Historic Homes of Bourbon Street

Submitted to the Item

Historic Bourbon Street Homes Open for ToursubmittedA collection of Creole and Victorian homes, along with their courtyard gardens, will open for the annual “Treasures of Bourbon Street” House Tour on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 1 to 5 PM.

The event is sponsored by the Historic Bourbon Street Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes the residential heritage of Bourbon Street and spotlights the fact that in addition to its storied nightlife, Bourbon Street can claim some of New Orleans’ most outstanding homes. The street was the premier residential address of Old New Orleans and was named for the French royal family.

Tickets are $15 and will be sold on the day of the tour at 804 Dumaine St. and 1452 Pauger St. Tickets must be purchased by 3:30PM.Houses located on or just off Bourbon Street that will be on view include: An unusual Creole cottage at 815 Dumaine St. with a front door that opens onto a side piazza in the Charleston style.

The dormered cottage is the home of art consultant Arlene Karcher and its contents include a collection of primitive art.The courtyard gardens of Judith Ann Hartwell at 818 Ursulines St. feature lush plantings in two gardens, one behind the main house and the other behind a rear dependency. A quaint wooden gate leads to the second garden.A raised Victorian cottage at 1218 Bourbon St. is the future retirement home of Robert White and Kathi Metzgar of Dallas, Tx. Unusual for Bourbon Street, the house is set back from the sidewalk and has a large magnolia tree in front. The home’s furnishings include European pieces.

The building at 1243 Bourbon St. was originally a corner Creole cottage but in the 1880s it was Victorianized and a second story added. It is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Bowen and the large ground floor space that was the store is now filled with American Empire antiques, old lamps and cozy over-stuffed sofas and arm chairs. On the walls hang old prints and oil paintings of French Quarter scenes.

The house at 1452 Pauger St. (where Bourbon Street ends and curves to become Pauger Street) is a 135-year old side hall Victorian cottage with a two story rear wing. The home of Sammye Levy, the structure has been adapted for modern living.

For more information about the house tour, call 504-524-3621.