On the very edge of the Garden District with its storied streets and mysterious mansions there is one 1840's grey lady that is both wonderful and Odd above all others. Hidden in plain sight but long forgotten, the manse and its secret gardens loom behind the tall mossy walls. Passing through the the locked iron doors you are greeted to a luxurious hideaway unique to anything outside of the French Quarter.
Once inside the gates, you enter an enormous garden terrace that overlooks the main yard with lots of places to sit and relax as well as an antique outdoor dining table. Here you will find a lovely pool surrounded by old lavender stones with a fountain spouting from the creeping fig covered walls.
Two large antique French doors on the terrace open to the charming Living Room and Dining Room with very high ceilings and terra-cotta floors and a working fireplace. These rooms are decorated with European antiques and also modern sofas for comfort. Passing through an arched doorway there is a generous kitchen with tall wooden beamed ceilings, a 14' long stone topped island and painted exposed brick walls. The tall French doors in the kitchen provide beautiful light and great access to the pool just outside. The Kitchen is well equipped with a La Cornue range, Subzero refrigerator, large apron sink and Waterworks faucets. There is also a powder room off the kitchen.
Still on the ground floor passing through the Kitchen doorway you enter a lovely bar area which can be closed off and there is an additional truly charming Bedroom on the site of the original Stable at the Lodge. This Downstairs Bedroom also has a sofa and its own private courtyard and entrance...perfect for someone who wants a bit more privacy or a nanny etc.
Upstairs in the main house are the rest of the bedrooms including a generously sized Master Suite with lots of closets and an iron balcony. In the Master Suite the ceilings are 17' tall with multiple 10' windows and wooden shutters for privacy. All of the floors upstairs are antique hardwood. There is a lovely working (gas) fireplace for cooler nights as well. It is furnished as the rest of the house with many details and antiques as well as some smart modern touches. The Master Bathroom is en-suite Art Deco with a large marble soaking tub and separate shower.
The house is unusual in that two of the bedrooms operate as their own private suite area which can really be wonderful when one wants to have privacy. Downstairs is very open and both major rooms open on to the large terrace and create a spectacular openness onto the gardens which, when the weather is good, is really wonderful. In all, you have a true hidden garden hideaway for French alfresco living!
