10 Facts About Houmas House:
- The Houmas Indians sold the land comprising the plantation to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid 1700s. The original dwelling built by Latil is attached to the rear of the main house by a carriageway.
- Houmas House boasts rare twin garçonnières on the property. These charming structures served as “bachelor pads” for young adult sons.
- Former owner John Burnside saved Houmas House from Yankee torches by claiming British citizenship—a bluff that fooled the Union soldiers into sparing the mansion.
- A room-size mural in the house’s central hallway displays a sugar cane theme as a tribute to the plantation’s past.
- In 1964, the movie “Hush . . . Hush, Sweet Charlotte” was filmed here. Star Bette Davis slept in the former nursery during her stay.
- The 38 acres of splendid gardens benefit from a year-round growing season. The Fountain Courtyard is a particularly popular draw with guests, who pause to admire the property’s many indigenous plants.
