Ashley and Brad Becnel are city slickers through and through: after years in Washington, DC, they’ve learned to love living in the middle of a big city. But with their home in the New Orleans CBD, they also found a way to build a rare tranquil outdoor retreat that offers them the best of all worlds. Read Kara Nelson’s story here.
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
Brad and Ashley Becnel met in 2008 while serving on Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential Committee. She went on to work as a prep clerk for the White House, and he became prep clerk, traveling the world planning the President’s events and meetings.
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
The new split-level backyard sits 17 feet off the ground with built-in plant beds, benches, and a full-size play structure. The lower level includes casual seating and the upper level is open plan. Both are covered with the same type of turf used in the Superdome.
Camp 14 September 19, 2022
The third floor living area leads to a terrace overlooking the neighborhood. “In the springtime, we like to sit on our balcony and listen to the music from Wednesday at the Square,” says Ashley Becnel.
Camp 12 September 19, 2022
The kitchen and dining area on the third floor receives natural light from a skylight.
Camp 2 September 19, 2022
Light filtering through the 1930’s style glass bricks illuminates the carefully chosen decor in the first floor Becnel’s living area. A rounded velvet sofa by ModShop plays with the building’s Art Deco origins. Wood in the ceiling was preserved by charring with fire using the Japanese Shou-Sugi-Ban method. The pink abstract painting is by New Orleans artist Mallory Page.
Camp 3 September 19, 2022
Light filtering through the 1930’s style glass bricks illuminates the carefully chosen decor in the first floor Becnel’s living area. A rounded velvet sofa by ModShop plays with the building’s Art Deco origins. Wood in the ceiling was preserved by charring with fire using the Japanese Shou-Sugi-Ban method. The pink abstract painting is by New Orleans artist Mallory Page.
Camp 13 September 19, 2022
Bespoke milling hides plenty of storage and a hidden bathroom in the kitchen and living area. “The house has a lot of hidden storage spaces and closets that allow us to hide the toys and games when the day is done,” says Ashley Becnel.
Camp 15. September 19, 2022
A dining room portrait of President Abraham Lincoln was created by Hunt Slonem, a nationally known artist who earned a degree in painting and art history from Tulane University.
Camp 11 September 19, 2022
One guest room has a door to the private courtyard.
Camp 8 September 19, 2022
The walls in the guest bathroom have a chevron tile pattern.
Camp 9 September 19, 2022
A chevron tile pattern accents a guest bathroom
Camp 10 September 19, 2022
The guest bathroom’s chevron tile wall adds a sense of depth to the space.
Camp 7 September 19, 2022
Venetian plaster walls, seen here in the ground floor hallway, have been used in the hallways and rooms to reflect the light.
Camp 6 September 19, 2022
A bar is hidden under the stairs leading to the second floor.
Camp 5 September 19, 2022
A bar is hidden under the stairs leading to the second floor.
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
CAMP- The outdoor area is designed for entertaining as well as living, with a large area for the kids to play on the same type of grass used in the Dome. ORG XMIT: NO.CAMP.io.100122
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
CAMP- The outdoor area is designed for entertaining as well as living, with a large area for the kids to play on the same type of grass used in the Dome. ORG XMIT: NO.CAMP.io.100122
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
CAMP- The outdoor area is designed for entertaining as well as living, with a large area for the kids to play on the same type of grass used in the Dome. ORG XMIT: NO.CAMP.io.100122
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
The outdoor spaces are inspired by the riads in Marrakech, Morocco, where the Becnels traveled. They offer escapes from the busy CBD to live and entertain.
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
The outdoor spaces are inspired by the riads in Marrakech, Morocco, where the Becnels traveled. They offer escapes from the busy CBD to live and entertain.
Camp 1 September 19, 2022
The new split-level backyard sits 17 feet off the ground with built-in plant beds, benches, and a full-size play structure. The lower level includes casual seating and the upper level is open plan. Both are covered with the same type of turf used in the Superdome.
Camp 4 September 19, 2022
CAMP- A former shop built in the Art Deco era is now home to the Becnel family.