THE PLANTATION
Reviving a Timeless Plantation: A Journey to Preserve Its Legacy & History
VIEW THEIR HISTORIC RESTORATION JOURNEYA Legacy Reborn: The Heart of 17 Oaks Plantation
17 Oaks Plantation is a meticulously crafted tribute to the grand plantation homes of the pre-Civil War South, inspired by a deep personal history and a legacy lost to time.
The estate pays homage to Mary Barton's parents' plantation in Louisiana — originally named 17 Oaks Plantation — purchased in 1936. Tragically, the historic home was lost to Hurricane Katrina, but its legacy lives on through the Bartons' unwavering dedication and determination to revive its spirit and recreate its grandeur.
Though rebuilt in Christmas, Florida, their vision remained true to the Old World Southern design, ensuring that its historical essence was preserved. A true labor of love, 17 Oaks Plantation is more than a home — it is a revival of a lost legacy, a tribute to Southern heritage, and a testament to the enduring beauty of history, love, and perseverance.
A Personal Journey & Quest to Restore a Legacy
The Bartons' journey was deeply personal. After losing their oceanfront home in the 2004 hurricanes, they embarked on a quest in 2011 — following Lewis's open-heart surgery — to study the architecture and engineering of over 30 pre-Civil War plantations across Louisiana. Their research led them to acquire 15 acres in Christmas, Florida, where they began construction of 17 Oaks Plantation in 2013.
The Estate & Drawing from Historical Influences
The estate was designed with defining features reminiscent of the past. The 17 towering oak columns encircling the home — each measuring 16 inches square and 16 feet tall — stand as symbols of strength and endurance, embodying the grandeur of classic Southern design.
Total Size
8,500 square feet with 5,000 square feet of living space.
Oak Columns
17 towering oak columns encircling the home — each 16 inches square and 16 feet tall.
Wrap-Around Porch
Grand wrap-around porch with 20-foot-tall columns.
Ballroom
1,100-square-foot ballroom for grand entertaining.
Hardwood Floors
Interiors adorned with cherry and oak hardwood floors.
Bass Pond
1-acre stocked bass pond surrounded by magnificent moss-draped oaks.
Fittingly, the Town Holds Its Own Historical Significance
The town of Christmas was named after Fort Christmas, built by soldiers on Christmas Day in 1837 during the Seminole Wars. Much like the fort, which stood as a symbol of resilience and history, the rebirth of 17 Oaks Plantation reflects the Bartons' commitment to preserving the past and honoring the grandeur of Southern architectural heritage.
Plantation and Novel
Lewis Barton's interest in history led not only to building 17 Oaks Plantation, but also to writing Countess Athena & Godfather's Twins — a fascinating book based on five generations of historical events involving Duke Vito and Duchess Marie Cornino, along with their eight grandchildren.
