A beautifully preserved circa-1879 Italianate-style townhome on Esplanade Avenue hits the market for $2.2M

In recent history, New Orleans reigned supreme as Hollywood South—and not just because of its generous tax incentives to filmmakers. The city offers a cinematic je ne sais quoi—thanks in part to historic homes like this one, which supervising location manager Bill Doyle described as “a character in itself” when he featured it in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as the namesake character’s birthplace.

“It set the tone, particularly for this movie,” Doyle told the Times-Picayune. “It was perfect.”

Today, the circa-1879 Italianate-style townhome, which sits at 547 Esplanade Avenue on the perimeter of the French Quarter, is for sale for $2,200,000. The lovingly preserved mansion currently serves as a licensed bed-and-breakfast.

Owners preserved the home’s interior and furnished it with original furniture, books, and art that had been stored in its third-floor attic. Architect William Fritzer’s architectural plans, drawn on linen, remain in the house, as does an oil painting of original owner Andrew Johnson.

The 6,160-square-foot manse sits on a corner lot and is accessed by granite steps, which lead to a recessed entrance. It features a traditional double parlor and formal dining room on the first floor. Built to suit 19th- and early 20th-century tastes, the bathrooms and kitchen are modest by modern-day standards, but original medallions, murals, casings, plaster, and millwork bring opulence.

Rarely does one encounter a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but since this townhome has been sold only twice in its 140 year history, it qualifies.

Via: Dawnne Keeney of Berkshire Hathaway- United Properties