Discover the Largest House in Louisiana and Just How Big 25,372 Square Feet Really Is

Louisiana boasts a variety of unique-to-itself attractions, including Cajun and Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, and the entire city of New Orleans. The state’s roots as a French colony morphed as more and more people began to settle in the land on the west side of the Mississippi River. 

Within the Pelican State’s limits, one house reigns supreme as the largest home across all 52,378 square miles of Louisiana. Can you guess how big it really is? 

Where is the Largest House in Louisiana?

For the last several years, one home has dominated the Louisiana real estate market as the largest residential home by square footage.

11001 Highland Road in Baton Rouge (in East Baton Rouge Parish County) is the largest house in Louisiana at 25,372 square feet. Also known as the Pennington Mansion, inside you’d find:

• Five bedrooms.
• 10 bathrooms.
• A two-story living room with custom chandeliers.
• A saltwater pool.
• Natural privacy from an orchard of live oak trees.
• A workout and massage room.
• An elevator.
• A nearly-5,000-square-foot guest house with a three-car garage.
• A fully-stocked pond.
• A 1,429-square-foot cabana.

These features barely scratch the surface of what Highland Road has to offer. The manor-style property is protected by a gated entrance, so curious locals may have to wait for an open house to peek inside. 

The current owners bought the house for six million dollars in 2015. At the time, real estate agents considered it the highest-priced residential sale in Baton Rouge’s history. Now reselling, the owners believe their listing price of $14 million is fair after adjusting for inflation, the upgrades, and many amenities the house possesses. However, as of July 2023, the home has been listed for just over two years without a strong potential buyer.

What Can You Fit in 25,372 Square Feet?

For regular homebuyers, 25,000+ square feet is almost unfathomable. Here are some ways to think about how large this house is based on the sizes of commonly-used things.

Inside 11001 Highland Road, you could fit:

• 790 pool tables (32 square feet).
• 599 king-sized beds (42.22 square feet).
• 14.5 volleyball courts (1,740.5 square feet).
• 5.6 basketball courts (4,508 square feet).
• 3.1 baseball fields (8,100 square feet).

For a home comparison, the median size of homes across the United States is 2,014 square feet. In Louisiana, the median size of homes is even less: 1,955 square feet.

What Are Other Large Homes in Louisiana?

11001 Highland Road in Baton Rouge isn’t the only big house in the state. Several others compete for the title, boasting equally impressive features. 

Coming in at 13,357 square feet and also in Baton Rouge is 10112 Wood Duck Drive. This massive residence spans outward and owns nearly 60 acres of land around it. The private estate, part of the Mallard Lake community, is surrounded by extensive wrought iron perimeter fencing. One of the most impressive features is a remarkable 7,440-square-foot barn that includes a 1,080-square-foot loft apartment, a caretaker bedroom, and a bathroom. 

Significantly lower but still expensive is 18 Audubon Place — a 9,364-square-foot single-family residence. This magnificent residence was originally crafted by Emile Weil and has recently undergone extensive renovations, including a brand-new ceramic roof, copper gutters, and a fresh coat of paint. One of the standout features of the Renaissance Revival Façade is the impressive grand porch adorned with beveled glass doors. Inside, you’ll discover grand staircases, pocket doors, stained glass windows, marble mantles, intricate woodwork, and striking decorative elements that exemplify the original architectural style. Dating back to 1914, this exquisite home has stood the test of time, showcasing its timeless beauty and charm.

Does Louisiana Have a Lot of Mansions?

Though it doesn’t rank among the top states with its number of mansions, Louisiana plays host to a variety of large estates — specifically from land barons and plantation owners in America’s dark past. By the Civil War, Louisiana had nearly 1,600 plantations on its land.

Today, only a few of the plantations remain intact. These antebellum mansions, now used as museums and peeks into history, were kept as they existed in the 1800s for the most part. Some of the plantations in the best condition for tourism are the Evergreen Plantation, the Bocage Plantation, and the Oak Alley Plantation.

Would you live in a 25,000-square-foot home? The Highland Road property’s privacy and security measures make it feel like its own oasis — so seeing neighbors wouldn’t encroach on your enjoyment of the home. The other homes in Louisiana also offer luxurious amenities, spacious rooms, and top-tier features. 

Up next, learn about the animals in Louisiana or how the Louisiana flag got its design.