While the shotgun home may be one of New Orleans’s most iconic designs, the Creole cottage is the city’s oldest.
According to the Historic District Landmarks Commission, Creole cottage design dates back to the 18th century and was influenced heavily by French and Spanish culture. Traditionally, Creole cottages were built for efficiency, cost effectiveness, and inclement weather demands.
At its facade, a traditional Creole cottage tends to have four openings—two windows and two doors—with each half being symmetrical. The roof of the cottage is wide, and is often complemented by two window openings that pop up out of the roof.
The floorplan is a square shape, with each room equal in size to the next. There are, of course, exceptions to the rules. Most Creole cottages in New Orleans are over 150 years old, so it’s safe to assume their various owners may have made additions, carved a single into a double, or altered their facades.
There are a plethora of Creole cottages for sale in the Crescent City, so we combed through the listings to find you the absolute best.
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