By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

GARRYVILLE — Kim Fontenot, general manager of Garyville’s San Francisco Plantation, has announced the popular tourist destination will be closed to visitors through August as the historic site undergoes a $1.3 million authentic renovation.

The renovation, which began this month, is slated to be complete by September. Fontenot said the sales department is working during construction and the office will remain open to make reservations for future home tours, weddings and parties.

Fontenot said the extensive renewal of the National Historic Landmark would concentrate on the exterior of the home, include a leveling of the house and also focus heavily on the house’s grand galleries.

The landmark, known as “The Most Opulent Plantation House in North America,” last saw a major restoration in 1973, when it was restored to its elegant 1860’s era detail. Fontenot said the New Orleans architect who worked on the home’s first restoration is returning for this restoration.

In addition, Fontenot was excited to announce the plantation will host a fall festival for the first time on Oct. 25 and 26. Fontenot said the decision to hold a fall fest was made after Oak Alley Plantation officials announced they would be discontinuing their fall fest.