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In the 1940s Dr. Crozat demolished a pair of rooms which had connected the older portion with the 1840 portion, and built a glazed breezeway with an arch at each end. He also installed a modern kitchen and bathrooms in the 1840s portion. Many different architectural styles can be found among the plantation homes along Louisiana’s Great River Road and throughout the south. Wherever wealth, social status, and heartfelt hospitality converged, these antebellum structures — some more grand than others — rose to reflect these and other characteristics of the landowners.
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Select rooms offer fireplaces and complimentary breakfast is provided for guests at this property. This four-star boutique hotel offers 21 guest rooms with free parking for guests. The hotel also features a picnic area and complimentary WiFi in the public areas of the property. The Gardens of Houmas House, spanning 38 acres, are a panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life and stunning exotics designed to beckon visitors to extend their stay.
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The hotel is set on 38 acres of gardens with a variety of facilities and services available for guests. The cottages are designed to mirror historic structures, offering a traditional experience that still provides modern conveniences. All rooms include a comfortable bed, luxurious bathroom, and a porch for enjoying the views of the grounds. In the Spring of 2003, the Estate of Dr. George Crozat auctioned off the entire contents of the mansion and grounds. Kevin Kelly, a New Orleans Businessman, purchased the mansion and surrounding grounds and began the task of restoring the mansion and gardens. The mansion, having undergone over 200 years of construction and remodeling by various owners, reflected a multitude of styles.
Houmas House Gardens
It was impossible to restore the house to a definite period without sacrificing elements from other important periods of its history. The choice was made to select the best features from various periods to showcase a legacy of each family in the mansion. After extensive restorations to the house and grounds, the Houmas re-opened for tours in November of 2003. Mr. Kelly allows tours of the mansion and gardens, however the Houmas remains his private residence, as it was for its previous owners for over 240 years. Dr. George Crozat engaged architect, Douglass Freret, to remodel and redesign the Classic Revival Mansion into a Williamsburg federal-style country home.
Dixie Café, located inside The Great River Road Museum, serves breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner with live music every Friday night. This casual restaurant offers counter service with a full breakfast and lunch buffet. Despite extensive investigation, the exact chronology and early building history of Houmas House remain unknown. However, John Preston’s authorship of the design can be argued on the basis of his well-known patronage of the arts and commitment to classical aesthetics, as evidenced in his sponsorship of sculptor Hiram Powers’s trip to Italy. After your tour, head to any of the plantation’s restaurants for a memorable dining experience. At Latil’s Landing Restaurant, you’ll dine just as the sugar barons did in the 1800’s with prix fixe three- or five-course dinner (your choice) with a wine pairing available in its elegant dining room.
Houmas House Plantation
In this climate, Houmas House celebrates the traditional harvest season, including special decorations, inside and out, for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Unlike more northerly climates, fall temperatures along the River Road promote longevity for the flourish of summer plants and allow for special plantings during these months. Each courtyard displays a dramatic water feature where exotic Lotus and Lily pads thrive.
Houmas House Estate, one of the South’s oldest and most beautiful plantation estates, is the home of Latil’s Landing Restaurant, The Carriage House Restaurant, Dixie Café, The Turtle Bar and The Wine Cellars of Houmas House. Movies that feature Houmas House famously include the 1964 Bette Davis thriller Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte, as well as episodes of All My Children, The Bachelor, and Top Chef. By 1803, Houmas House was already a working sugar plantation when it was purchased by Louisiana representative Daniel Clark. Notably, Clark suffered a leg wound on the property in an 1807 dual with governor William C. Claiborne. Soon after the death of Wade Hampton II on February 10th, 1858, John Smith Preston decided to sell the Houmas Plantation.
The twin Garconierre that distinguish the property have been renovated. And the central hallway of the grand house bears a room-size mural with a sugar cane motif that characterizes the original entryway artwork common in many plantation homes along the Mississippi. In 1840 a square plan, two and a half-story, peripteral style mansion of stuccoed brick was built in front of the original portion.
Louisiana Travel: High living and history on the Mississippi - Toronto Star
Louisiana Travel: High living and history on the Mississippi.
Posted: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Unique bottle holders are attached to the masonry walls, allowing each label to be read without having to touch the bottle. The white wine cellar is also home to our selection of fine champagnes, it is kept at exactly 56 degrees F. Over 1000 cases and 500 varietals of wines are housed in these “cellars”.
He shared his time between the two grand properties and entertained lavishly. At the age of 71, John Burnside, feeling ill, traveled to White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia for what he hoped would be a restful recovery. Mr. Burnside left one of the largest estates in America to his boyhood friend, Oliver Beirne.
Large and colorful Koi friskily circle the ponds providing vibrant colors and a peaceful feeling. Drive the breathtaking Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge to escape to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, one of the top plantations in Louisiana. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a food connoisseur, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Houmas House Plantation promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Louisiana’s heritage. Overall we were very impressed with the Houmas House and cannot wait to visit again someday. The next morning we started our our day with breakfast at the Dixie Cafe.
Here you’ll gain real perspective of the different architectural styles that the plantation has undergone based on its varying owners. Tour the inside of the main house and marvel in the glory of its 16 rooms. There are antique furnishings and artwork throughout that give perspective to the history of the home.
As was often the practice in those days, the great house grew in stages and reached its final full dimension in 1840. Your guide will then lead you outside to the many other structures that grace the land. This section gives a preview of some features you'll see on a tour of Houmas House. This post is a review of Houmas Plantation with info on tickets and tours. During the 2020 Travel South Conference in Baton Rouge, I attended a private party at Houmas House Plantation. Houmas House, located in Darrow, Louisiana, graciously hosted us and provided an authentic Southern experience.
If you are unable to provide your own transportation the Houmas House staff usually offers the tour with round-trip transit from New Orleans. Notably referred to as “The Sugar Palace”, at its peak the plantation produced a monumental 20 million pounds of sugar each year. Houmas House Plantation boasts immaculate grounds with meticulously maintained landscaping. Sculptures, exotic plants, and a Japanese footbridge adorn the expansive property, along with charming fountains. As you explore the premises, tranquility envelops you, offering a refreshing escape.
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