Serenity at the seashore

John and Joanne Curren — owners of Curren Court Reporters in New Orleans — have long had a connection to the Coast. John, a veteran of the United States Submarine Service, has had family living in the Pass since 1910. He introduced Joanne, who is also a real estate agent with O’Dwyer Realty, to the area when they met. They now have a comfortable coastal property that they hope to pass down to the next generation. 

Here, they invite us inside their chic, cozy retreat. 

The Basics:

• Location: East Scenic Drive, Pass Christian 
• Age: Eight years — was built to replace property owners lost in Hurricane Katrina, located on Sandy Hook on the eastern shore of Bay St. Louis 
• Size: 3,850 square feet, four bedrooms, 4.5 baths 
• Notable attributes: Screened-in front porch, heart pine floors, custom dining room chandelier made with green sea glass, and a custom chandelier made with oyster shells gathered on the beach.

WHAT IS THE HOME’S BACKSTORY? 

After Hurricane Katrina, we decided we wanted to be on higher land. East Scenic Drive is very high. The original building on this property was a trading post built in 1848. Around early World War II, it became a VFW Hall, and then more recently the Palace Reception Hall. 

WHAT MAKES THE HOME SPECIAL? 

We designed and built this home to be our summer home and to welcome our extended family and friends. We also have hosted many parties in conjunction with sailing regattas, Art in the Pass patron parties and two family weddings. 

What makes this house special is all of the memories we have shared with our family and friends. 

WHAT REACTIONS DO YOU GET TO THE HOME? 

People have knocked on our door asking to come in to see the house. I had a stranger come in and take pictures of the entire inside of the house. People are surprised at how large the house feels inside. 

DESCRIBE YOUR HOME’S STYLE 

The style is a typical Southern coastal cottage with a white picket fence. Many people have told us it looks like it has been here forever. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO AT THE HOME? 

There is nothing better than sitting on the porch listening to all the birds on the beach and enjoying the breeze. We have amazing views out of every window — from all of the beautiful oak trees that surround us to Cat Island on the horizon. We watch sailboats and shrimp boats going by. We love looking out at night and seeing people on the beach. We feel very lucky to be living in a little slice of heaven.