The beauty of farm life lies in more than the landscape. It’s in the rhythm of the days, the scent of fresh hay on the breeze and the sense that time moves slowly. Growing up, Callie Richardson loved seeing her Baton Rouge friends marvel at her family’s small farm in Livingston Parish. “Even though it was only 30 minutes away, they thought I lived in a different world,” she recalls.

Today, Callie and her mom, Janet Henderson Cagley, still delight in hosting guests at The White Magnolia in Kentwood, the wedding venue they co-founded in 2015 that has grown to become a staycation destination.

The sprawling acreage offers a glamorous getaway that combines the best of farm life with amenities like a pickleball court, stocked pond and the latest addition, Magnolia Sips Poolside Bar and Bistro.

Since purchasing the 110-acre plot of rolling pastures to turn into Callie and her husband Charlie’s dream wedding venue, The White Magnolia has blossomed into a sought-after wedding destination for couples across the region. Upon returning from their honeymoon in 2016, Callie and Charlie, who owns Richardson Construction and Developments, began adding thoughtful amenities to the working Quarter Horse and commercial cattle farm.

It started with a dream and a set of Southern Living house plans. From there, Charlie built 10 cozy cottages for couples, their wedding parties and families celebrating on the property. Then, in 2020, they began offering full-service catering, operated by Callie’s sister-in-law, Jessica Bowlin. Over the years, they have added things like a fire pit, a playground and more, catering to the needs of guests, as well as their family.

As Janet dreamed up ways to make the summer season magical for her many grandchildren, a pool became the clear answer. But rather than keeping it tucked away at home, the family chose to place the pool at The White Magnolia, adding yet another thoughtful touch to its ever-expanding list of things to do.

As the business has grown, so has its vision. As of this year, The White Magnolia welcomes guests year-round for a serene countryside escape, whether for family getaways, gatherings with friends or corporate retreats.

Though modest in footprint, the two-story cottages are designed to sleep four, with a loft, separate dressing room and an inviting sitting area. Every inch is optimized for comfort, providing all the essentials for a restful stay without compromising on the farmhouse vibes and southern charm. Paired with one-of-a-kind cottage experiences—like Little House on the Prairie Days, where guests milk cows, pick vegetables, churn butter and enjoy hands-on activities only a working farm can offer—Callie and her family share the magic of country life, one weekend getaway at a time.

“We want people to come experience the farm for the whole weekend, not just the day, to bring families closer together and spend quality time together outside on the farm like we love to do,” Callie says. The Cottages at White Magnolia are TV-free, just like the Richardsons’ home. “We did just get WiFi because we had so many people requesting it,” she laughs. “But that ’90s kids growing up style is what I wanted my kids to have. And it’s what we want for the families that come out here to spend time together.”

Read more about Callie Richardson and how The White Magnolia and Magnolia Manor began in this feature from our archives.