Friday, August 13, 2010

NOLA 2: Carroll-Crawford House (1869)

I was immediately drawn to the first room on the left in the house made famous by Julia Reed in The House On First Street: My New Orleans Story. It's somehow both cozy and spacious, with bright, fresh colors that speak to me of what I'd imagined New Orleans to be.


These vibrant prints from the 1920s are wonderful! Julia and John have a stack of insect prints from the same series, ready to be framed and installed. I know they'll look great in the room.



Isn't the medallion beautiful? I like the way its ornate style contrasts with the clean lines of the crown molding.


Speaking of looking great in the room ... meet the neighbors!


Allison owns the Carroll-Crawford house diagonally across the street. I'd been admiring (stalking) it as I walked toward the Reed-Pearce house for the brunch.


Isn't the ironwork spectacular?


The walking tour guides say such luminaries as Mark Twain and Edgar Degas have been lavishly entertained in this home. And now we're invited. Come on, y'all ...

Lush vegetation, hanging baskets, ceiling fans on the porch. It has the feel of a plantation home in the Caribbean, doesn't it?


What a cozy place for mint juleps on the veranda!

What kind of birds would look (and sound) best in the cage?


Light floods the entry hall from above and below. I must warn you that the quality of the photographs won't be consistent. As I mentioned in the previous post, I avoided using pictures with other guests in them. Several of the images I'm showing you are from other blogs and websites. The red carpet in the entry hall has now been replaced with seagrass. The seagrass looks and feels great underfoot.


The following image is from an Elle Decor March, 2009 article. I admired the window treatments, and Allison told me they were the work of Richard Keith Langham from Alabama. You can read about him
HERE. His name led me to the Elle Decor article.


Several homes I visited in New Orleans had paintings hanging in front of books on shelves. I loved the look. It seemed to be merging visual and literary arts -- giving the feeling that being surrounded by art and culture is more important than keeping things in orderly categories.





The sculpture on the shelf (below the ornate gold frame) is one that Allison created. I think it's one of the most quietly beautiful things in her stunning home.





The kitchen seemed to me to be in keeping with the character of this wonderful old home. I'm definitely not a decorator, and I don't know the jargon. But I do know when a space exudes positive energy. It's easy to see why the family gathers here at mealtimes, rather than in the more formal rooms.


This is the back staircase. Isn't the woodwork amazing?


Looking out at the gardens ...





The pool ...


I didn't see this bedroom (but I thought you'd want to!).


Headed back toward the front door. Wonderful light, airy spaces for entertaining.








One last look upward ...


Valorie, the Visual Vamp, snapping a picture of our hosts' home, with the former Anne Rice residence behind her. It looks relatively "compact," doesn't it?


Here it is from the side street. Now that's the house I'd like to tour the next time I'm in NOLA!

Thank you for stopping by. Next we'll do a walking tour of some of my favorite houses in the Garden District.


17 comments:

  1. What a beautiful home! I love seeing places like that, but can honestly say that I would not want the upkeep involved. Thanks for sharing your tour.
    Have a great weekend and stay cool!

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  2. Bill, thanks for the note. I came right over! Haven't been to New Orleans in over 30 years, but have fond memories of visits to the Garden District. Beautiful homes. Lucy for us that you got to tour some of them. Thanks for sharing the photos. ~ Sarah

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  3. Hi Dear Bill! Oh, the home is so lovely! What a treat for you to actually get to go inside and snap!! I love New Orleans!! I'm craving some good ole bread puddin' right now.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. Oh my! I loved all the adornments- the crown moldings and casings, the staircase, the artwork... Amazing. Thanks for sharing, Bill.
    ~ Sue

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  5. Thanks for the tour -- it's a lovely home. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. I enjoyed this and your previous post, Bill.

    Thank you for the tour and the gorgeous images!

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  7. Such gorgeous architecture and such a beautiful home. It is furnished to perfection. What a treat to be taken on a tour. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

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  8. WOW! Thanks for sharing your pictures and taking us on a tour. I'd love to visit NOLA someday. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  9. What a WONDERFUL tour... I enjoyed it so much. I LOVE New Orleans and am hoping to make another trip at some point. The style is so different from the Pacific Northwest...and the food is delish too! :-)

    Warm regards,
    Spencer

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  10. I love home tours! Thanks for taking us along, Bill...beautiful home! I'd love to see all of the homes in that area...so much history. :)

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  11. I love to PEAK inside other people's homes, so this was extradinary! The home is gorgeous, I LOVE the colors she has chosen. Thanks so much for sharing your pics! XO, Pinky

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  12. Bill, What a wonderful tour of this totally gorgeous home! The ironwork, architecture, chandy's and warm cozy eat-in kitchen, absolutely took my breath away!

    I think a pair of cooing doves would be perfect for the birdcage too!

    Have a nice weekend!
    Hugs, Sherri:)

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  13. Visiting that house together with you has been a pleasure,really beautiful and lovely!
    Thanks for sharing your photographs
    Hugs

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  14. What a gorgeous home! Such beautifully inviting rooms...the ambiance is so restful & warm.
    Thank you so much for letting us peak over your shoulder on this tour. I enjoyed it very much & wish I could have seen it in person, as I know the photos can't begin to capture the scale & grandeur.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  15. Wow...just wow! I love seeing what goes on in these big historic homes. I really have to live with less stuff...ornate doesn't fit my personality, but I so appreciate it when I do get to visit or at least tour through pictures. I love that kitchen and the pool...wouldn't that be wonderful.

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  16. What a treat taking us inside that gorgeous home, Bill. Thnak you!....Christine

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  17. Bill, It looks like you really enjoyed your vacation. I'm so glad you are sharing your photos. I've enjoyed my armchair tour of the Big Easy!
    Blessings, Beth

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