The front exterior of the Vanessa London home. (Rita LeBleu/American Press)

 Vanessa London, a Lake Charles native, has moved from location to location for years because of her career. She’s lived in New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans, “all the major cities in which I wanted to live,” she said. 

 When she rented an apartment for her work stints, she made sure it was located in the thick of things. She didn’t try to re-create any particular idea of home. She embraced these new places – if only for a time – as home. 

“I took on the lifestyle,” she said.

Sometimes live productions, farmer’s markets, art galleries, art and craft shows were walking distance from her apartment. She embraced the culture and ate what the locals ate. 

About four years ago, she made the very difficult decision to sell her mother’s house in Lake Charles, the one place that truly represented home in her heart. 

“It was just too small, and it didn’t make sense to add on,” she said. 

Local real estate professional Larry Turner handled the listing and began looking for something that suited Vanessa. He knew she liked older homes with character, and that she wasn’t interested in living too far south of town.

London describes her home as vintage with urban flair. It has a very cosmopolitan feel because of art and decor she’s assembled during her travel for work and for fun, including the figurines shown above. (Rita LeBleu/American Press)

Vanessa was working in Indiana when Larry gave her a call. He told her he was sending her photos of a Seventh Street property. He thought she might be interested, and it would probably go fast. 

She loved what she saw, and she made an offer so quickly it surprised Larry. 

“I knew it was just the right size for me,” Vanessa said, “and I saw so much potential.” 

The 2,025-square-foot house has three bedrooms and two baths. Rooms are large. Ceilings are 10 feet. And when Vanessa saw the huge master bedroom walk-in closet that’s as big as a bedroom, she felt even more confident about her decision.

The house was built in 1902. Neighbors tell her that it was a duplex at one time. It was renovated in 2011. 

“Someone told me that Mrs. Comeaux bought it after it was renovated,” Vanessa said. “I discovered her daughters’ names in the concrete and realized this was the mother of two girls with whom I had attended Lake Charles High.” 

This modern kitchen looks ideal. London says she will be adding cabinets for her extensive pots and pans collection. (Rita LeBleu/American Press)

The interior of the home has taken on Vanessa’s personality.

“I call it vintage with urban flair,” she said. 

This style reflects her travels, her appreciation of art, an understanding of the subtle nuances in wall color and her love of creating a comfortable and well-decorated space for friends and family to visit. 

“Friends come over and they fall asleep,” she said, chuckling. “I used to think it was because they were bored, but they said it’s because they feel so comfortable and at home here.”

Guests express great ardor for Claire. Vanessa points to a large chaise. 

“The sofa is Milton. Candice Olsen names her furniture,” Vanessa explains. I just recently ordered some new dining room chairs and they happened to be named Vanessa.”

The name of the artwork above her mantle is, “Hope.” 

“It’s the very first piece of art I purchased that has meaning,” she said about the androgynous, long-necked subject with the tranquil expression. “I got it at the Fort Worth Arts and Crafts Festival 30 years ago. I was young and couldn’t afford it really, but it was a three-day event and I kept going back to look at it.”

The artist told her to pay him what she could afford and to mail him the remainder when she could. He liked to think of his work in the home of someone who would love it.

The front yard is also a work of art and features a profusion of caladiums. Vanessa credits the previous owner. 

Vanessa admits it has taken longer for her house to feel like a home than she thought.

“I’ve been here four years now,” she said. “I am finally beginning to feel at home. I wanted it to feel like home immediately, but it didn’t.” 

Through her desire to create a comfortable and welcoming space for friends to visit and relax, Vanessa London is slowly transforming her house into a home.  

“I want this house to be an expression of who I am,” she said. “I want everyone who walks in to feel just like they’ve been enveloped in a great big hug.”