JACKSON, Miss. — A luxury home that included a “purse room” that was featured in Mississippi Magazine last year as a showcase of design and renovation is now drawing additional attention after its owners were named in a $95 million lawsuit filed by the National Credit Union Administration alleging widespread embezzlement from a Mississippi credit union.
In its July/August 2025 edition, Mississippi Magazine published a feature titled “Calm, Cool, and Collected,” highlighting the Eastover neighborhood residence of Leigh and Chad Bridges and detailing extensive renovations and decorating projects undertaken after the couple purchased the property.
As the CU Daily has been reporting, the National Credit Union Administration sued Leigh Bridges, the former CEO of Jackson Area Federal Credit Union, and her husband in federal court in May 2026, alleging the couple misappropriated approximately $95 million in credit union funds over a period of years. The lawsuit alleges some of the funds were used to acquire the Eastover home that was featured in the magazine.
According to the magazine article, the Bridgeses purchased the French Country-style residence after moving from a historic home in Hazlehurst. The Eastover property, originally built in 1965 and extensively remodeled in the late 1990s, was selected because it offered a more contemporary setting while allowing the couple to blend traditional antiques with modern furnishings.
Antiques, Artwork, and ‘Purse Room’
The feature reported that the home underwent additional cosmetic renovations, including a kitchen refresh, before the couple enlisted Jackson interior designer Courtney Peters to help create a personalized aesthetic. Peters told the magazine she worked to incorporate the couple’s existing antiques, artwork and collections while adding modern fabrics, wallpapers and furnishings.
Among the home’s most distinctive features highlighted in the article was a custom-designed “purse room” created to display Leigh Bridges’ extensive collection of handbags. The magazine described the space as featuring boutique-style displays, custom cabinetry designed to fit individual bags, a chandelier and decorative carpeting.
The article also detailed the couple’s collection of artwork, designer lighting fixtures and custom furnishings. It noted that many pieces were sourced from local artists and galleries, while others were acquired during the couple’s travels.
According to Mississippi Magazine, the single-level home also offered established landscaping and enough property to accommodate a swimming pool and guest house desired by the owners.
Reflection of ‘Couple’s Personalities’
The feature portrayed the residence as a reflection of the couple’s personalities and described it as a space designed for entertaining family and friends. Designer Courtney Peters told the magazine that blending antiques with newer furnishings created “a lived-in element that makes the home interesting and inviting.”
The home has since become part of a broader legal battle surrounding the collapse of Jackson Area Federal Credit Union.
In its lawsuit, the NCUA alleges Leigh Bridges and her husband used credit union funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle that included luxury vehicles, designer goods, jewelry, private travel and real estate purchases. Court filings contend the Eastover home featured in Mississippi Magazine was among the assets acquired with funds allegedly diverted from the credit union.
Lawsuit is Pending
The Bridgeses have not publicly responded in detail to the allegations. The NCUA is seeking recovery of approximately $95 million it alleges was misappropriated from the institution.
The lawsuit remains pending in U.S. District Court.
The full feature on the home can be found here.
