Building of the Week: Houmas House

Bertie and Joseph at Houmas House

Completed in 1840, Houmas House is the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s Great River Road.” Situated among the gorgeous plantations in Darrow, Louisiana, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens stands as proudly today as it did when it was first built. In the center of a thriving sugar cane plantation, the mansion evolved over decades from a modest home built by Maurice Conway and Alexandre Latil in the 1700’s on land purchased from the Houmas Indians.


After the land changed hands to General Wade Hampton in 1810, his son-in-law and daughter began construction of the mansion as we know it today. After thirty years of work, the archetypal Southern mansion glistened in the sun—massive columns guarding a gracious porch.

Bette Davis as Charlotte Hollis

Surrounded by enormous oaks and a meticulously groomed garden, the house is now a museum and visitor center—still with sugar cane. Because of its flawless restoration, the home has also served as a location for many films from the Grand Guignol classic, Hush, Hush…Sweet Charlotte starring Bette Davis and Olivia De Havilland to the more recent Midnight Bayou as well as television shows such as All My Children and, for some reason, Top Chef.

A visit to Houmas House is well worth the trip. The house is stunning, filled with magnificent antiques and the current owner’s art collection. The gardens are also available for rental for events. For more information visit the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens Web site.