New Orleans has some incredible homes, especially Uptown in the Garden District. And what say you about those French Quarter homes renovated by businessman Sidney Torres? Ridiculously nice. Some locals would say that the most exclusive real estate is a final resting spot in Metairie Cemetery. But for me, it’s a mansion and gardens in the outskirts of New Orleans called, Longue Vue.

Now hear me out. It might not look like much — and I went on a cloudy day at the height of winter, making the photos look particularly ominous — but it’s worth the visit. It’s the perfect place to pause and regroup between a boozy brunch and a performance at Preservation Hall.

House Backstory

This is the former home of philanthropists Edgar and Edith Stern who were madly in love and mad about traveling. They named the home after the restaurant where they were engaged and then decorated it with items inspired by their travels to Europe and Africa. Then, Edith began collecting modern art, as one does, and amassed an incredible museum-worth collection that is on display today.

You can tour the house and eight-acre garden that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

If you go:

Longue Vue House and Gardens is located at 7 Bamboo Road, just outside of the heart of New Orleans. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 5PM for visits and guided tours. Tours are scheduled upon check-in, on a first-come, first-served basis and based on availability. Tours take place on the hour and the last tours of the day start at 4PM.

The first Friday of every month brings a special opportunity to tour the gardens with its Director, and the family home with the Curator and Historian. On the first Sunday of each month, Longue Vue opens to offer free garden admission to all Louisiana families from 1PM to 5PM.