Tag: Custom Home Baton Rouge

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
Stories	One- and two-story plans
Garage	Enclosed two-car
Architectural Standard	Benton design guidelines
Pricing	From the $800s
Currently Available	18 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.

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?

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.