908-10 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA

 

The Buckner Mansion

 

The Buckner Mansion, built in 1856 for Henry Sullivan Buckner, is one of THE largest and most beautiful 19th century homes in New Orleans. This imposing Greek revival mansion is the largest surviving home designed by Lewis E. Reynolds, one of the city's most talented architects of the mid-1800's, and is one of the finest examples of Southern architecture to be found anywhere.

The grandeur of this home begins with the imposing, six-foot high cast-iron fence (over a Quincy granite base) that's stylized with a honeysuckle blossom motif. Inside, the grand center hall extends from the carved mahogany front door to the rear entry. Richly detailed, the hall features crossette frames topped with Corinthian-style cornices surrounding the doors, and 3 brass chandeliers, originally designed for candles, have been electrified.

The masterpiece of the home is the triple parlor to the left of the center hall. These 3 rooms are truly one as only columns supporting wide arches create a visual separation. A bay window projects from the center parlor, and each of the parlors has a two-tiered bronze dore chandelier designed in the Rococo Revival style. The 16' high ceiling is richly detailed with both ornamental plasterwork and massive medallions.

Upstairs there are 6 oversized bedrooms surrounding a spacious & light-filled landing. Above that is a built-out attic that could be updated & HVAC added for another 3500+ sqft of living area. The dependency contains a 912 sqft apartment, a bonus room above and a garage below.

The sprawling, well-manicured grounds feature mature landscaping, a brick pathway, slate patio, 2 driveways and a detached 2-car garage.