The best 19th-century vacation rentals in New Orleans

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As New Orleanian William Faulkner famously wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Nowhere does that feel more true than in the centuries-old abodes that inspired the novelist—as well as so many other artists. We’ve rounded up six historically significant (and absolutely gorgeous) vacation rentals in the Big Easy.

Photo of The Mazant by Sophie_Berard.

The Mazant in Bywater

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this circa-1880 Greek Revival mansion isn’t what people typically think of when they picture a Bywater bed-and-breakfast—but that architectural and economic diversity is what has historically made the neighborhood such an attractive destination. This licensed bed-and-breakfast can host weddings, family reunions, and other events, and the eight-bedroom, six-bathroom manse sleeps up to 16 guests. The Mazant is part of the BoutiqueHomes Collection, and rates start at $600/night.

Airbnb

Maison Vitry in Treme

Built in 1855 for Louise Vitry, a free woman of color, this home’s illustrious lineage of occupants has continued into the 21st century—it served as a shooting location for American Horror Story: Coven. Bewitching details include original plaster moldings, mantles, frescoes, and a mahogany staircase.

The lack of central A/C gives it 19th-century authenticity, but perhaps a little too much warmth during summer months, though the bedrooms do have window A/C units. The three-bedroom home is 10 blocks from the French Quarter and about a mile from the Fairgrounds Race Course, which hosts the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Rates start at $350/night.

VRBO

Fleur de Lis Mansion in the Lower Garden District

Looking to throw a swingers’ party or organize an adult video shoot? This adults-only bed-and-breakfast has hosted both and remains a popular bachelor-party destination. Built in 1824, the nine-bedroom, 8,000-square-foot mansion has a courtyard, private balconies, copious crystal chandeliers, and a Jacuzzi tub in almost every bedroom. Rates usually fall around $1,157/night.

Airbnb

Parks-Bowman Mansion in the Garden District

A winding, carved staircase leads to this bookshelf-lined perch, where an extensive collection awaits bibliophiles of all stripes (and a wide-screen TV awaits everyone else). Highlights include an antique cypress bed and travertine marble-tiled shower. This 130-year-old house is close to the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, Lafayette Cemetery, Commander’s Palace, and Magazine Street. Rates starts at $120/night.

VRBO

Bywater Beauty in Bywater

Fans of HGTV’s New Orleans Reno may recognize this Victorian double shotgun from the show, on which eyesores become showstoppers. Post-makeover, this 750-square-foot unit boasts plenty of stylish designer touches, including a Carrara marble kitchen island, plus original mantels, pocket doors, and transoms. It’s in the Bywater, near the Crescent Park’s Piety Street entrance, and rates start at $149/night.

The Louie in the Marigny

Looking for a rental with stylish modern design and 19th-century roots? The Louie, via BoutiqueHomes, might be right up your alley. It sits in the Marigny, a five-minute walk from Frenchmen Street’s live music venues and bars, and a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter. The rental unit sits on the top floor of a circa-1890 camelback double shotgun. Rates start at $295/night.