• Authentic restoration furnished entirely with American antiques
• Five two-room suites
• all with private baths
• Some suites sleep three or four
• Ten blocks from French Quarter
• Major credit cards accepted
• Children welcome
• Safe, secure, free parking
• $125 to $135 double occupancy additional adults in some suites, $25 each.

When it was constructed in 1880 the Esplanade Villa evoked the charm and elegance of New Orleans at its renaissance. Its style, proportions and details reflected the diversity and prosperity of Esplanade Avenue, the grand promenade of Creole New Orleans. Its two- family occupancy was a local tradition in building, often connecting successive generations of the same family.

The Villa has been returned to its former splendor, for you to experience in a warm, relaxed and secure atmosphere! Walk or drive to the nearby French Quarter, Fair Grounds, City Park and neighborhood bistros. Or take readily available taxis and public transit.

Beginning in 1995, at a cost exceeding $200,000, the Villa was completely restored, decorated and furnished in a manner that, with some minor variations and all modern comforts, respects entirely the building as it was originally constructed. Thirteen foot ceilings, breezes and sunlight pouring through the generous windows, a palette of rich Victorian colors, and authentic, traditional furnishings will take you back to that unhurried time.

The Villa's spacious two-room suites provide convenience and comfort among an outstanding collection of American antiques from the last Quarter of the 19th Century. Three larger suites, one downstairs and two up, open on to small porches overlooking the Esplanade. They also feature a second bed in each sitting room: for children, a second couple or a travelling companion. Additional, slightly smaller two-room suites are found at the rear, furnished and appointed just as attentively as the larger ones. They accommodate one or two guests.

All suites contain a private Victorian bath (where bubble bath is provided), including a footed, cast iron tub with shower, and a pedestal sink. In the larger suites, the sink is located in the bedroom, European style, for convenience. The baths of the smaller suites are restored originals, complete with the wainscotting. Each room contains its original mantel and fireplace. The lighting fixtures are reproductions of those from the late 19th Century, when gas, though still in use, was giving way to electricity, and were custom-made for the project. Each suite is fully air conditioned and heated with the latest central systems; features ceiling fans for additional comfort in all bedrooms and sitting rooms; and provides a telephone for unlimited local calls and credit-card long distance, cable television, and sofas and chairs for relaxing.

The Esplanade Villa was constructed as a two-family, two-story rental house by Julius Weis, a cotton broker and philanthropist. A central wall, where the chimneys are located, separated the dwellings. On the Villa's lower floor were entrance foyers, double parlours, dining room and kitchen on both sides. Above, the two families each enjoyed four bedrooms and one bath. The building is in the Italianate style with arched fenestrations, double galleries and quoins on the front facade. Its bold horizontal elements give it a baroque quality. Other noteworthy details are side galleries that nearly extend the length of the house on the second story, windows that reach the floor, and transoms.

The building is now a single family dwelling. One of the double parlours with its associated entrance foyer has been restored, complete with ceiling medallions, banded cornice moldings and "pocket doors" to close off one parlour the other. The furnishings there are Eastlake and Classical Revival. One of the original two dining rooms and kitchens have also been restored, furnished and equipped, and are available for incidental use by our guests. The dining room is furnished in oak, with draw leaf table, chairs and sideboards. A wet bar, refrigerator with cold drinks, coffee maker and supplies are provided.

When it was purchased by your host, James G. Derbes, the building had been vacant for many years, and suffered from floor and ceiling damage from roof leaks, extensive pigeon infestation, termite damage and neglect. The side galleries had literally rotted away; and the arched windows on the facade-end of both double parlours had been truncated and filled in with modern doors. Ancient linoleum was everywhere, often in multiple layers, nailed or glued down. Ceilings in several rooms had been "dropped." Miraculously, most of the interior detail was in tact; and the Louisiana cypress exterior walls were remarkably sound, though mostly barren of paint. Many of the details that had been removed were still on the premises - under the house, or otherwise set aside.

The Villa is operated together with the Benachi House, across the small park at the confluence of Esplanade and Bayou Road, that was erected for Nicolas M. Benachi, another cotton broker, in 1858. For the guests in both houses, a gourmet breakfast is served in the grand dining room of the Benachi House. That Greek Revival landmark structure has accepted overnight guests since 1993.

On site parking is available at no additional charge.