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On April 15th, 1858, the Houmas Plantations were sold to John Burnside, of the firm of J. Of course, you must visit The Wine Cellars of Houmas House with quite an impressive wine list for you to choose from—and a history that pairs well. After our museum visit we packed up and took a view of the river before hitting the road home. The museum provides historical information about life on the Mississippi.
About Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
From a $150 land sale with the Houma Indians to 'Louisiana's Sugar Palace,' Houmas House's history explored in new book - NOLA.com
From a $150 land sale with the Houma Indians to 'Louisiana's Sugar Palace,' Houmas House's history explored in new book.
Posted: Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In 1857 the Prestons sold the house, twelve thousand acres, and 550 slaves to John Burnside, an Irish immigrant and New Orleans merchant, for $1 million. Burnside expanded the plantation’s acreage, built four sugar mills, and acquired other plantations in Ascension and St. James Parishes. By 1862 Burnside was the nation’s foremost sugar producer, turning out 5,150 hogsheads of sugar (approximately five million pounds). Burnside was also known for the lavish balls he held at Houmas House.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
They entertained with dinner parties, garden parties, buggy races and hunting excursions. In the 1920s, a failed sugar crop forced the family to sell off the plantation piece by piece. Finally, the family moved to New Orleans, and the Houmas was used mostly for weekend and Holiday retreats. It was during the 1890’s that the Miles Family enlarged the mansion by connecting the 1829 mansion to the French House, to the rear.
Houmas House
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.
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.
A casual lunch atmosphere is available for day visitors and fine dining available for evening. Either way, you’ll enjoy local Cajun and Creole cuisine with a twist. Also offers, meetings facilities, lavish Weddings, Bed & breakfast and a large Gift Shop which offers a wide selection of unique items. Plantations in Louisiana are one of the most sought after attractions throughout the state.
Postcard: Farmer Craig Black at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens - Saveur
Postcard: Farmer Craig Black at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.
Posted: Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
The house had two rooms on each floor with a central staircase, six over six windows, and exposed beams, some of which were beaded. Although it presents a historic appearance, this old portion of the house has been much reworked. Changes made by Dr. Crozat include the removal of the stairs, the addition of an upstairs hall with a Palladian window, the replacement of the fireplaces and mantels, and the installation of closets and cupboards. We took the guided tour, and our guide (Darren) was not only very knowledgeable, but also quite amicable. He provided lots of information about the house and was able to answer any questions we had about all the items of which we inquired. He even volunteered (without us asking) to take pictures of my daughter and I on the outside deck.The owner has done an excellent job of restoring the house to its former state and we both really enjoyed our visit.
Determined to “Federalize” the look of the home, Dr. Crozat removed ornate features such as cornices, crown moldings, and ceiling medallions and painted the structure white, both inside and out. There are plenty of sitting areas to allow visitors to relax and take in the natural beauty of this Louisiana experience. While the fall is widely considered the best time to visit due to its ideal temperature, each season has something special to offer.
For the peaceful opulence of Louisiana’s plantation country, look no further than Houmas House Plantation. The Carriage House offers fine dining on the property in a beautiful room filled with historical artifacts and decor. The Houmas House has elegant architecture, captivating gardens, and a wealth of attractions, a visit to this enchanting estate offers an immersive journey into the past. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Louisiana, the Houmas House Plantation stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and grandeur.
The richness of the land, great forests of cypress, and the abundance of wildlife for hunting attracted settlers in the early 1700’s and eventually into the hands of the Great Sugar Barons in the early 1800’s. In 1803 Donaldson and Scott built a new center hall cottage directly in front of the1700’s French House. In 1829, General Wade Hampton began the task of enlarging the Donaldson Cottage and transforming it into the Classical Revival Mansion that stands today. For over 240 years, the Houmas Mansion has evolved and grew with the times and with the owners of the great mansion.
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.
John Burnside arrives in New Orleans with Oliver Beirne in 1837 to open a dry goods store named Beirne and Burnside. After the death of Andrew Beirne in 1845, Oliver returned to Virginia to manage the family interests and the business Beirne and Burnside became J. Burnside and Company, the largest dry-goods store in the city of New Orleans. Burnside sold his very lucrative trading and dry goods business in New Orleans for $2,000,000 in 1858. He made the decision to enter the sugar business and began his Sugar Empire with the purchase of Houmas Plantation in 1858 for $1,000,000 dollars. All of the rooms at the Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens feature flat-screen TVs with premium channels, in-room coffee and tea service, a work desk, and complimentary in-room WiFi.
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.
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