"Houmas House Estate and Gardens invites visitors to step back in time at one of Louisiana’s most beautifully restored antebellum mansions."

Review:★★★★★ I enjoyed the lush gardens, learning about local history, and elegant dining at the end of the day. This riverside estate is a must-visit for architecture lovers, history buffs, and romantics alike.

I Found This Great For:

History enthusiasts
Learn about the sugar baron era, antebellum culture, and Civil War-era intrigue during engaging guided mansion tours

Garden lovers & photographers
Stroll through 38 acres of seasonal blooms, koi ponds, and lotus-filled courtyards

Couples & luxury seekers
Stay in charming on-site cottages and dine in style at one of three elegant restaurants

Day-trippers from New Orleans
Take a scenic roundtrip tour including transportation, film, and mansion entry with garden access

Things to See & Do

  • Guided Mansion Tours: Explore the restored 1840s Greek Revival home, its antique furnishings, and unique architectural details like the twin garçonnières
  • Self-Guided Garden Walks: Wander through curated gardens with exotic plants, water features, and peaceful sitting areas
  • Dining Experiences: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner on-site with menus served on replicas of 19th-century fine china
  • Ghost Tours: Join a spooky October tour highlighting the estate’s haunted history and supernatural tales

History Highlights

  • Early Origins: Originally Houmas Native American land, sold in the 1700s and developed as a sugar plantation
  • Sugar Empire: By the mid-1800s, the estate was the largest sugar producer in the U.S. under owner John Burnside
  • Survival Through War: Burnside’s Irish citizenship spared the home from Civil War destruction
  • Restoration: Restored in the 1940s and again in the 2000s, blending historic preservation with modern luxury

Ongoing Programs & Education

  • Multilingual Tours: Available in both English and French
  • Luxury Day Tours from New Orleans: Includes roundtrip transportation, historical film, mansion tour, and garden visit
  • Daily Tours: Home tours depart every 30 minutes; no reservations required for most walk-in guests
  • Special Events: Popular offerings include ghost tours in October and year-round private event rentals

Good to Know

  • Location: Conveniently situated between New Orleans and Baton Rouge on the Mississippi River
  • Accommodations: Six cozy bed and breakfast-style cottages are available for overnight stays
  • Dining: Three on-site restaurants range from casual to fine dining, using locally inspired menus
  • Recognition: Voted “Best Historic Mansion” in the U.S. by USA Today

Map & Location

Houmas House Estate and Gardens, 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725 – Phone: 225-473-9380
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, easily accessible from New Orleans and Baton Rouge

Map:


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