During our Viking Mississippi cruise, our ship docked in Darrow, Louisiana, giving us the opportunity to explore Houmas House Estate and Gardens. The historic property is known for the beautifully preserved home and gardens. Located along the Mississippi River, Houmas House offers visitors a glimpse into Louisiana’s plantation past while showcasing the grandeur and craftsmanship of a bygone era.
The estate is also a particularly beautiful place to visit during the holiday season. Houmas House is known for transforming the mansion and grounds for Christmas, with the historic home dressed in festive decorations that add another layer of charm to the already impressive property.
A Plantation With 250 Years of History
At Houmas House Estate and Gardens, a restored antebellum-era plantation home sits amid the fertile land of the Mississippi River. The estate operated as a sugarcane plantation for approximately 250 years, with its greatest period of growth and success coming during the 1800s.
General Wade Hampton acquired the property in 1829 and continued expanding the estate and its classical Revival-style mansion. Much of the development was intended to meet the expectations of his wife, Mary Cantey.
By 1858, the plantation had been sold to John Burnside. At that time, Houmas encompassed 35 acres along the Mississippi River and approximately 12,000 acres of land. It should be noted that more than 550 enslaved people were held on the plantation. The property continued to change hands over the years before gradually declining and moving toward closure in the 1920s.
Restoring Houmas House to Its Former Glory
Dr. George Crozat, the owner at the time, sold the property in 2003 to New Orleans businessman Kevin Kelly. Kelly took on the enormous task of restoring portions of the mansion and gardens to their former grandeur.
After 250 years, Houmas House had undergone countless remodels, additions and construction projects, leaving the mansion as a fascinating blend of architectural styles and different periods in history. Kelly embraced those layers rather than trying to erase them, carefully curating the home to bring different eras back to life.
Today, Kelly uses the mansion as his private residence while opening the property to visitors through tours of the home and gardens. His attention to detail is immediately apparent, from the furnishings and artwork to the carefully designed gardens surrounding the mansion.
Inside the Historic Mansion
Walking through Houmas House feels like stepping into another era. The interior has been restored and furnished with period pieces and artwork, creating an elegant setting that reflects the various periods represented throughout the mansion.
Walls are covered in detailed wallpaper and gold-framed artwork, while sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceilings. One of the most impressive features is the grand spiral staircase, with dark wood trim and a rich red carpet that creates a dramatic focal point inside the home.
Many of the furnishings and pieces of artwork found throughout Houmas House are rare period pieces associated with specific eras of the mansion’s long history. The result is a home that feels both grand and personal, with each room offering another glimpse into the property’s past.
One of the most unique displays inside the house is a historic medical and surgical kit on display. The case contains what looks like an assortment of small glass medicine bottles, instruments and surgical tools, along with a religious crucifix.
Exploring the Houmas House Gardens
The 38 acres of gardens surrounding the mansion are just as impressive as the house itself. The grounds showcase native Louisiana foliage alongside exotic plants, with ponds, statues, manicured shrubs and enormous oak trees creating a peaceful landscape.
Walking beneath the sprawling live oaks and along the garden paths offers a completely different experience from touring the mansion. The landscape provides a sense of what the property may have looked and felt like generations ago while also showcasing the beauty of Louisiana’s natural environment.
The combination of historic architecture, mature oak trees and lush gardens makes Houmas House particularly photogenic, with something different to discover around nearly every corner.
Houmas House on the Screen
The home and grounds have also had a place in popular culture. Since the 1960s, the property has been featured in films, commercials and television series.
Over the years, numerous notable stars have visited the estate, including Bette Davis, Chevy Chase and James Franciscus. The distinctive architecture and expansive grounds have made Houmas House a natural backdrop for productions looking to capture the atmosphere of historic Louisiana.
Houmas House at Christmas
While the estate is beautiful year-round, the holiday season brings an extra sense of magic to Houmas House. The mansion and property are decorated for Christmas, with the historic interiors taking on a festive appearance while still maintaining the character and elegance of the home.
For travelers planning a Louisiana getaway during the holidays, Houmas House is a wonderful addition to an itinerary. The combination of historic architecture, elaborate Christmas decorations, gardens and centuries of history makes the estate feel especially memorable during the holiday season.
Planning Your Visit to Houmas House
Houmas House and Gardens is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with several touring options available.
A combined tour of the house and gardens is listed at $35 for adults, $25 for teenagers ages 13 to 17, and $17 for children ages 6 to 12. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and is offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visitors can also add a visit to the Great River Road Museum to their experience. Booking tours online in advance is recommended to secure a preferred day and time.
For travelers cruising the Mississippi River, Houmas House is a memorable stop in Darrow that combines Louisiana history, architecture, gardens and Southern hospitality. Whether visiting during the warmer months when the gardens are in full bloom or during the holidays when the estate is beautifully decorated for Christmas, Houmas House offers a fascinating look at one of Louisiana’s most distinctive historic properties.