Esplanade Avenue was Creole New Orleans’ answer to the American Garden District. Wealthy French and Spanish families built Greek Revival and Italianate mansions here from the 1830s-1890s creating “Millionaire’s Row” running from the French Quarter to City Park.
All five properties operate as traditional bed and breakfasts with shared common areas, morning breakfast service, and historic house tours. They’re smaller than hotels with 7-9 rooms creating intimate atmosphere. Owners often live on-site and provide personalized service.
The Melrose Mansion, 937 Esplanade Avenue.
An 1884 Victorian mansion at the edge of the Marigny. Eight suites named after literary figures: Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Anne Rice. Each suite has period furniture, high ceilings, and ornate plasterwork. The pool and hot tub sit in the courtyard. Continental breakfast included. Rates $200-$350. The mansion’s Gothic Victorian style contrasts with Greek Revival neighbors. Phone: (504) 944-2255.
Fairchild House, 1518 Prytania Street, Lower Garden District.
This Greek Revival mansion sits in the Lower Garden District, not Esplanade, but fits the Creole aristocracy aesthetic. Built 1841 with 14-foot ceilings, marble mantels, and period furniture. Eight rooms and suites, private bathrooms, full breakfast included. The wraparound veranda has rocking chairs facing Prytania Street. Rates $179-$299. The house survived the Civil War and Union occupation. Phone: (504) 524-0154.
Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast, 2023 Esplanade Avenue.
An 1861 mansion between the Treme and Esplanade Ridge. Seven rooms with antique furniture, four-poster beds, and private bathrooms. Full breakfast served in the formal dining room. The house has double parlors with original ceiling medallions and pocket doors. Rates $149-$249. The mansion sits on Esplanade’s quiet residential section past the tourist activity near the French Quarter. Phone: (504) 942-7048.
The Rathbone Mansions, 1227 Esplanade Avenue.
Two side-by-side Greek Revival mansions from the 1850s operating as one property. Nine rooms across both buildings. Original heart pine floors, 13-foot ceilings, period furnishings. The courtyards connect the two mansions. Continental breakfast included. Rates $159-$289. The mansions were built for prominent Creole families and maintained original architectural details through multiple restorations. Phone: (504) 947-2100.
The Degas House, 2306 Esplanade Avenue.
Edgar Degas lived here 1872-1873 while visiting maternal relatives. Nine rooms named after family members. The Edgar Degas Studio Suite is where he painted. Continental breakfast included. Daily tours available. Rates $179-$299. This is the only Degas residence open to the public worldwide. The house was built 1852 for Degas’ uncle Michel Musson. Phone: (504) 821-5009.
