New Orleans Haunted Mansion!

New Orleans Haunted Mansion!

New Orleans Haunted Mansion!

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History buffs and fans of captivating architecture (not to mention partiers and food fans) swoon over this multi-cultural historical port city at the mouth of the Mississippi, fondly known as the Big Easy. Very few cities have their own distinct architectural look that are recognized throughout the world. New Orleans has several famous unique styles such as the shotgun house which originated in New Orleans and, of course, the Creole townhouses with ornate iron balconies and courtyards. There are also raised center hall houses and the large antebellum homes in Greek Revival, American Colonial, Queen Anne and Italianate.

The Gardette-LePretre Mansion, or more locally referred to as the Sultan’s House, now finds itself in search of a new owner for the first time in 40 years. Having been photographed and heralded in articles from the time it was built and having hosted the cream of New Orleans society in the beginning of its rich history, it would be a fascinating place to call home. And, it comes with a scary story!

The stately three level home was built in 1836 by a wealthy Creole man named Jean-Baptist LaPrete. It was so luxurious that it was only comparable to very few other houses in the French Quarter. But by the middle of the 1800s toward the end of the Civil War, many of the powerful Creole families of the Quarter slowly began to lose their fortunes. Instead of selling, LaPrete decided to rent the house.

The house was rented to a Turk who claimed to be the brother of a sultan. He brought with him an entourage of servants, eunuchs, young Arab boys and a harem of beautiful women. He also brought a fortune in gold and exuded wealth. The Turk, by now referring to himself as a sultan, entertained New Orleans high society through lavish parties held at the home. But then something gruesome happened.

One morning as neighbors were walking by, they saw blood trickling from under the front door. The police were notified and had to break into the house only to find that all inhabitants had been murdered with swords or axes and the Sultan was found brutalized and buried alive in the back yard. It was always felt that the murders were executed by his brother, the real sultan, as retribution for the theft of his fortune and many of his wives. How much is local lore and how much is true, we will never know for sure. This is, after all, New Orleans.

At 177 years old, the home contains 9 bedrooms and 10 baths within its more than 7,000 square feet. The entire circumference of the upper two stories have elaborate iron railings decorating the wrap around galleries in quintessential French Quarter style. Only a block from Bourbon Street, the home can be used as six apartments or as a private residence.

A rare find with multiple possibilities, the French Quarter’s Gardette-LePretre Mansion is priced at $2.65 million.

Source: www.latter-blum.com