Gone with the Wind

The South is a region known for being chock-full of beautiful, historic homes whose walls tell storied pasts. One such home can be found right in Webster Parish, and you can take a peek inside for yourself. Frances Love—descendant of Margaret Mitchell, author of the seminal work of Southern literature Gone With the Wind—is kind enough to open the doors of her Minden residence for tours with a flair all their own. 

The Bates-Irving home is one of the oldest, best-preserved properties in the region. Built in 1845 by Colonel William Bates, the house has ties to the founder of Minden, Charles Veeder, who originally owned the estate. Love took ownership of the home in the 1980s, and restored the home to its former glory. 

If you’re lucky enough to grace the halls of the Bates-Irving home, get ready for some insider knowledge on Gone with the Wind. Love’s great-grandmother was a first cousin of Mitchell, and she’s been known to share intimate knowledge on how the 1936 novel came to be. And, in the name of a little old-fashioned Southern hospitality, there are mint juleps and punch on deck. 

For more information on the tours, head to visitwebster.net.