In 1882, two houses in Hilly, LA were rolled on logs, pulled by mules to the location at 711 N. Vienna. They were joined together to make one home. The property was originally known as the Knowles House because the Knowles family was the first owner of the property.
Around 1977-1978, Carol Harris Hudson Plamondon and Beulah Brown Lassiter purchased the home and completely renovated it. They put all the electrical wiring in conduits, sheet rocked over the old board walls, updated and/or added bathrooms. They opened Twin Gables Bed and Breakfast. Twin Gables had 6 bedrooms with adjoining baths and operated for about 10 years. Many events and wedding receptions were held at Twin Gables.
In 1991, Rosy and Terry Bromell purchased the home and lived in it from 1992-2011. When they purchased the home, the only way to get to the attic was a very small, 18x18 square hole and slats on the side of a closet to climb to this small square. They added a staircase to the attic and floored the attic for storage. The kitchen had very minimal cabinet space. The Bromells added beautiful kitchen cabinets, many with glass paned doors and drawers.
In 2012, they decided to renovate the space again to be able to occupy it as Bromell Agency, Inc. In 2013 the renovations were complete and the office was moved from downtown Ruston to the present location. This was also the 30th anniversary for Bromell Agency, Inc. so a Grand Opening was held for the office relocating and celebrating 30 years in business.
Fun Facts:
- Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s houses were taxed based on the number of rooms. Closets counted as rooms. Because of this, there is only one original closet in the home/office.
- The house is reportedly haunted. We have never see the ghost of a young woman whose beau went west and never came back for her because he was killed.
- The house is a cypress frame home. The Bromells had some cypress siding milled like the original siding to do some exterior renovations in the early 90s.
People often request to use the location for photography including senior portraits and such.