When the Cross family needed a home that combined Northshore convenience, abundant storage, and a collaborative building experience, choosing Jenkins Homes checked all three boxes. Jenkins Homes delivered a 2,400-square-foot Spring Haven residence packed with custom features designed for family living. The result? A thoughtfully designed space that perfectly balances functionality for their growing family with elegant design elements.
Erin and Christopher Cross both grew up on the Northshore, and after starting a family of their own, they saw how much the area fostered a close-knit, family-oriented lifestyle. They wanted to give that same experience to their children—but in a home that could grow with them and meet the needs of a toddler and a newborn. They moved into their new Jenkins home just in time to welcome their second child.
Working with Bubba and the Jenkins Builders’ team of designers, the Crosses were able to maximize storage in every square foot and design thoughtful features that made daily life with a growing family not only easier, but more enjoyable. They knew the level of customization Jenkins could deliver would be key to making their dream home a reality.
The Spring Haven home is just over 2400 square feet of living space, but packs an impressive amount of custom features designed to enhance the family’s quality of life. For instance, a butler’s pantry just off the kitchen is a clever use of space in what would otherwise be an empty hallway. The spacious quartz countertops are a convenient place to store barware and coffee appliances out of sight, and the built-in features an additional six spacious cabinets and two drawers for storage. There’s also a built-in beverage cooler and a bar sink with gold hardware—their metal of choice throughout the home.
The butler’s pantry leads to an oversized mud bench area, complete with (gold) hooks for hanging jackets and backpacks, four upper cubbies, three lower, a bench for seating, and an additional cabinetry unit that doubles as a charging station for computers and phones. The entire unit is about twice the size of a standard mud bench, and the Crosses say it’s made all the difference in keeping everyone’s things organized and out of the way.
When choosing a color palette for their home, the Crosses opted for a neutral scheme, featuring white walls and wide-plank oak vinyl flooring—an ideal backdrop for the upgraded gold lighting fixtures and real cedar wood accent beams and mantel that enhance the aesthetic.
The primary bathroom features a unique layout, with a freestanding soaking tub situated under a picture window and flanked by his and hers vanities. The oversized corner shower is gold-framed glass with zero-entry access. And, as with all Jenkins builds, the primary closet is equipped with custom shelving, including hanging rods at various heights and adjustable shelving.
It was also important to the Cross family to have an additional bedroom with an en suite bath, so that overnight guests could have comfort and privacy. In total, the home has four bedrooms and three full baths.
Notably, the home has custom or upgraded lighting throughout, from the Bevelo hanging gas lanterns outside to the recessed garage lighting. The Crosses also opted for a fully fenced yard, with privacy wood on either side, and a low wrought iron across the back that offers a clear sight line to the abutting woods.
The back patio has an oversized, eight-blade ceiling fan, and the brick accent wall is equipped with multiple electrical outlets, as well as plumbed with a gas line for future installation of an outdoor kitchen.
Spring Haven itself was a huge draw for the family. With a community pool, a lake, and scenic views that back up to untouched woods, it offers that unmistakable South Louisiana feel—peaceful, natural, and not overdeveloped. It’s the perfect place for their growing family.
