Spring Home Tour Preview: Nine Distinctive Homes

Originally built in the 1880s as a classic double shotgun, this Marigny gem has been thoughtfully reimagined into a one-of-a-kind single-family residence. A true feast for the senses, the home bursts with vibrant color, bold personality, and artwork that pays homage to the spirit of New Orleans.

Each room is alive with character, showcasing an eclectic mix of local art that celebrates the city's soul. Beyond the interior, a lush tropical courtyard awaits — a peaceful, sun-dappled oasis that invites you to linger and soak in the laid-back rhythm where nature meets the spirit of New Orleans.

A timeless beauty with a twist! Built in the 1880s, this Italianate three-bay, side-hall shotgun charms with classic details up front — then surprises with an airy camelback loft that feels like a modern hideaway in the sky. This home is a perfect blend of old and new. The Italianate style is known for its decorative brackets, round-headed windows, and elegant wooden molding.

It's one of the painted ladies on this colorful stretch of Burgundy Street. Inside, traditional detailing in the front rooms is juxtaposed with a contemporary open loft above. The indoor space flows seamlessly into the inviting patio, complete with a lap pool and native Louisiana landscaping.

This beautifully preserved 1880s Italianate shotgun double has been thoughtfully transformed into a distinctive single-family home in the heart of the Faubourg Marigny. A graceful example of New Orleans’ historic architecture, the home retains its classic charm while offering a deeply personal and worldly interior.

The furnishings reflect the journeys and experiences of its owners, featuring an eclectic mix of Indonesian and Chinese antiques, English heirlooms, and contemporary accents. Each room tells a story, creating a harmonious blend of cultures and eras. This Marigny gem is a stunning example of how history and global influence can coexist under one elegant roof.

This rare and architecturally significant property, a New Orleans City Landmark, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layered history. Built in 1807 by Constance Rixner Bouligny, a Free Woman of Color, the home is an exceptional example of early 19th-century Creole Cottage style. It consists of three single, two-bay, one-room-wide units joined under a single roof, each topped with its own dormer — a highly unusual “triple cottage” configuration that sets it apart.

Renovated in 1836 by Dutchman Asher Moses Nathan and meticulously restored in 1976 by architect Eugene D. Cizek, PhD, FAIA and Lloyd Sensat, Jr., the home blends preservation with thoughtful updates. A sunroom addition in 2004 enhanced the connection to the lush rear garden. Known as the Sun Oak Garden, this tranquil outdoor space is shaded by an ancient Live Oak and lovingly dedicated to Father Francis Xavier Seelos, who is said to have protected the home during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Distinctive architectural details include box columns now set on piers that suggest a built-in gallery, adding to the home’s charm and historic authenticity.

One of the featured homes on this year’s tour is the beautifully restored two-story double shotgun at 623–621 Kerlerec Street. Originally built in the late 19th century, the home endured a major transformation following a fire in 1936. It was clad in aluminum siding and subdivided into six small apartments before sitting vacant and neglected for over 50 years.

Homeowners Reignite Historic Charm

In 2022, a new chapter began. The current owners embarked on a full structural and historic restoration—bringing the home back to life and honoring its architectural legacy. The renovation restored many of its original features, including:

• Historic drop siding
• Italianate brackets
• Custom 6-over-6 windows
• Original transoms, doors and staircase
• Heart pine floors
• Greek Revival-style casings, fireplaces and mantles

Among the most historic homes in the triangle, is the 1815 Creole Cottage named Musee Rochon, originally home to, Rosette Rochon, a successful entrepreneur and free woman of color. Current homeowners, were delighted with the history and charm of the home’s brick- between-post walls and remnants of plaster. As is typical of a Creole cottage floor plan, the house consists of four square rooms on the main floor, each with its own fireplace. The rear two rooms of the home accommodates the kitchen on the left and stairs leading to the second floor on the right.

A small courtyard separates the rear of the main house from a one-story guest house. Four sets of French doors on the façade open inward, making it possible to enjoy this cool spring weather. A pair of handsomely detailed dormers on the roof allow light into the former attic space, where the main bedroom and dressing rooms show exposed rafters.

This unique property is actually two homes connected by a shared patio, creating a private compound that blends history, charm, and modern luxury. One of the structures is a four-bay brick cottage dating to the 1830s, reflecting many hallmarks of Creole Cottage style — from its authentic vertical shutters with strap hinges to its classic proportions. Unusually, the cottage lacks the typical overhang and is set directly on the ground, adding to its distinctive character. Inside, you’ll find the kitchen, living room, and office arranged in an inviting and functional layout.

Across the patio stands a complementary brick structure, built in place of a shotgun home that was destroyed in a hurricane. This newer building houses the sitting room, two bedrooms, and the primary bath, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the original cottage. The two structures are united by a lush, expansive patio that leads to a massive swimming pool with a dramatic waterfall feature, offering a serene and stylish retreat in the heart of the neighborhood.