The Benachi House and its grounds offer a traditional setting for weddings, receptions and private parties. Located in the Esplanade Ridge National Register Historic District, this plantation-style landmark (c. 1858) has been fully restored and furnished with American antiques. The house retains its original details: fourteen foot ceilings fitted with banded cornices and exuberant medallions; carved, black marble and granite mantles of European origin; Rococo Revival chandeliers by Cornelius & Baker; Greek key doorways; and heart of pine floors. The furnishings complete the ensemble: Gothic and Classical Revival, American Empire, Neo-Grec and Victorian. The romantic gardens have been landscaped to include fountains, a gazebo and terraces of gris des vosges Alsatian flagstone.

Weddings, receptions, parties and dinners have occurred in our house and gardens to the enjoyment and acclaim of as few as ten and as many as three hundred guests at a time. Twenty-five guests may be served at a seated dinner in the dining room. The house and porches may comfortably accommodate seventy-five guests at a buffet or reception. Events for larger groups require set up on the terraces for service and seating. Unfortunately, we have no alternative facilities if the weather does not cooperate. Tents are available for rent on a contingent basis from local companies. Those planning an event for more than seventy-five to one hundred guests may choose the reliably mild and dry months: October- November, and March-April, to make full use of the gardens and other outdoor areas.

On street parking has proved adequate for up to one hundred fifty guests. If more parking is required, or if off-street parking is preferred, the parking area of the Musician's Union on the next corner may be rented for the event.

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The Benachi House and nearby Esplanade Villa are operated as bed & breakfasts, and together may accommodate up to twenty-three overnight guests in nine rooms and suites. Rental of the Benachi House for a wedding, reception or private party on a weekend requires that its four guest rooms also be reserved for a minimum of two nights each at regular rates by guests who will also attend the event. These rooms are suitable for single or double occupancy. Reservation of the Benachi House guest rooms is not required for weekday events; and reservation of the Villa suites, though available, is not required.

We ask that the event be professionally catered, and for evening affairs, a security guard be provided for the duration. We place a limit of four hours on each event; and require that all events end by 11:00 PM. There is neither a limit nor a charge for the time required for preparation and decoration, nor for cleanup. Guests, their families and planners may decorate the house and gardens. Past concepts have included flowers in the fountains, wreaths on the gates, candelarios on the front walk, a wooden dance floor and tent on the parking area, and of course flowers throughout the house.

For groups of up to fifty, a buffet can be conveniently served from our dining table and sideboards in the dining room. For larger groups, particularly if food items are cooked to order for the guests, cooking stations can be located on the lawn, or on the rear deck, adjacent to the kitchen. Tables and chairs can be set up on the rear terrace and lawn. Our large kitchen is used by the caterers to warm and ready the food for serving.

Wedding ceremonies have occurred in our library, parlour and gazebo, on the rear terrace, front porch and front lawn. Music of all types has accompanied events here. The rear terrace works well for dancing.

We provide the house and grounds for a fee, depending on the type of event, and the number of guests. The minimum fee is $500. Services of the caterer, security guard, florist and party equipment rental company are the responsibility of the host. We are pleased to recommend firms who have provided excellent service to our guests in the past.

To discuss availability, to make an appointment to see the house and for further information contact James G. Derbes, the owner and proprietor of the Benachi House by telephone at (504) 525-7040; or (800) 308-7040, or by E-Mail at: cotton@nolabb.com.

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