Louisiana, oh Louisiana—where every corner whispers tales of bygone eras! Journey through time and explore 21 of the most stunning homes in this enchanting state, each brimming with history and beauty.
From antebellum mansions to Creole cottages, these architectural gems showcase the diverse cultural tapestry of Louisiana.
Get ready for a whirlwind tour and engaging stories that will leave you craving more.
1. The Myrtles Plantation
How does one describe a haunted house without mentioning ghosts? The Myrtles Plantation, with its moss-draped oak trees, might just be the setting of your next mystery novel. Legend has it, mirrors here don’t just reflect— they remember.
Nestled in St. Francisville, its charm lies in the whispered tales and delicate Southern architecture. One might wonder, is it the beauty or the mystery that draws visitors? Perhaps it’s both. A visit promises stories that will linger like the lingering fragrance of magnolias in the evening breeze.
2. Oak Alley Plantation
Imagine strolling through a tunnel of ancient oaks, their branches swaying to the rhythm of history. Oak Alley Plantation offers just that. Situated along the Mississippi River, this mansion’s allure is as timeless as a Southern ballad.
Visitors might hear echoes of laughter from grand soirées of the past. However, the real star of the show is the grand oak-lined avenue—nature’s masterpiece. So, whether you’re a history buff or a romantic at heart, Oak Alley welcomes you with open arms and enchanting tales.
3. Nottoway Plantation
If grandeur had a name, it would be Nottoway Plantation. This stunning white mansion, with its towering columns, might just host a masquerade ball with time travelers. Located in White Castle, its gardens are as meticulously crafted as a Renaissance painting.
Where elegance meets history, Nottoway stands proud. A tour here isn’t just a walk through a home; it’s a dance through time. Visitors can practically hear the whispers of past gala nights and feel the weight of history in every room they explore.
4. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
Where art and nature unite, you’ll find Houmas House. This Greek revival mansion, adorned with colorful gardens, invites you to a dance of whims and wonder. Located in Darrow, it’s more than a home; it’s a canvas of history.
The gardens, like an artist’s palette, burst with hues that could rival a summer sunset. And though the reflecting ponds may mirror the skies, it’s the grace of Houmas House that captivates the soul.
5. Rosedown Plantation
Rosedown Plantation, where elegance meets botanical brilliance, whispers secrets of a bygone era. In St. Francisville, this French Creole treasure sprawls amidst lush gardens. Imagine a symphony of flowers serenading you as you stroll the grounds.
The house itself, with its intricate woodwork and timeless charm, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the past. However, it’s the gardens that steal the show, inviting visitors to lose themselves in nature’s embrace.
6. Shadows-on-the-Teche
In New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche stands as a brick sentinel of Southern grace and hospitality. However, its true beauty lies in the stories whispered by moss-draped trees. Each brick seems to hold a secret, each room a tale.
A visit here is like opening a history book, with pages turning in the wind. Though the house may not be grand in size, its charm is boundless. Visitors can almost hear the echoes of laughter from past gatherings, a testament to its enduring allure.
7. Longue Vue House and Gardens
If Gatsby had a Southern cousin, Longue Vue would be his abode. This art deco gem in New Orleans marries modernist elegance with Southern charm.
The gardens, a lush tapestry of flora, seem to whisper secrets of garden parties past. Visitors are invited to lose themselves in its beauty, a delightful juxtaposition of art and nature.
8. Laura Plantation
Stepping onto the grounds of Laura Plantation feels like entering a living, breathing work of art. Bursting with vibrant colors and unmistakable Creole character, this Vacherie gem is more than just beautiful—it’s deeply personal.
Each boldly painted wall and lovingly preserved room tells a story, not just of architecture, but of family, culture, and resilience. You don’t just tour Laura Plantation—you feel it. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Creole heritage, wrapped in color, memory, and the warmth of lives once lived within its walls.
9. Magnolia Mound Plantation
Where simplicity meets charm, you’ll find Magnolia Mound. This Baton Rouge treasure, modest in design, exudes warmth and history. The architecture, straightforward yet elegant, tells tales of a simpler time.
It’s the surrounding grounds though, lush and inviting, that beckon visitors to explore. Visitors might feel as though they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, a place where time stands still and stories linger in the air.
10. Beauregard-Keyes House
If you’ve ever wondered where the soul of New Orleans quietly lingers, the Beauregard-Keyes House might just be the answer. Nestled in the French Quarter, this Italianate beauty is more than its wrought iron balconies and lush courtyard—it’s a doorway to another era.
With every creaking floorboard and sun-dappled corner, it whispers stories of the people and passions that once filled its rooms. There’s a rhythm to this place, kind of like a soft jazz tune drifting through time. Rich in history and heart, it offers a tender, textured glimpse into the city’s vibrant, enduring spirit.
11. Pitot House
Quietly nestled along the banks of Bayou St. John, the Pitot House feels like a gentle whisper from New Orleans’ past. With its distinctive double-pitched roof and weathered charm, this Creole colonial treasure doesn’t try to impress with grandeur—but rather with heart.
It’s a place that welcomes you warmly, offering a peaceful pause wrapped in beauty, history, and the spirit of old New Orleans.
12. San Francisco Plantation
If plantation homes attended a masquerade, San Francisco would win best dressed. Located in Garyville, this flamboyant mansion boasts a facade as vibrant as Mardi Gras.
The intricate woodwork is a testament to craftsmanship, each detail a story in itself. Visitors may find themselves lost in the beauty and whimsy, each step a new discovery. San Francisco Plantation is a celebration of creativity and flair, a true gem of Louisiana.
13. Melrose Plantation
What makes a place truly unforgettable? At Melrose Plantation in Natchitoches Parish, it’s the powerful blend of creativity, culture, and quiet resilience. Tucked into peaceful countryside, its vibrant Creole cottages feel like chapters in a beautifully illustrated book.
As you wander the grounds, there’s a sense that every corner has a story to tell—of artists, visionaries, and everyday lives filled with extraordinary spirit. More than just preserved buildings, Melrose is a living tribute to those who found beauty and expression here.
14. Destrehan Plantation
Wandering through Destrehan Plantation feels like leafing through the pages of a Southern novel, rich with atmosphere and untold stories. Nestled near the Mississippi River, its stately columns rise like silent sentinels, welcoming you into a world where Creole heritage comes alive.
And its expansive grounds which are dotted with moss-draped oaks and quiet paths? They truly stir the soul. More than just a beautiful landmark, Destrehan is a deeply human place, offering a heartfelt glimpse into Louisiana’s layered, diverse, and enduring story.
15. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Enchanting and full of quiet grace, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Derry feels like stepping into a dream woven from history and nature.
The stately mansion rests gently among towering oaks and blooming azaleas, as if cradled by the landscape itself. But beyond the postcard beauty, it’s the human stories—of those who lived, worked, and tended this land—that truly stay with you.
Each path holds echoes of resilience, each bloom a reminder of care passed down through generations.
16. Ormond Plantation
If you’ve ever longed to step into a more graceful time, Ormond Plantation in Destrehan offers just that—a warm, elegant escape into the past.
With its stately façade and wide, welcoming verandas, it exudes the kind of Southern charm that feels like a gentle embrace. It’s the surrounding grounds, with their sweeping paths and sun-dappled corners, that truly invite you to slow down and soak it all in.
17. Evergreen Plantation
Quietly rising from the sugarcane fields of Edgard, Evergreen Plantation holds a presence that speaks more in feeling than words. Its dignified columns and timeworn façade don’t just impress—they invite reflection.
As you walk the grounds, it’s easy to get lost in thought, imagining the lives, struggles, and strength of those who shaped its story. Evergreen isn’t flashy or grand for grandeur’s sake—it’s powerful in its honesty, a place where beauty and history exist side by side.
18. Belle Grove Plantation
What remains when the walls are gone but the memories linger? At Belle Grove Plantation in White Castle, it’s the spirit of elegance that endures. Though the grand house no longer stands, the sweeping oaks and quiet gardens still hum with the echoes of a lavish past.
As you stroll the grounds, it’s easy to imagine candlelit soirées, music floating through the air, and the warmth of Southern hospitality. Belle Grove may be physically faded, but its essence is very much alive—a gentle reminder of beauty, history, and the fleeting yet powerful imprint of time well lived.
19. St. Joseph Plantation
Tucked beside the slow-moving Mississippi and wrapped in rows of sugarcane, St. Joseph Plantation feels like a soulful pause in time. With its Creole-inspired architecture and lived-in charm, the house offers more than just a glimpse into the past—it invites you to feel it.
Outside, the vast fields seem to stretch endlessly, carrying the quiet strength of those who came before. St. Joseph isn’t just a place—it’s a living reflection of Louisiana’s heart, history, and unshakable spirit.
20. Poplar Grove Plantation
In Port Allen, Poplar Grove Plantation stands as a Southern sanctuary of charm and history. Its classic mansion, with inviting verandas, echoes the grace of a bygone era.
Visitors might feel as though they’ve entered a world where time moves slower, and every moment is steeped in beauty. However, it’s the verdant landscapes that invite exploration, each path a journey into the heart of the South.
21. Oaklawn Manor
There’s a certain quiet magic to Oaklawn Manor in Franklin—a feeling that settles over you the moment you step beneath its canopy of ancient oaks. The grand façade hints at elegance, but it’s the lived-in warmth and layered stories that truly make this place special.
Inside, sunlight filters through tall windows, illuminating echoes of family, celebration, and resilience. You can almost hear the laughter that once filled its halls.