Southern Charm Meets Luxury at These Idyllic Inns and Resorts

Audubon Cottages–New Orleans, Louisiana

Audubon Cottages exterior and pool terrace

The fervor of the French Quarter instantly fades as you enter the lush courtyard of Audubon Cottages. Comprised of seven revamped historic villas, the property’s promise of privacy and exclusivity traces back 200 years to artist in residence John James Audubon and remains a luxe hideaway. The brick-paved courtyard teems with verdant plantings and features a small, heated saltwater pool open only to patrons. It’s suspected to be the oldest swimming pool in New Orleans, dating to the late 19th century.

Audubon Cottages – New Orleans, LouisianaAudubon Cottages – New Orleans, Louisiana

Eclectic furnishings add to the character of each cottage, all of which showcase Audubon’s renowned Birds of America collection. Pieces from the past keep company with modern-day comforts, such as in-room ice makers. Breakfast and evening cocktails are served daily at the Garden House, but part of the hotel’s allure is its central location to famed French Quarter haunts.

Photography by John O’Hagan


The Fearrington House Inn–Pittsboro, North Carolina

Fearrington House Inn exterior and lush gardens

Serenity marks the verdant gardens and meandering pathways at the 32-room Fearrington House, located just outside Chapel Hill, North CarolinaOnce a working farm, classic structures dot the landscape reminiscent of the English countryside favored by founding couple R.B. Fitch and his late wife, Jenny. The property includes a village with various boutiques and a residential area that pay homage to the state’s rural heritage as well as the towns of pastoral England the Fitches loved to visit.

Assorted books, baskets, and wooden bowls displayed at the Village shops of Fearrington House Inn

An avid gardener and cook, Jenny’s remarkable gardens have been maintained for visitors’ enjoyment, and her kitchen plot provides fresh herbs and vegetables to Fearrington’s eateries. Before browsing shops like McIntyre’s Books and Dovecote Style, try a hot breakfast and house-made pastries from The Belted Goat, which also serves up flavorful lunch fare. For fine dining or afternoon tea, pull up a seat at The Fearrington House Restaurant. Round out your stay with some well-deserved spa pampering.

Photography by Krystal Kast


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