The Inn at Houmas House & Gardens

Location

An hour’s drive upstream from New Orleans, the Inn is set on the green banks of the Mississippi River. Watch the sunset or relax in a cosy spot to enjoy the breeze from the river in the Inn’s 38-acres of gardens full of both indigenous Louisiana plant life and exotic flowers. After sampling plantation life, you’ll find cafés with a Cajun flare and idyllic country villages nearby.

Accommodation

With construction on the manor finishing in 1828 and the estate undergoing several renovations since, guests are treated to everything from Greek Revival and Italianate to Federal architectural styles. Each room features old world furnishings, marble bathrooms and a porch to enjoy the river. Paintings depict the historic structures that once graced the plantation and all have full access to the lodge’s gardens.

Dining

The Inn’s three restaurants attract guests and locals alike with a traditional old Louisiana dining experience. For nearly two and a half centuries, Latil’s Landing restaurant has hosted the region’s landed gentry. Today, a taste of the past is available with a seven or nine-course degustation menu with everything from pan seared foie gras to crispy sautéed crab cake. For a more relaxed, club environment, the personalised service of the Carriage House Restaurant is sure to please while Café Burnside has lunch covered with dishes that range from fried oyster po’ boy sandwiches to healthy green salads.

Facilities

The historic water cisterns at Houmas House have been smartly converted into temperature-controlled wine cellars where over 500 varietals of wine are kept on their cast-iron shelves. Back inside, the Inn’s expert guides are more than happy to engage you with tours of the mansion’s architecture, artefacts and artwork and answer any questions on the plantation’s history. Groups are kept small so as to tailor information to guests’ interests.