Whether an abode is humble or grand, behind each one is a story waiting to be told. These New Orleans mansions provide insights into the social, economic, and political landscapes of New Orleans.
The Most Coveted Luxury Homes in the Crescent City
In New Orleans, homes on the market have a median list price of $360,000. Luxury homes like the stately mansions you notice on St. Charles Avenue are on a whole other level. Sometimes referred to as grand dames, these mansions are known for grandeur and elegance. Some have been converted into hotels, libraries, condos, and bed and breakfasts.
St. Charles Avenue Mansions
St. Charles Avenue, a main thoroughfare, is home to some of the most famous mansions in the south, many built in the late 1800s in a variety of architectural styles. These properties are highlighted by meticulously manicured front yards. Some of the more famous mansions include The Elms Mansion, The Columns, and The Wedding Cake House, which was built in 1896 and features intricate detail and Corinthian columns. Majestic oak trees enhance the architectural grandeur to provide a unique backdrop to one of the country’s grandest parties, Mardi Gras.
Mansions of the Garden District
A historic neighborhood in its own right, the Garden District includes one of New Orleans’ most stunning mansions. Many houses in this neighborhood were developed in the early and mid-1800s and are preserved as historic landmarks, but The Sully House stands out as the most well-known. The home was originally built around 1890 for a family of an insurance agent and boasts fish-scale patterned shingles, a wrought-iron fence, and a curved front porch. Today, the iconic property serves as a boutique bed and breakfast enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Organizations like the Garden District Association and the Louisiana Landmarks Society dedicate themselves to preserving the architectural integrity of historic landmarks, including the renovations The Sully House underwent in 2016, including revealing the original pine flooring and original fireplaces.
Creole Townhouses
Not all mansions in New Orleans are vast. Uniquely blending of European and Caribbean influences, the French colonial architecture of the city’s Creole townhouses is the admiration of every eye. Some of the best examples can be found in the iconic buildings, ironwork balconies, and vibrant facades of the French Quarter. Creole townhouses are multi-storied L-shaped structures, with the main section being flush against the sidewalk. French colonial homes often include dormer windows, tall chimneys, French doors, balconies, and an interior garden or courtyard.
Historical Significance of New Orleans Mansions
Whether an abode is humble or grand, behind each one is a story waiting to be told. These homes provide insights into the social, economic, and political landscapes of New Orleans. Offering glimpses into the lives of those who shaped the its history, including the noteworthy politicians, businessmen, and entertainers who once dwelt in them. Today, some of these treasured properties have been turned into museums, event centers, hotels, and even restaurants. Yet every now and again one of these gems still enters the real estate market.
Whether you’re in the New Orleans market to buy a mansion or a budget-friendly fixer-upper…
…we can help. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable real estate agents live and work in the city and have a deep understanding of historic homes, including repair and renovation. Contact our Realtors to enjoy the benefits of a professionally guided real estate transaction that is as seamless as possible.