Related posts:

1. David Zayas, actor, reviews his stay at Bed & Breakfast
2. Kudos from the Rablee’s
3. Actress Deborah Kara Unger calls Dansereau House “Home Away from Home”

Related posts:

1. David Zayas, actor, reviews his stay at Bed & Breakfast
2. I really did live in the “big house”

Having arrived directly on an overnight flight from working in Lima, Peru, and on the heels of the first week of the State’s tragic oil spill, this ‘overwhelmed’ guest had no idea what to expect when the driver pulled up to this stunning Heritage House and was greeted by its hosts, Lori and Paul Worrell.

Booked into one of their grander rooms, I was so impressed by the detailed restoration work that had been done that I immediately wanted to see more- and my jet-lagged request turned into both an architectural and historic tour of this exquisite, yet intimate, property, during which Lori and Paul not only endeared me with their welcoming charm, but also kindly offered me any of the other available rooms if one in particular suited my needs more, as I would be on a ‘work’ visit and there for a month. Spotting a fresh dove’s nest on the plantation porch, I chose a smaller room with direct access to it.

Over the weeks, as heartbreaking news poured in of ongoing failed attempts to gain control over what would become the State and Nation’s greatest ecological disaster in history, the Dansereau plantation ‘dove’ porch became not only an improvised private work station but also a respite amidst its protected oasis of Louisiana’s natural beauty. In an area still untouched by the tragedy, my thoughts were increasingly with the locals on the coastal frontline (a mere hour away), as I would return from work each day to this River Road refuge- surrounded by its garden of magnolia and indigenous trees, its reverie of wildlife and birds (which have taken to the restored ‘bird bath’ on the property), and a resident owl who remained unseen but let itself be heard occasionally, in between the lulling chimes of nearby church bells which softly echoed in the Louisiana breeze.

Thanks to the hospitality of Lori and Paul, each day the Dansereau House became more and more of a ‘home’. And each day, the growing threat to its State’s natural wonders and historic richness with which I had become more intimate (Lori and Paul are exceptionally well-educated about both) and the urgent need to protect its unique ecology and economy were only heightened by this increased awareness of how invaluable an asset the bounty of the Bayou State truly is- to both its local residents, and the greater Nation.

So it was with mixed feelings that I discovered that Lori is additionally a brilliant cook, as we indulged in the last days of Louisiana’s local fresh shrimp and crawfish catch with her homemade Seafood Jumbo Recipe (spiced up with owner and State Representative Damon Baldone’s own Cajun sauce). And no doubt it was with mixed feelings that Lori’s husband, Paul, made the discovery that I, too, took immediate note of her ‘baking’ skills- within a week of my stay, a giant size 24/7 ‘cookie jar’ appeared on the kitchen countertop to accommodate the disappearing dozens of freshly baked cookies. The Dansereau House may not be equipped with an official ‘gym’, but “Loris’s Cookies” cravings turned the stairwell into a daily stair-master, as I beat Paul to the depleting jar each night for my midnight snack(s).  Ironically, I toned up and lost weight in doing so.  (Sorry Paul, but I highly recommend the ‘Dansereau Diet’ to ALL your future guests).

Lastly, I want to thank Lori and Paul for a month of laughter amidst such tough times for all in Louisiana. Effortlessly, you captured its resilient spirit- a spirit that will need to be drawn upon in the days, months, and years that follow this latest and greatest challenge to the State and its residents. When I arrived, I could not have anticipated what extraordinary hosts you would be in terms of your ability to transform a mere guest into an individual who felt and feels authentically connected to Thibodaux and Louisiana. Your knowledge and care as tenders of a piece of Louisiana’s history has made an forever impact on a guest- a guest who is not only grateful, but is now invested in supporting and promoting the welfare and ongoing prosperity of this invaluable State.

As impressively, witnessing weekly after hours ‘work’ visits by the new Dansereau House owner, Damon Baldone, was an inspiration to have been privy to; a ‘State Representative’ who- as a private citizen- has personally ‘invested’ in the restoration and preservation of a part of the deep and disparate roots of Louisiana only underscored the true depth of strength, value, and commitment of those who call Louisiana ‘home’.

I will miss- and already do- the Dansereau House…and my home away from home. As importantly, as beacons of hospitality, elegance, and smiles in times of the ‘cup half full’, I wish you- as individual mascots of a greater collective- much prosperity, and encourage all tourists, travelers, and ‘overwhelmed’ guests to seek room at an Inn of true worth.

Sincerely,

Until again-

Deborah Kara Unger

Related posts:

1. I really did live in the “big house”
2. Our First Anniversary!
3. Senator Butch Gautreaux at the Dansereau House

No related posts.

“The Dansereau House Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful, classy establishment. Quiet and beautiful, it’s a reminder of the generous hospitality and charm that Thibodaux has to offer. With the friendliest Innkeepers, Paul and Lori make you feel right at home and so comfortable. It’s spacious and calm, and I would recommend it for a great experience.” David Zayas, Actor, (Dexter, Law & Order), filming Samuel Bleak in Thibodaux

Related posts:

1. Capt. and Mrs. David Tripp have a “marvelous stay”