Layton Castle

08/13/2026

From 1814 to 1915, Layton Castle underwent many renovations and additions. To this day, our family thoughtfully works to preserve history while making improvements so the castle is comfortable for visitors and residents.
Pictures in order: 1814 raised Louisiana cottage, 1860 addition for the New Orleans family, 1908-1910 castle structure - east side, under construction - west side, Layton Castle today.

08/10/2026

The City of Monroe has extended the deadline to submit bids on the rehabilitation of the 1926 G.B. Cooley House until August 20th.

More information for contractors interested in submitting a bid at: https://qcpi.questcdn.com/cdn/posting/?projType=all&provider=6595685&group=6595685&fbclid=IwY2xjawTivh5wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU52RE9HUHp6V0ZsYmo3a0FzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSkrwxpAijGBGNvW4t7aaqil4dg6BZ-DUDrjYnbesRubf8H9ato7ADRAt2b0_aem_2obRKJCnUuyilYr806ij_w

08/06/2026

There are some amazing photo opportunities when you get married at a castle...
Photos by (in order):
- Sarah Barber Photography
- Sassafras Photography LLC
- ’s Photography
- Brenn Photography
- 's Photography

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

You can see a replica of a basilosaurus skull at the ULM Natural History museum.

07/31/2026

The Carriage House is one of Layton Castle's two Airbnbs! It showcases two bedrooms and bathrooms, a relaxing solarium, and is right off of our fountain courtyard. Here's what a recent guest had to say about their stay in the Carriage House:
"The Layton estate is absolutely gorgeous. I stayed in the Carriage House which was thoughtfully furnished, quiet, and extremely clean. I especially loved the large collection of books and the piano in the sun room! The grounds themselves are perfectly maintained and I loved sitting out in the yard or on the swing. Pam is an incredibly responsive and attentive host, giving local recommendations and events in the area. I cannot recommend Layton enough and will certainly be back! Thank you so much Pam!"

07/25/2026

Pink House Update:
Selina Lewis, owner and founder of the Pink House Heritage Cultural Center, is staying in the Carriage House at Layton Castle this week. She is in town to further the development of the Pink House by bringing in local help! Librarian and genealogist, Lora Peppers, will be photographing the property and building for the Ouachita Parish Library’s archive special collections this week. Selina is also working with the ULM film department to have interns and student volunteers come out and film the Pink House’s progress. At a private family tour later in the week, she will be showcasing her plans for the new layout of the soon to be cultural center. One of the rooms will house the “Work We Do” gallery, in which she plans to highlight Annette Hawkins, an integral member of Layton Castle’s history, alongside F***y Ford, Selina’s great great aunt, whose memory initially spurred Selina’s vision for the Pink House Heritage Cultural Center.

For more information on the Pink House, you can read Laura Pepper’s page about the house’s history here: https://ouachitaparishhistory.com/2025/12/12/the-history-of-the-bright-lamkin-easterling-home/

07/25/2026

Love this!

The Louisiana Trust is honored to present the 2026 Living Trades Award to Karina Roca.

Karina Roca is a blacksmith apprentice in New Orleans under the tutelage of legendary iron outfitter and master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves, working to preserve the historic trade that defines the city's architectural integrity, both structurally and aesthetically. In 2025, she completed a summer internship at Colonial Williamsburg's blacksmith shop where she participated in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, demonstrating traditional forge welding. An advocate for the cultural history of the city's built environment, Karina earned her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Tulane University in the Spring of 2026 and now serves as Preservation Resource Center's Program Manager for Bridge to Crafts Careers, passing along traditional trades skills to the next generation of preservationists.

🏅 The Living Trades Award recognizes individuals that have continued to use a traditional technique or method in construction, considered both artistict in nature and rare in today's construction practices, to achieve authenticity in the preservation, restoration, or reconstruction of historic resources in Louisiana.

Please join us in celebrating Karina!