NATCHITOCHES, La., Oct. 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A piece of Hollywood history will be sold on the auction block this month. The Cook-Taylor House – made famous in the film "Steel Magnolias" – will be auctioned off Saturday, Oct. 26 to the highest bidder in Historic Natchitoches, LA.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=21287
Nationally recognized as a Preserve America Community, a Distinctive Destination and a Great American Main Street, the city of Natchitoches is the picturesque setting for what is fondly known as the "Steel Magnolia House." The house was built in 1840 by Italian architects Trizini and Soldini and was purchased as a business by Louis Dupleix in what early Natchitoches historian J.H. Cosgrove referred to as a great business spot. During the Civil War, the home was used for a hospital and it is rumored to have played a part in the Underground Railroad.
The more recent claim to fame of this historic home is the on-site filming of much of the movie "Steel Magnolias." Many of the scenes from the movie, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014, were filmed in the home and in the grand gardens, adding popularity to this already historically significant home and quickly making it the most photographed residence in Natchitoches.
In 2003, Karen and Paul Rinehart purchased the home and transformed it into the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast. Christina Landry, the current owner, planned to convert the house back into a residence, but continued to run it as a bed & breakfast when she found she really enjoyed meeting the guests."
"It's been a truly wonderful experience being part of this home's amazing history and wonderful community," Landry said "If it weren't for the fact that we want to be closer to out-of-state grandchildren, we certainly would have lived in Natchitoches and this architectural masterpiece for years to come!"
This unique home – resting across the banks of the Historic Cane River – features roughly 5,900 heated square feet of living space, six bedrooms and six baths, as well as a 800-square-foot guesthouse. Other notable features include circular brick columns along the facade of the home, original wood floors and a grand staircase.
"This auction is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Barbara Bonnette, auctioneer and agent with United Country – Bonnette Auctions Louisiana Outdoor Properties. "The Cook-Taylor House is one of the most valuable and desirable properties in Natchitoches parish. Properties such as these don't become available every day."
The October 26 auction will be held at 10 a.m. on-site at 320 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, La. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The auction will also feature antiques, high-end furnishings, movie memorabilia and other items.
For auction and inventory details, photos and terms and conditions, visit BonnetteAuctions.com. The auction team can be contacted directly at 318-443-6614.
The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
