"Houmas House Estate and Gardens invites visitors to step back in time at one of Louisiana’s most beautifully restored antebellum mansions. With its lush gardens, rich history, and elegant dining, this riverside estate is a must-visit for architecture lovers, history buffs, and romantics alike."

Recommended 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

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