Benedict's Plantation

 History of Benedict’s Plantation

Tucked amidst lush native foliage, Benedict’s Plantation stands in reminiscence of a romantic era of elegance and luxurious respite offered on the north shores of Lake Pontchartrain. On Lovers Lane, one of Mandeville’s earliest roads, the home extends its legacy of celebration and hospitality from the generations of families who lived there to the many guests who have enjoyed its ambience.

The property where Benedict’s Plantation now stands was originally part of an English land grant. According to court recorded surveys of 1838, the first owner was Baston Lloyd who held the property until the late 1880’s, when the property was transferred to an heir. It was Samuel Lloyd who built the cottage which now houses Benedict’s Plantation.

In 1911, the house and surrounding properties became the summer home of the Friedrichs family. Following doctors orders to provide the freshness of ozone air for their ten children, Carl C. Friedrichs purchased the house and the 200 surrounding acres. The property extended 100 acres on either side of the house and south to the Chinchuba Creek.

Through most of the twentieth century the Fredrichs family retained ownership, until 1960, when the property was purchased from the estate by the Friedrichs’ daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McLean LeDoux.. It was Mrs. LeDoux who affectionately named the home “The Shadows” because of the beautiful shadow patterns created by the trees in the evening. The LeDoux’s completed extensive renovations on the house, creating a new entrance to face Lake Pontchartrain, which now remains as the welcoming front entrance of Benedict’s Plantation.

Under the direction of architect, Arthur Middleton, III, the house was converted into a restaurant by new owners, Judge Eddie Sapir and Joseph Segretto. After extensive renovations and additions, The Shadows Restaurant was opened in November, 1983 and soon became the premiere location for exquisite cuisine and Northshore celebrations. Following seven years of service, the Shadows closed its doors in 1989.

Breathing new life into the property, the building was purchased in 1990 by restaurateurs, Shirley and Benny Deluzain. To preserve the atmosphere of southern charm and in keeping with the original integrity of the building, only minor structural changes were made to the house. The cottage opened its doors as Benedict’s Restaurant in 1991, and became the home for both Benedict’s Restaurant and Deluzain Catering. The success of Benedict’s restaurant was immediate and Deluzain Catering was booked months in advance for off-site special events. As a team, Shirley and Bennie Deluzain extended their natural talents for gracious hospitality to each different event. From Jazz Brunch on the front porch of the cottage to elegant Formal Dinners in the Queen’s Room, to glorious receptions flowing throughout the home - each had the special touch of Benny and Shirley’s genius.

Realizing their dream of providing the area’s finest reception facility, Benedict’s Plantation expanded in 1998 to open the Grand Ballroom. Designed with an ambience of elegance, the Grand Ballroom of Benedict’s Plantation can accommodate up to 400 guests in the reception area with banquet seating for 250 guests. Going past the garden waterfall, traditional gas lamps light the way through a New Orleans style courtyard as guests enter this Grand Ballroom, where crystal chandeliers and hand carved mantel all set the stage for the exquisite cuisine which creates each memorable event.