40136 River Road/Hwy. 942, in Darrow, (225) 473-9380, (225) 473-7841. Tours daily 9am-7pm.
Once part of a sugar cane farm, this grand Greek revival plantation home began as a three-room cottage. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is now known for the 40 acres of magnificent gardens that surround it, and something is always in bloom. Sugar kettles, converted into small ponds, dot the premises. Giant oak trees in front channel breezes into the house. Allow time to stroll the gardens before or after your house tour led by a costumed tour guide who describes the plantation’s unique history, people, and culture.
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garden fountain at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
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drum bridge at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
The art and antique furnishings here are posh and spectacular, and a few are original to the house. Highlights include a striking mural in the mansion's entry, which was painted by the head groundskeeper--who is also a talented artist and runs The Art Noir gallery on-site.
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costumed guide by interior grand staircase Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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detail of contemporary mural at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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A gold clock that once belonged to Marie Antoinette and then Napoleon now resides on the mantle,
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antique gold clock at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
and a 68-pound solid-silver rendering of Abraham Lincoln made by American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who also chiseled the giant heads at Mt. Rushmore, sits calmly in the drawing room (don’t miss your chance to rub his nose for good luck).
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silver sculpture of Abraham Lincoln at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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And an original Gauguin graces a wall.
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Gauguin painting at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
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painting at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
Plus, upstairs you’ll see the bed where Bette Davis slept while filming “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” here, as well as a vampire slaying kit from the collection of author Anne Rice.
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the Bette Davis bed at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
The Carriage House restaurant is a splendid room. Sitting in it is divine, and the food matches the surroundings. Afternoon tea is served, and you can enjoy a casual but elegant dinner here. My own meal was a bland local seafood gumbo with a potent French martini cocktail and a soft white-chocolate bread pudding ending.
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Carriage House restaurant at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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gumbo at Carriage House restaurant at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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An annex near the kitchen features taxidermy animal heads galore.
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room with taxidermy heads at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana
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Tucked at the other end of this restaurant, behind a giant 600-year-old live oak tree that has been struck by lightning several times, the cozy
Turtle Bar is the perfect spot for a before or after dinner drink. Also,
Cafe Burnside is open daily for lunch and Sunday brunch, and in the Old French House,
Latil’s Landing, offers fine dining dinners.
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Turtle Bar at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
New cottages are situated sort of like the slave quarters were on plantations in times past--always in two rows, always on the outskirts of the property. Built in 2012,
The Inn at Houmas House is a collection of 6 luxuriously appointed cottage buildings with 21 rooms situated along a 300-year-old allee of ancient oaks. Exteriors feature Doric columns and mimic planters' homes of the 1800s, and guests are provided rocking chairs so they can sit on their shaded porch and enjoy a gentle breeze off the Mississippi River. A mixture of antiques and modern amenities decorated the attractive guest rooms, and each has a unique theme. Bell service and transportation around the property is handled with golf carts. Two complimentary house-tour tickets are included with each guest room.
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cottage at Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
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guest room at Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana |
More nearby plantations.
More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers