Houmas House and Gardens
Table Of Content
Around 1900, another daughter of Houmas House died, this time on the plantation. Col. William Porcher Miles and his wife, Harriet, lost their daughter at the age of 7 to illness. She was laid to rest in the family cemetery, which was located down by the river.
Restaurants
P. Miles Jr., at the age of 45, married Harriet Waters, age 25, of New Orleans. They also enjoyed a large circle of friends that visited frequently, often staying weeks or months at a time. 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.
Houmas House Plantation Grounds
The mighty Mississippi River gave birth to this land over the millennium, creating the fertile lands which became the great fields of Sugar Cane, Cotton, Corn, Indigo, tobacco and more. 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. The great colonnade has not changed since 1829, when General Hampton set out to build a mansion fitting for his wife, Mary Cantey Hampton.
Guided Tours in Darrow, LA
During your visit to the Houmas House you can also visit the adjacent Great River Road Museum that features displays about life on the Mississippi. As the oaks grew, the intertwined canopy created a welcoming scene to visitors from the River Road who enjoyed their cooling shade. The little girl in the blue dress does appear to be the figment of someone’s overactive imagination because her presence has been witnessed by many people at Houmas House. According to records, the young daughter of Col. John Preston was the belle of Houmas House in the mid 1800s.
La Petite Fille (The Little Girl) At The Haunted Louisiana Plantation
Houmas House has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. Those who are interested in the history of New Orleans plantations have no better starting point than the stories of Houmas House and Oak Alley Plantation. These storied homes provide unmatched insight into the architecture and lifestyle of mid-1800s Louisiana.
Where is the Houmas House Plantation Located?
Houmas House Plantation features breathtaking gardens that captivate for hours. The landscape design is an exquisite display of lily pads, ponds, lotus flowers, and exotic blooms. The gardens are a phenomenal sight, adorned with lighted archways, wood-carved sculptures, and elegant water fountains. 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.
Attendees were given light-up lanyards synchronized with the garden lights and fountain for an even more festive atmosphere. 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 38-acre property was even better with these talented musicians playing a variety of genres, such as zydeco and big band.
Check out why our Guests loves us!★★★★★
What a lovely afternoon we spent walking around the beautiful gardens then touring the mansion . Our tour guide was a young girl who was very knowledgeable and brought the house to life ( sorry forgotten her name ) . Finished the day with a mint julep very nice indeed .Worth a visit. The newest addition to the restaurants of Houmas House is now open!
Houmas House Estate and Gardens
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. Changes in ownership through the years have led to changes in appearance, but the house and grounds today more accurately reflect their 1840s appearance. Two rooms plus a separate bathroom make it spacious and perfect for staying a couple of days. The sofa sleeper folds out to a full size bed in addition to the King size four poster bed.
The French doors open into a courtyard shared by other guests, but surrounded by lush gardens. This expansive museum educates visitors about life on the Mississippi, exploring the culture, commerce, folklore, and music. Once you’ve completed this attraction, save time to walk across the bridge located in the parking lot to enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape. Allow at least 4 hours for this visit to both Houmas House and The Great River Road Museum. A visit to Houmas House Plantation is a delightful experience, with one-hour tours of the mansion, gardens, and more available at $35.
Two-vehicle crash reported on Hwy. 942 in Ascension Parish near Houmas House - Weekly Citizen
Two-vehicle crash reported on Hwy. 942 in Ascension Parish near Houmas House.
Posted: Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. In 1840 a square plan, two and a half-story, peripteral style mansion of stuccoed brick was built in front of the original portion. The normal rear gallery was omitted because of the close proximity of the old house.
Guided tours of the mansion and gardens provide a comprehensive and informative experience. Expert guides share stories of the plantation’s history, architecture, and the lives of the people who once lived and worked there. These tours offer a deeper understanding of the plantation’s significance and its place in Louisiana’s cultural tapestry.
The variety of blooming flowers and trees is simply breathtaking. The museum provides historical information about life on the Mississippi. After the amazing tour we enjoyed a sunset stroll through the gardens. The rooms provided a variety of artifacts across many decades and many styles.
Photos, videos: A journey through the Great River Road Museum in Darrow - The Advocate
Photos, videos: A journey through the Great River Road Museum in Darrow.
Posted: Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Houmas House Estate and Gardens is conveniently located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, just 4 miles from I-10 on Louisiana’s historic River Road. The plantation is less than an hour from New Orleans’s Armstrong International Airport and less than a half-hour from Baton Rouge. From the stunning collection of azaleas and camellias to the tranquil koi ponds and fountains, the gardens offer a serene escape into nature’s beauty. The lush flora and meticulously designed landscapes create a picturesque setting that is ideal for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation.
Houmas House is a masterclass in horticulture, providing an opportunity to learn and appreciate the wonders of nature. The house is a stunning symmetrical antebellum structure featuring wrap-around decks on two floors, Federal arched dormers, majestic columns, and a decorative widow’s walk. Its allure is captivating, inspiring the desire to step inside or capture its beauty through the lens.
Comments
Post a Comment