Our first glimpse of Houmas House was during a summer thunderstorm. We had been driving along Highway 942 when we saw it, stately rising in the distance. It was a beautiful site, lined with live oaks and surrounded by 38 acres of gardens. I was snapping pictures through the rain as soon as I stepped onto the grounds. The land was originally deeded to the Houmas Indians, hence the name, during a land grant. Not realizing they were getting the bad end of a bargain, the Houmas tribes sold the land to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid 1700’s. They built the original dwelling that sits behind the mansion, separated by a carriage house. Construction on the “new” mansion was finished in 1828.
I had expected a typical historical tour when our guide, Miss Susan, greeted us at the door. She led us into the entrance hall and began to tell us the story of the house. Then, she mentioned the owner of the home, Kevin Kelley, had painted murals in the hall as would have been true to the period. This caught my attention. “Did you say the house had a private owner?” I asked. Imagine my surprise when she told us not only was the home privately owned, but the owner lived there! We would be able to go into all the rooms and touch the antiques in each room, nothing was roped off! We were encouraged to hold antique lawn darts, a gun from the Revolutionary War, and offered a chance to play the piano. We were also allowed to see every room of the house, including the owner’s private bedroom and study.
Once a massive sugar plantation, with over 300,000 acres, it was saved from destruction during the Civil War by owner John Burnside, who declared immunity as a British citizen. The plantation thrived for years until the great flood of 1927 and the great depression caused economic hardship. The house was closed and fell into disrepair until it was purchased again in 1940 as a summer home for Dr. George B. Crozat. He began restoration on the mansion, but it was not until 2003, when the home was purchased by Mr. Kelley, that the home was restored to its full grandeur. Furnished with period antiques and other collectibles, the Houmas House captures the essence of Antebellum life. There’s also quirky touches that caught my eye, a vampire slaying kit donated by Anne Rice and a Bette Davis room, left the way she used it when filming Sweet, Sweet Charlotte in 1963.
Before you leave, be sure to stroll through the extensive and beautifully decorated gardens. Different themes cover the grounds– the Hampton Garden, the Upper Garden and the Neptune Pavillion Fountain and Lawn flank the dramatic and inviting Fountain Courtyard. I could have strolled among them for hours, even in the rain!
Houmas House is located in Darrow, Louisiana, an hour drive from New Orleans, and offers options for fine dining, as well as tours, and a venue for weddings and events. Watch carefully! You might even find a ghost or two during your visit.
What a beautiful place and such a great experience that Mr. Kelley is giving visitors to be able to view and touch these things in the home. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
The tour and gardens sound amazing. I think that I would enjoy it extra during the rain since I love walking in the rain. This is on my wishlist of places to visit!
Never heard of it before, the gardens are beautiful!
I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to travel to New Orleans and that mansion seems just the sort of place I’d love to tour. It looks like an amazing trip!
What a really neat looking place. Sounds like a very interesting tour to take. I love the little blue bridge, how pretty!
Wow! That is an absolutely stunning house! You took some great pictures. 🙂
That is one gorgeous house, thanks for the pics!
The wall is so pretty. Looks Like fun.
The mansion is really beautiful but, I don’t think I would love to go and visit. I’m afraid that, there maybe ghosts.
A really unique home from a time long gone by.
The house looks very stunning! I can only imagine what an experience this was. The garden looks so nice and relaxing too.
What a great place to tour. i love hearing the history surrounding old building and land. I had not heard of the Houmas House before but now I am intrigued.
I have really enjoyed all of your posts about Louisiana!!! I used to live in LA, and miss it sooooooo much!!!
I love the columns on the front of the house and the gardens are gorgeous!
Now that is what I call an awesome house and museum! I cannot imagine still living in a home where ppl were allowed to tour, much less touch my possessions! I bet it looked beautiful in the rain, The land seems prettier while wet I think. I sure wish I lived nearby! Thank you for sharing your tour!
The Houmas House looks very impressive! The garden is completely breathtaking. I would love to visit that some day.
Wow not only am I amazed by the house but I also mesmerized by the dress of the lady. That is beautiful and something I would wear. 🙂
oh wow that place looks magical! thank you for sharing Houmas house!
I think that my family would like to visit here. It sounds like fun to take a tour and then stroll through the pretty gardens. I also want to see that Vampire Slaying set.
This sounds like an amazing trip and I think that it would be fun to go while it is raining. That is nice that they let you touch items and even play a piano! I would have liked to walk through the gardens.
wow thats a big house!! i love the Vampire Slaying Kit 😀
What a stunning house! And it’s great that it’s so interactive – a wonderful way to learn & experience history.
What a great experience! I love homes with history. It’s actually fairly common for historic homes to have private owners. : )
Ohhh I love when you travel and share it with us; always makes me feel like I’m right there with you…. Loved the pictures.. what a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing
Those gardens are beautiful with that curved bridge. … Heck.. the whole place is just lovely. What a treat for you to get to tour it.
This house is really unique and historical. What a lucky person to own it! Ah, the ghosts!
oh, wow pam! what a gorgeous place. and how cool of mr. kelly to let visitors interact with the home. i would love to check out the vampire kit too- slight obsession of mine….