The first Lamothe to own the property was Miss Marie Virginia Lamothe, who purchased two parcels of land fronting on Esplanade Avenue in 1829. She sold the property to her 33 year-old brother, Jean Lamothe, in 1833. The house was built circa 1839 as one of the first double townhouses erected in New Orleans. Jean Lamothe was a wealthy sugar cane planter of French decent originally from the West Indies. He sought refuge in New Orleans for his family at the turn of the century, after the insurrection in Santo Domingo.

In 1859, the Lamothe family sold the property to Henry Parlange and Paul Rivera, two Parisians. At this time, Rivera contracted builder Louis Folliet to make considerable renovations to the property. Rivera's contract included changing all the shutters and doors, and converting the porte-cochere (carriage entrance) into a main entrance and hallway. This is the reason for the unusual facade opening arrangement.

In 1860, the four hand-carved Corinthian columns were added to the double entrance. Also added were the twin winding stairways with hand-turned mahogany rails that sweep up to the second floor reception area and third floor suites. The house's great cypress floor boards and ceiling timbers were hand-hewn and many of the hand-wrought iron fastenings for doors and windows, as well as most of the original rolled glass window panes have been preserved.

The double service wings were rebuilt of brick and the courtyard was paved with flat stones originally imported as ship ballast. The original flagstones remain today.

The Rivera contract also specified that the parlors were to be richly decorated to the taste of the owner. This is reflected in the rich interior millwork, moldings and plasterwork installed by Folliet in 1860. Interior openings retain the original Greek key arches and doorframes surmounted by handsome molded cornices and transoms with sophisticated muntin arrangements.

Amenities

Enjoy original Victorian antiques, a lush courtyard with fish pond and pool. And don't miss our complimentary breakfast of fresh baked pastries and croissants served in our elegant dining room. Louisiana-roast coffee and a selection of teas are available day and night.

Amenities include:

• Discounted Parking
• 24 hour Front Desk
• Authentic period furnishings and architectural features
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• Telephone
• Private Baths
• Hair Dryer
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Cable TV
• Air-Conditioning
• Wireless Internet Access
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Heated Jacuzzi
• Tour planning

Let the friendly, 24-hour staff at Lamothe House recommend the best tours, the secret local spots, or even plan a whole day of fun and adventure. We'll make sure you don't miss a thing! We even make dinner reservations!