A Home for the Holidays

Finding peace and serenity in the Bay

- MARY NEFF STEWART

Traveling home to New Orleans from the Louisiana State Bar Convention in Biloxi three decades ago, Teri and Bubba Wylys’ car broke down in Bay St. Louis. While waiting for their car repair, they noticed a listing for a farm on the outskirts of town at the adjacent real estate office. On a whim, the couple bought the wooded property and began making weekend visits to the area with their young children.

Enjoying the small town and easy-going beach lifestyle inspired them to make another adjustment in their lives. The couple later purchased an apartment building in town and moved their young family to Bay St. Louis in 1986.

Built-in the early 1900s, the Tulane Apartment building was a trio of spaces that Teri and Bubba converted into a single residence. Over the next few years, and as they added to their family, they added three bedrooms and an extra living area to create their ideal home.

Originally from the West Coast, Teri was drawn to the Mediterranean-style architecture of the residence that had an eclectic coastal style. The tile roof and stuccoed arches are focal points in the historic beachfront neighborhood. The beautiful landscaping frames the structure and adds to the seaside style.