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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.