By Linda Holloway
Photography by Larry Holloway
I remember the moment I fell in love with my husband. At twenty-one, his black hair was peppered with gray, his laugh was contagious, and his kindness was genuine. Today, I can say he still has the same virtues. Valentines Day, or your anniversary, is the perfect time to reflect on the attributes of your spouse. Remember, your family started with the two of you. Pause the merry-go-round life with kids and escape for a date.
Mitch Albom said it best. “Life is a series of pulls back and forth…a tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. Most of us live somewhere in the middle. A wrestling match---which side wins? Love wins. Love always wins.” For an annual marriage and romance check-up, visit The Inn at Houmas House, where love flourishes and one visit is never enough.
The Inn at Houmas House is ideally set on the magnificent grounds of Houmas House Historic Estate and Gardens located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Inn at Houmas House consists of cottages nestled along an alley of ancient oak trees and designed in the creole-style, depicting historic structures of the area. Each room is complete with a single king or queen size bed, or double queen beds with marble bathrooms. Junior suites and Deluxe Suites are also available.
While all the cottages are amazing, our cottage, #D2, had a piece of history welcoming us that is usually found roped-off in a house museum. It was our dream bed, designed and crafted by the 19th century New Orleans cabinet maker, Prudent Mallard. The 4 poster tester bed soars to the ceiling in dark mahogany. It’s magical how you can be swept away to another century by a piece of furniture. Dive into the posh linens and comfortable bedding. While the cottages are a throwback to yesteryear, the bath is modern with a soaking tub and separate tiled showers. Among lush foliage, the private porch is perfect for reminiscing about the springtime of your relationship or planning the future.
Romantic Dining – The Carriage House and Latil’s Landing
At dusk, street lanterns stirred memories of old New Orleans on our walk to the Estates’ Carriage House restaurant. If you are in a hurry, call the front desk for a cart ride along the paths. Take a mental note of intimate spots, surrounded by majestic statues, that you can explore later. Chef Jeremy Langlois is simply the best for preparing delectable dishes. His recent accolades include the prestigious “Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef Award.” The new menu boasts items such as Crab and Mango Cake and Tuna Tartare. Start with the famous Chicken and Andouille Gumbo and Onion Ring Platter with smoked paprika dipping sauce. The famed Turtle Bar is in the original 1830’s Garconniere. After dinner, take a stroll around the well-lit mansion and grounds. Pure romance!
Latil’s Landing is in the original 1773 structure of Houmas House; it is open Thursday – Saturday. This is fine dining at its best. Breakfast at the Dixie Cafe is complimentary with your stay. The extensive buffet comes complete with home-made biscuits. Here, you may be greeted by canine royalty, Princess Maggie, Princess Daisey, (labs) and the owner of Houmas House, Kevin Kelly. Kevin is one of America’s foremost visionaries who transformed Houmas House into the world-famous estate it is today.
Houmas House Tours
On a great curve of the Mississippi River, the land was fertile which became the home to great sugar cane fields and more. This attracted settlers in the early 1700’s and eventually into the hands of the great Sugar Barons in the early 1800’s. Here, Houmas House was transformed from the simplicity of the 1700’s cottage to the Classical Revival Mansion that stands today. The great colonnade has not changed since 1829.
The sixteen-room mansion, known as the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road, is completely restored with fine chandeliers, lush draperies, and prized antiques. My favorite items are the original Houmas China, a 1792 chandelier, and chairs that once belonged to President Polk. Notice the rare-period artwork displayed. Our tour guide walked us through 250 years of history. Houmas House is so stunning that film crews abandoned their Hollywood stage lots on numerous occasions to film on location—proving this unmatched beauty cannot be duplicated. Be sure and watch the Hollywood classic film, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, that was filmed here, featuring Betty Davis. The stunning staircase leads to the room where the actress lodged while filming. I promise you will remember the staircase after watching the film. The Green Book was also filmed, in-part, at Houmas House in 2018.
We usually spend most of the day roaming the thirty-eight-acres of Eden-like gardens. There are perfect situated seating areas for spectacular views of fountains and floral delights. Spend some time under the wisteria arbor with the Hampton Fountain in the background. This is a great place for a selfie. The Japanese Tea House is a perfect vantage point to view one of the stunning waterfalls. For us, it will always be a spot near the ancient oaks where the sprawling arms of the trees frame the house perfectly.
The great River Road Museum is a must-see on the grounds of the estate. You can purchase tickets for the House and Museum at the gift shop. Visitors can get a glimpse into history along the Mighty Mississippi from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Highlights include items from the Battle of New Orleans, the Civil War, Napoleon’s Death Mask, artwork, and steamboat models. The museum’s stories are enhanced by the wax figures that were originally on display in Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in New Orleans. When you exit the museum, walk to the Sweet Spot and bridge, leading to the top of the Mississippi River Levee to view the large ships traveling the river. Many ships dock at Houmas House allowing passengers to visit the museum, house, and grounds.
Leaving paradise is always hard. As a travel journalist, the experts suggest to never “fall in love” with a destination you are writing about. Technically, you are supposed to write about the facts and move on. Too late. It happened many years ago for my husband and I. Enjoy an escape to renew young love…Houmas House Estate and Gardens.
For more information and reservations, visit www.houmashouse.com
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