locked china and silver closet and an attractive enclosed bar

area. Outside they constructed an open-air patio, accessible from the kitchen breakfast space,
which features seating and an elaborate grill. Near the kitchen, what once was a service room,
is now a handsome office for Mr. Mithoff. The spacious original family room became an informal

library area, a warm and inviting spot for entertaining family and close friends, its once brick walls
changed to richly stained cherry -wood paneling.

Among the numerous and exceptional Bute-King updates, one of the most outstanding is the redesign
of the entry to the master area, originally a stark white library with many adjustable shelves, now a

hallway gallery of family pictures leading to an indoor workout area and sauna, a light-filled office
and sitting area and the master bedroom overlooking a private patio with sumptuous landscaping.

Downstairs, there are four huge guestrooms, bathrooms and terraces. In one wing, what was first
designed as closets, is now a cozy family room with a small kitchenette nearby. Extra storage facilities
and a spacious laundry room complete the first-floor renovations.

In 2005-2006 a four-car garage was built in keeping with the style of other buildings nearby including

the guest house. In addition, small work and storage facilities were added. And with great foresight,
a huge natural gas generator, large enough to power the entire house, was installed, an asset of
immeasurable value in time of storms.

Barnstone’s breathtaking pièce de résistance, the immense glass and steel rooms in back which

look out onto treetops, remain much the same as when the house was built. In 2011 the Mithoffs
replaced the original glass walls with tinted, glazed safety glass and state-of-the-art solar screens
lowered, when needed, by remote control. As originally intended, set high above the bayou, the

view from these vast window walls is breathtaking.

As a focal point for the front portion of the property Mr. and Mrs. Mithoff commissioned award-

winning American sculptor, Jesus Moroles in 2000, to create a monumental granite masterpiece.
The result was a museum- worthy megalithic sculptural fountain, consisting of four 16.5-foot granite
towers, each weighing 10,500 pounds, greatly enhancing an already serene and beautiful setting.

Bringing their property into the lifestyle of today allowed the Mithoffs a spectacular backdrop for