Baton Rouge Home Builder

Bardwell Announces Lot Release in Benton at Magnolia Woods in Baton Rouge

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Bardwell Returns to Build on Highland Road

In 2003, Bardwell developed Providence, a community along Highland Road distinct from most Baton Rouge developments at the time. We sat down with Remson Haley Architects and drew something different. And we planned out the city’s first alley-lot community in decades, designed to complement the land and its natural beauty. We planted street trees. We studied where the light fell. And we worked diligently to protect the historic live oaks that had been standing long before any of us arrived.

Those oaks still remain. And many of the original families who moved into Providence still call it home.

Dozens of developments across the region followed Providence’s lead. Because what we helped start there was not just the alley-lot format or the attention to streetscape, it was our insistence that a neighborhood should feel like something more. You don’t always notice it until you’re driving through a community and thinking, this feels right, without being quite sure why.

Now, twenty-three years later, we’re back on Highland Road. This time as a featured builder at Benton at Magnolia Woods. 

Why Highland Road Corridor Earns Its Reputation

There are so many factors that homebuyers searching for new-construction homes in Baton Rouge consider. Location, design quality, and neighborhood planning are often the most important priorities. These elements converge beautifully throughout the Highland Road Corridor, offering a rare balance of convenience and character. Canopied in mature oaks and situated between established neighborhoods, there’s a tangible sense that the people who built here were thinking beyond the next five years.

Benton at Magnolia Woods fits right into that story. Positioned just off Highland Road, the community was planned with the same intention we bring to every project: walkability first, creative use of shared green space, and architectural continuity that keeps a neighborhood from feeling rushed or haphazard. When you drive through a development where the homes feel like they belong together, you’re experiencing the result of intentional planning. 

What Bardwell Is Building in Benton 

As a featured builder within Benton at Magnolia Woods, we’re offering a select collection of homes designed by JDE Architects that reflect the same careful thinking we put into every project, scaled for the way families in South Louisiana actually live.

These are homes with room to breathe. Open living spaces with high-end finishes designed for the kind of everyday entertaining that doesn’t require an occasion. Practical layouts that support a busy household without making you feel like you’re always navigating around yourselves. The kind of proportions that feel right the first time you walk through and years after you’ve settled in.

At a Glance

Square Footage~ 2,700 – 3,000 SF
StoriesOne- and two-story plans
GarageEnclosed two-car
Architectural StandardBenton design guidelines
PricingFrom the $800s
Currently Available18 Homesites

A $1,000 deposit secures your price prior to contract. Reserve your lot now.

What It Means to Invest in Character  

We’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating: a home shouldn’t be an island. The way a neighborhood is laid out matters. Consider where the sidewalks lead, how the porches face the street, and whether there’s a place to gather that doesn’t require driving somewhere. These features shape how connected people feel long after the move-in boxes are unpacked, not to mention long-term satisfaction and investment potential. 

Benton at Magnolia Woods includes a two-acre park with a pond at its center. There’s mixed-use commercial space planned for the community as well, including a building intended for hospitality and lifestyle offerings. These amenities are evidence of a developer who thought about what it means to live here, not just what it means to buy here.

Add walkable streets, planned infrastructure, and proximity to Highland Road Community Park with its 144 acres of trails, athletic fields, and open space; then you have a neighborhood designed for people who want to be outside, and who want their neighbors to feel like neighbors.

Premier Location in South Baton Rouge 

Two miles from LSU. Easy access to Interstate 10. Minutes from the restaurants, groceries, and specialty shops along Highland Road and Burbank Drive. Benton at Magnolia Woods sits inside an established residential corridor that rarely opens up for new construction. The established character of the area, combined with limited new inventory, makes Benton a straightforward opportunity for buyers who know what this part of Baton Rouge is worth.

Build for the Long Run at Benton 

Some things are worth saying plainly. We know what new construction sometimes looks like: rushed, impersonal, built to a minimum standard that will start showing its age in five years. That’s not what we do, and it’s not what Benton at Magnolia Woods is. Beyond the homes themselves, Benton at Magnolia Woods has been planned to create a neighborhood with a strong sense of place.

From the ceiling height, how natural light moves through a room, the flow from the kitchen to the back of the house, we make every decision with the understanding that someone is going to live in this home for a long time. Quality isn’t a box on a checklist. It’s a commitment that runs through every stage of a build, well past what’s required.

The live oaks on Highland Road have been standing for a hundred years. We try to build homes that belong in their company.

Ready to Reserve Your Homesite?

Eighteen homesites. A community worth coming back to. If you’re ready to have a conversation about what Bardwell is building at Benton at Magnolia Woods, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Bardwell Homes to learn more or reserve your homesite today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Benton at Magnolia Woods located?

Off Highland Road in East Baton Rouge Parish, in the southern portion of the city. Easy access to LSU, Interstate 10, and the shopping and dining along Highland Road and Burbank Drive.

How many homesites are available through Bardwell?

Eighteen homesites are currently available. A $1,000 deposit locks in your price before contract.

Who is building homes at Benton at Magnolia Woods?

Bardwell Homes is a featured builder in the community, offering a limited collection of homes designed to align with the architectural standards and overall vision of Benton at Magnolia Woods.

When will infrastructure be complete?

Street and underground infrastructure work is underway and expected to be completed by March 2026, clearing the way for home construction to proceed.

How close is the community to LSU?

Approximately two miles. That means close enough that you can make it to a game without a plan, and far enough that the neighborhood stays quiet during contraflow. 

Are there parks nearby?

Yes. The community itself will include a two-acre park with a pond. Highland Road Community Park — 144 acres with trails, sports fields, and open recreational space — is nearby as well.

Why is Highland Road such a desirable location?

It’s one of Baton Rouge’s most established residential corridors. Mature trees, proximity to the university, access to the interstate, and a neighborhood character that took decades to build. That’s not something you replicate in a new development on the edge of town.

Benefits of Luxury Townhome Living in Baton Rouge: Exploring the Lifestyle Perks of Willow Grove

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Townhomes continue to be one of the most in-demand housing options in Baton Rouge and across the Capital Region. And there’s plenty of good reasons for that. For buyers exploring townhomes for sale in Baton Rouge, LA, modern and new construction townhomes built by Bardwell Homes offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle without giving up a sense of privacy, location, convenience, or high-quality finishes often found in luxury townhomes.

Whether you’re downsizing (or rightsizing), relocating closer to family, navigating a life transition, or simply looking for a smarter, more affordable way to live in a great neighborhood, here’s a clear look at why townhomes make sense for many Baton Rouge homebuyers.

Less Maintenance than a Single Family Home 

One of the most common questions buyers ask is, “Are townhomes less maintenance than a house?” In many Baton Rouge townhome communities, the answer is yes.

While there are pros and cons of downsizing to a townhouse, one of the biggest advantages of townhome living is how much less responsibility you have to manage. First, with more efficient living areas inside, there is less space to clean. Outside offers less maintenance as well. Without a side or rear yard to maintain, hours of mowing, edging, and endless weekend yard projects are a thing of the past. In addition, Willow Grove townhomes come with gutters, which offers a mitigation solution that’s always a costly investment to add onto single family homes. 

To the delight of many townhome homeowners, this means less mowing, edging, pressure washing, and endless weekend yard projects. Instead spend Saturdays hosting your friends or watching the game. 

This is especially appealing for:

  • • Downsizers moving from larger homes
  • • Busy professionals
  • • People who just don’t like yardwork 

Rightsizing to a Townhouse Without Compromising Luxury 

Most buyers downsizing from a house to a townhome are not necessarily seeking smaller living; instead, they are searching for smarter living. What they’re really looking for is rightsizing. 

Rightsizing is the process of understanding how you live in your home, what you value, decluttering what doesn’t serve you, and moving into a new (often smaller) space that better suits your needs. 

Many people assume rightsizing means giving up comfort or quality, or forgoing high-end finishes entirely. But because townhomes typically cost less per square foot than detached single-family homes, buyers are often able to afford luxury upgrades they might not justify in a traditional house.

New construction townhomes in Baton Rouge frequently offer:

  • • Open-concept layouts
  • • Gourmet kitchens
  • • High-end finishes
  • • Flexible rooms for offices, guests, or hobbies

For empty nesters, individuals navigating a life transition, or homeowners simplifying their lifestyle, rightsizing from a house to a townhouse offers just the right balance of space and ease. 

End units, in particular, can feel very similar to single-family homes, with more natural light and fewer shared walls. 

Currently available Willow Grove townhome plans, such as Lot 378, highlight this advantage well. Bardwell’s end-unit designs offer additional windows, a sense of enhanced privacy, and thoughtfully planned layouts that appeal to buyers who want a little more room to stretch. 

No matter the buyer, downsizing to a townhome typically translates to better living in a more efficient space.

Prime Baton Rouge Locations

Location matters, so townhomes are often built where people actually want to live. Baton Rouge townhomes, especially in established communities like Willow Grove, are often built close to dining, grocery stores, medical centers, and everyday conveniences.

Willow Grove, the Bardwell Homes development located right off Perkins and Bluebonnet, is known for its intentional design, walkability, and proximity to Perkins Rowe and all the perks that come with that. Willow Grove residents are just a short walk to multiple restaurants, exercise classes like yoga and pilates, book stores, coffee shops and bakeries, a movie theatre, and plenty of shopping. Being closer to everyday essentials not only improves quality of life, but it also supports long-term resale value. 

For buyers who want to experience city life without the upkeep of a large lot, Willow Grove townhomes offer the desired lifestyle and value. And, finding both can be more difficult in traditional suburban developments. 

A Strong Sense of Community

Townhome communities naturally encourage interaction. Shared spaces, sidewalks, and amenities make it easier to get to know neighbors without forcing it.

In Willow Grove, Bardwell aims to create this sense of connectedness by design. The neighborhood flow centers around front porches, patios, sidewalks, and shared green spaces to facilitate casual interaction. 

Proximity to Family in Larger Developments 

For grandparents wanting to live near family, or buyers who value neighborhood connection over isolation, Willow Grove townhome living often delivers exactly that. Since many families live in this development, their parents and grandparents often find Willow Grove townhomes most appealing due to the proximity they offer to their families. But they offer a thoughtful blend of a sense of independence, luxury design elements, and lifestyle convenience. And, of course, a close-knit community provides a sense of security with neighbors and family close by. 

Accessible Luxury 

Compared to many single-family homes, townhomes for sale in Baton Rouge, including newer luxury townhomes for sale, often provide better value in high-demand areas. 

Benefits include:

  • • Lower price per square foot
  • • Reduced maintenance costs
  • • Newer construction options
  • • Strong demand in well-located communities

Townhomes often appreciate more quickly than condos in the same area, so they can be an excellent investment. 

Location, community quality, and construction all play a role. That’s why it’s important to choose a homebuilder with a reputation you can trust. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Townhome

Townhomes aren’t for everyone, and it’s important to go in with clear expectations.

Potential trade-offs include:

  • • HOA fees and rules
  • • Limited private yard space
  • • Shared walls
  • • Guest parking restrictions

That’s why the community itself matters just as much as the home. HOA structure, amenities, maintenance standards, and neighbor dynamics can vary widely, so it’s vital to do your research.

In Willow Grove, buyers benefit from a well-established neighborhood and thoughtful planning process led by Bardwell Homes, whose guidelines help maintain the neighborhood’s character and long-term value. 

Before buying, it’s smart to:

  • • Visit multiple communities
  • • Review HOA documents carefully
  • • Talk to current residents if possible

Is Townhome Living Right for You?

If you’re exploring luxury townhomes in Baton Rouge or considering new construction townhomes for sale, the right community and builder make all the difference. Communities like Willow Grove stand out for their location, planning, and lifestyle amenities. Working with a trusted, local builder like Bardwell who understands neighborhood-driven demand and thoughtful design can make all the difference.

Schedule a Consultation

Visit Bardwell’s Design Studio in Baton Rouge to embark on the semi-custom homebuilding process. Our dedicated team of experts is here to guide your design decisions to ensure the final result reflects your vision and lifestyle. 

Give us a call: 225-430-3707

Key Takeaways 

Bardwell’s Willow Grove Townhomes make sense for buyers who value:

  • • Low maintenance
  • • Convenience and location
  • • Community connection
  • • Smart use of space

What Buyers Ask Most About Townhome Living

1. Are townhomes lower maintenance than single-family homes?

Yes. Townhomes typically require far less maintenance than single-family homes. With little to no yard space, homeowners spend less time on cleaning and upkeep. In communities like Willow Grove, features such as gutters and managed exterior elements further reduce maintenance responsibilities.

2. What does “rightsizing” mean when buying a townhome?

Rightsizing is about choosing a home that fits how you actually live—not just square footage. Many buyers move to townhomes to eliminate unused space while gaining smarter layouts, better finishes, and a lifestyle that better supports their current needs.

3. Do townhomes feel smaller than single-family homes?

Not necessarily. Modern townhomes often feature open-concept designs, high ceilings, and flexible rooms that live larger than their square footage suggests. End units, in particular, feel more like single-family homes thanks to added windows and increased privacy.

4. Can you still have luxury finishes in a townhome?

Absolutely. Because townhomes often cost less per square foot than detached homes, buyers can invest in higher-end finishes like gourmet kitchens, upgraded appliances, and premium materials without exceeding their budget.

5. Who is townhome living best suited for?

Townhomes are ideal for anyone looking for less square footage, busy professionals, empty nesters, grandparents wanting to live near family, and anyone seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle in a well-located community.

6. Are townhomes in good locations in Baton Rouge?

Yes. Townhomes are often built in highly desirable, established areas. Willow Grove, for example, is located near Perkins and Bluebonnet and within walking distance of dining, shopping, fitness studios, and entertainment.

7. How does community differ in a townhome neighborhood?

Townhome communities tend to encourage natural interaction. Features like sidewalks, front porches, patios, and shared green spaces make it easier to connect with neighbors while still maintaining privacy.

8. Are townhomes a good investment?

Townhomes often hold strong value in well-planned, high-demand locations. While appreciation rates can vary, townhomes typically outperform condos and benefit from strong buyer demand when built by reputable builders in desirable neighborhoods.

9. What are the downsides of buying a townhome?

Potential trade-offs can include HOA fees, shared walls, limited private yard space, and guest parking rules. That’s why it’s important to review HOA documents carefully and choose a well-managed community.

10. What should I consider before buying a townhome?

Before buying, it’s wise to visit multiple communities, review HOA guidelines, talk to current residents if possible, and think about how your lifestyle may change over the next 5–10 years. Choosing the right builder and neighborhood is just as important as choosing the home itself.

Women Who Build: A Custom Home Story

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If you arrive at dusk, light pools along the pathway, and the air is full of subtle sweetness wafting from the greenery. And, there in the stunning front archway is homeowner, Emily Bardwell Guillory.  This beautiful custom home tucked away in Willow Grove is the culmination of thoughtful collaboration and quiet elegance. Welcome to our completed behind the scenes look at Bardwell’s latest custom home.

Building a Custom Home Begins with a Custom Team of Experts

At the center of this project is Emily. Yet, while her influence shines throughout the home, she knows excellence is never an accident. And, the success of this venture depended on sourcing the right people to carve out the vision . So, she assembled a team of professionals  who each brought their own discipline to develop the vision and incorporate depth, interest, and practical elegance. In a traditionally male dominated field, it was unique to have this lead team composed entirely of women, who had a hand in almost every aspect of the build. So many hands contributed to the intention, artistry, and vision of this incredible custom home, but let’s take a look at the result through the perspective of these key players.

Laying the Foundation 

Erin Demma, AIA | Owner & Principal Architect, Demma Residential Architects

Social: @demmaarch

The story of this home began with structure, as it always must. Baton Rouge-based architect Erin Demma, a RISD graduate known for her refined yet livable designs, worked closely with Emily in the earliest stages. Their conversations balanced concerns of square footage, rhythm, and flow. 

“It’s important to strike the right balance between timeless design and custom additions in a project like this,” Erin said, “I’m very receptive to client input, but my clients also rely on my discretion and expertise to guide their decisions.” 

Throughout the home, Erin and Emily added many custom features that make a big impact, though they’re not always apparent at first glance. One of those elements? A scullery kitchen.

“At a glance the entrance into the scullery might be perceived as just a larger walk-in pantry,” Erin explained, “but we took the homeowner’s passion for cooking into consideration and made it an extension of their kitchen. It houses many of their appliances as well as an extra sink and dishwasher to help maintain a clean kitchen when entertaining.” 

The spacious kitchen features custom cabinetry and includes several creative, personal elements, like an olive oil nook. These sorts of features work together to change how a home feels and curate a sense of lived in, effortless refinement. 

With the bones in place, the project moved inward.

Designing the Space 

Hilary Smith Kennedy | Interior Designer, Dixon Smith Interiors

Social: @hilarysmithkennedy, @dixonsmith_interiors 

For Hilary Smith Kennedy, interior design is about resonance. She aims to bring a sense of story and sanctuary into each home. 

“The client’s personality and lifestyle are almost always the foundation of every interior design choice I make,” Hilary said, “From the beginning, I focus on how they live and what they love. ”

In this custom home, the goal was to layer meaning into every room, blending comfort and craftsmanship in ways that felt both elevated and familiar.

“What was great was Emily’s clear understanding of her own preferences, which allowed me to narrow in on colors, textures and details that supported her aesthetic.”

Their collaboration hinged on mutual trust in process and a shared love for rich, saturated colors that created moods throughout the home. The powder room, with its custom stone sink, is a standout moment. 

“When you turn the corner into the powder, it has a distinct pop that is unexpected and expressive – especially on the cinnamon colored walls.”

The primary suite, meanwhile, is a study in tone and depth: rich, saturated hues in the bedroom flow seamlessly into a soft, spa-like bath. 

“I love how the master bedroom is a deep saturated color that contrasts to the softer palette in the bathroom,” Hilary said, “but the tones overlap throughout both spaces to create an inviting and welcoming flow.”

The interplay of functionality and emotion works as long as it remains grounded in the home’s overall sensibility. 

“These clients love to travel to places like Scotland,” Hilary noted, “so, an old-world feel for certain items was important.  Throwing in the use of a plaid rug, organic textures and antique paintings created this multi-level design that had a nod to “Old World” design elements, creating impactful but peaceful spaces.”   

Indeed, that ethos carried through details and decor, like heirloom antiques tucked into built-ins or custom drapery that catches the light. Each choice was a story told in fabric and form.

“Walking through the finished home with Emily was incredibly rewarding. I love that moment when all of our planning, design, and hard work materializes into something tangible.”

Space to Breathe

Claire Samaha | Landscape Designer, Newton Landscape Group

Social: @newtonlandscapegroup

Step outside, and the home’s seamless interplay with nature becomes clear. Designed by Claire Samaha, the landscape is composed and lush. 

“My vision was for the landscape to feel like a true extension of the home—thoughtful and refined, but still comfortable. I wanted it to support everyday living while echoing the materials, proportions, and rhythm of the architecture.”

Inspired by Emily’s love for English cottage gardens, Claire created planting beds that hum with movement—grasses, soft perennials, and native shrubs. 

“The design balances naturalistic planting with clean lines and a clear sense of structure,” Claire explained, “It feels soft and layered, but there’s organization and intention behind how it all comes together.” 

One of the main challenges was working with a zero lot line and limited space. Maximizing the parking area while ensuring the driveway flows well for everyday use was essential. 

“The layout needed to be strategic to ensure the space functioned well, from parking to circulation” Claire said. “Additionally, with limited space, the focus was on creating defined outdoor “rooms” that feel spacious and functional, providing both privacy and openness where needed.” 

The landscape design includes areas for play, gathering, quiet reflection, and gardening, while also framing views from the living and dining rooms to bring the outdoors in.

The Homeowner’s Perspective

Emily Bardwell Guillory | Homeowner, Director of Finance, Bardwell Homes

“I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself an artistic person, but once we reached the finish line and I was walking through the house, I felt like we had created a piece of art.”

For Emily, this project was never just a regular day at work. It was a moment of convergence of desires for her daily life and something tangible for her professional legacy.

“Bardwell Homes, as the builder, was able to be involved from the start with input on plans to its finish as a furnished show home, so it felt like we were truly able to showcase everything we can do with our trusted subs and vendors. So much went into the build, from the overall flow of the house, down to the light switch colors by room, (and so many decisions in between!), and I feel truly honored to have been a part of it.”

With the recent success of Parade of Homes, Emily is already thinking ahead and working on a new asset for clients considering a custom home themselves. 

“It includes questions like reviewing door swings for future rug placement, considering gutter downspouts before the hardscaping is poured, and things to consider when choosing dark paint,” Emily explains. 

It’s intentional, thoughtful, and precise, just like Bardwell.

Curious about the custom home process? 

Read more here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes a custom home different from a semi-custom or spec home?

A custom home is designed specifically for you, from floor plans to finishes, while semi-custom homes start with pre-designed layouts that allow for some personalization. Spec homes are fully built and ready to move in with limited flexibility. 

2. How do I assemble the right team for a custom home project?

Successful custom homes rely on collaboration between architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and builders. Look for professionals who understand your vision, communicate well, and have experience with high-quality residential builds. 

3. What should I consider when designing a kitchen for entertaining?

Be realistic about where people will gather when you host and determine ways to make that experience better for everyone. Consider workflow, storage, and secondary prep areas like scullery kitchens. Features like additional sinks, dishwashers, and appliance storage help keep main spaces clean while accommodating guests. Custom cabinetry and personalized nooks, like olive oil or coffee stations, are small additions that pack a punch full of stylistic impact.

4. How do I maximize outdoor space in a custom home, especially on smaller lots?

Strategically plan outdoor “rooms” that serve different functions: play areas, gathering spots, quiet retreats, or gardens. Landscape designers can create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, even on zero lot line properties, while maintaining privacy and openness.

5. What are common design challenges in custom homes?

Challenges include lot constraints, balancing aesthetics with practicality, and coordinating multiple contractors. Solutions often involve early planning with the builder, thoughtful space allocation, and flexible design elements that adapt to lifestyle needs.

6. How much input should I have in the custom home design process?

It varies by preference. Some homeowners take a hands-on approach, selecting finishes, furniture placement, and even lighting color by room. Others delegate decisions to trusted architects or interior designers. The key is open communication to ensure expectations are clear.A trusted builder and design team help guide decisions, balancing your vision with budget and practical considerations.

7. Why should I consider building a custom home instead of buying an existing one?

Building a custom home lets you design the layout, finishes, and features to fit your lifestyle, rather than compromising on someone else’s preferences. It ensures your home accommodates your family’s current and future needs while maximizing functionality, comfort, and long-term value. 

8. How do I choose the right builder for a custom home?
Look for builders with proven experience in high-quality construction, strong design partnerships, and excellent customer service. Builders like Bardwell Homes guide you from lot selection to finished home, offering advice on cost, materials, and practical design solutions.

9. What are the benefits of hiring a professional team for a custom home?
Ideally, a coordinated team would include an architect, interior designer, landscape designer, and builder. They are the experts you can trust to oversee every detail of your vision. They help balance aesthetics with budget, provide innovative solutions, and create a home that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle.

Photography provided by Kim Meadowlark.

Architecture – JDE Designs
https://www.instagram.com/demmaarch/

Interior Design – Hilary Kennedy with Dixon Smith
https://www.instagram.com/hilarysmithkennedy/
https://www.instagram.com/dixonsmith_interiors/

Landscape Architecture – Newton Landscape Group
https://www.instagram.com/newtonlandscapegroup/

Landscape Install – Outer Spaces
https://www.facebook.com/OuterSpacesLandscapingService

Pots and Fountain – Elegant Earth
https://www.instagram.com/elegantearthinc/

Gas Lanterns – Bevolo
https://www.instagram.com/bevolo/

Mirrors & Glass – M&M Glass
https://www.instagram.com/mmglasscompany/

Outdoor Furniture
Tables: https://www.instagram.com/redonionbr/
Seating: https://www.instagram.com/terraoutdoorliving/

Brick
Supplier: https://www.instagram.com/mcconnell_brick/
Installer: https://www.instagram.com/ljpcontractorsllc/

Front Door – Tully Woodworks

Cabinets – Laville Cabinets
https://www.instagram.com/lavillecabinets/

Flooring, Tile, Lighting, Hardware – Homestead
https://www.instagram.com/homesteadflooringco/

Dining Room Wallpaper – Sanderson Wallcoverings
https://www.instagram.com/sanderson1860/

Little Girl Room Wallpaper – Rebel Walls
https://www.instagram.com/rebelwalls/

Countertops & Kitchen Backsplashes – Stone Interiors
https://www.instagram.com/stoneinteriorsgroup/

Powder Sink – Custom Marble Sink from Turkey

Mantel – Old World Mantels, Baton Rouge

Interior Trimwork – Silas Construction
Installer: https://www.instagram.com/silas_construction/
Supplier: https://www.instagram.com/buildwithholmes/

Lumber – 84 Lumber
https://www.instagram.com/84lumber/

Ironwork – https://www.instagram.com/carpediemiron/

Building a Custom Home in the Village at Willow Grove: Part 1 The Inspiration and Process

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What is it like to create a custom home?

It’s a culmination of countless decisions, intensive planning, and personal expression. While every custom home journey presents challenges, it’s an incredible process that yields exceptional results. And, it all begins with a spark of inspiration.

For Emily, building a custom home with Bardwell was no debate, as she and her family have loved living in their current Bardwell home for nearly a decade. Not to mention, she’s part of the family business. In this series, Emily will take us behind the scenes to share her insights, influences, and experiences, offering a rare look at what it takes to build a custom home in Baton Rouge from the ground up.

1. What inspired you to build a custom home?

We have lived in our current Bardwell home for almost 10 years and we absolutely love it. But we needed to be closer to my daughter’s school, we needed more space, and there were a few particular changes we wanted to make to our floorplan that may not be considered “standard,” so we knew the custom route was the right one for us.

2. How has the process been so far? Can you share a moment that felt particularly significant or rewarding?

This was a completely custom home, from choosing the lot, creating the house design, and picking every single finish.

It’s been a slow and steady marathon, but having professionals help us along the way has been invaluable.

Even though I used an outside architect, I was able to bounce ideas off of the Bardwell team to make sure I was on the right track with budget, buildability, and available materials. We are still early in construction, so I would say the most significant moment I’ve felt so far was when the architect presented “the” plan to us. As I walked through the house, room by room, in my mind, I knew this was it. And, it was such an exciting and rewarding feeling to have created our home.

3. What role did the Bardwell team play in balancing your vision with practicality?

By having Bardwell partner with me as we were developing the plans, I was able to review preliminary plans with them so they could provide insight on costs before we got to the final plan set. It’s a check and balance to have the builder involved, because vision and practicality (a.k.a. cost) often conflict when it comes to custom homes. People can get to the finish line with the architect and find out the plan they thought they could build is out of range. In our case, we used JDE Designs, which is one of the trusted architects Bardwell often works with, so it was an efficient feedback loop as we worked toward the final plan set.

4. How does this build reflect your long-term goals and vision?

We wanted to make sure we built a home with longevity in terms of style, materials, and overall value, so that has played a key role in many of our decisions. Being close to our daughter’s school, I also wanted this house to have an open-door policy to all her friends as they make their way through middle and high school. So we kept that in mind as we created different spaces to eat, visit or play.

5. This home will be in the Willow Grove neighborhood… What drew you to this location for your custom home?

First, its central location in Baton Rouge. I’ll be within 15 minutes of work, family, and school. And second, we love the amenities of the neighborhood – from the pool and nature preserve to the commercial district with pizza, coffee and cocktail places – we will have so many options at our fingertips.

6. How do you think this home will grow with you and your family over the years?

We thought about different spaces we could host people and that our daughter and her friends could enjoy as they got older. With the layout of the home, we will have opportunities to sit and visit in intimate settings, both inside and out, and also have opportunities to open everything up to host large parties. I’m so thankful to be building a home that can do this, and we’re all so excited to grow in this home together.

7. What are you most looking forward to about living in your new custom home?

Hosting friends and family!

Build for the Long Run with Bardwell

Building a custom home is a test of endurance, and it requires meticulous planning, creativity, and collaboration. For Emily, it’s been an opportunity to bring her family’s vision to life while leveraging her expertise in homebuilding and new construction with the guidance of the Bardwell team. As construction progresses on this beautiful home in the Village at Willow Grove, stay tuned for the next chapter, where we’ll explore more details of the build and discover how this vision transforms into a home built for the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of building a custom home instead of buying existing construction?

The endless benefits start with total control of your vision. Custom homes let you precisely tailor layouts, finishes, and features to your family’s lifestyle. You can optimize space for your needs and ensure the selection of premium materials, which can be more limited with move-in-ready homes.

2. How do I choose the right lot for my custom home?

Consider proximity to work, school, and amenities, as well as lot size, orientation for sunlight, and potential for outdoor living spaces. When you work with a homebuilder like Bardwell, we help evaluate all the factors at play like costs and zoning requirements. 

3. What is the process for designing a custom home?

Custom home design begins with inspiration and planning, followed by selecting an architect, finalizing floor plans, choosing finishes and materials, and coordinating with your builder. We recommend beginning with the end in mind –  thoughtful planning is the best way to maintain alignment between your expectations and your budget.

4. How can a builder help balance my dream design with construction costs?

Custom homes feel more expensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re unnecessarily costly. It’s about thoughtful, intentional selection. Experienced builders provide insight into cost-effective materials, efficient layouts, and buildable design options.

5. What factors should I consider when picking a neighborhood for a custom home?

Think about location, community amenities, walkability, schools, and future development plans. Neighborhood lifestyle, like access to parks, pools, and commercial districts, will influence daily living and long-term property value.

6. How do custom homes accommodate growing families over time?

It’s one of the greatest benefits of building a custom home – plan your future as you envision it. Custom designs can include flexible spaces, bonus rooms, and layouts that adapt for entertaining, hobbies, or changing needs. Whether you’re planning to have lots of children or take care of your aging parents, build exactly what works best for your family. 

7. How long does it take to build a custom home?
The timeline varies depending on the size, design complexity, and permit approvals. But, planning, design, and construction typically span 6 months to over a year. Early planning with your builder will help keep the project on schedule.

8. What should I know about working with architects and builders together?

Collaboration between your architect and builder isn’t required, but we strongly recommend it if you want a seamless experience. It ensures that the designs are buildable, within budget, and aligned with your vision. Builders can also advise on material availability, structural requirements, and cost-saving alternatives while preserving your design intent. They work together. 

9. How do I make sure my custom home retains value over time?

Build with intention. Invest in quality materials, timeless design elements, and energy-efficient systems. Location, functional layouts, and the builder’s reputation also contribute to long-term resale value and family satisfaction.