Longue Vue House and Gardens
Nestled in the Lakewood neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, Longue Vue stands as a premier example of early 20th-century elegance. This historic house museum and its surrounding botanical landscapes offer a unique intersection of Classical Revival architecture and masterful landscape design, serving as a testament to the vision of its former owners and their collaborators.
Key Facts
- Location: 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Designations: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1991) and designated a National Historic Landmark (2005).
- Architects: William and Geoffrey Platt (Platt & Platt).
- Landscape Architect: Ellen Biddle Shipman.
- Property Size: 8 acres.
- House Features: 20 rooms across three stories with original furnishings.
The History and Evolution of the Estate
The estate was the home of philanthropists Edgar Stern and Edith Rosenwald Stern, the latter being the daughter of Julius Rosenwald. While the original house and gardens were established in 1924, the property underwent a significant transformation starting in 1934 when landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman began designing the grounds.
As the gardens evolved, the Sterns realized that their original residence did not allow them to fully appreciate the beauty of the new landscape. Consequently, the original house was moved to make way for a new structure. Construction on the current residence began in 1939 and was completed in 1942.
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Architectural Design
The current house was designed by architects William and Geoffrey Platt, whose father, Charles A. Platt, had been a mentor to Ellen Biddle Shipman. Built in the Classical Revival style—an architectural movement characterized by the use of elements from Greek and Roman antiquity—the home is noted for its symmetry and grandeur.
A defining feature of the residence is its relationship with the outdoors. The house possesses four distinct facades, each offering a different appearance and providing a unique view into one of the four surrounding gardens.
The Botanical Landscapes
Longue Vue is nationally significant primarily due to its association with Ellen Biddle Shipman. It is recognized as the only major project where Shipman exerted complete creative control over the landscape, making it a critical site for studying her work.
The 8-acre grounds host a diverse array of flora, including:
- Flowers and Shrubs: Azaleas, camellias, roses, tulips, chrysanthemums, and hydrangeas.
- Specialty Plants: Louisiana irises, Passiflora incarnata, and Euphorbia pulcherrima.
- Trees and Foliage: Arecaceae (palms), Ficus carica, and crape myrtle.
- Other Notable Species: Caladium, Canna, and Zingiber zerumbet.
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Preservation and Legacy
The estate's historical importance was formally recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 20, 1991, and later designated a National Historic Landmark on April 5, 2005. Despite facing damage from Hurricane Katrina, the resilience of the site was ensured through the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers, allowing the house to reopen for public tours.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1939–1942 |
| Style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP Reference No. | 91001419 |
| Total Rooms | 20 |
| Land Area | 8 acres |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the gardens at Longue Vue?
The gardens were designed by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, who began her work on the property in 1934.
Why is Longue Vue considered nationally significant?
It is deemed nationally significant for its association with Ellen Biddle Shipman, as it is the only major work where she had complete creative control over the landscape design.
What is unique about the architecture of the main house?
The house features four different facades, each corresponding to a different garden, and contains 20 rooms across three stories with original furnishings.
When was the current house built?
The current house was constructed between 1939 and 1942, replacing an original 1924 structure that was moved to better accommodate the garden views.
How did the estate recover from Hurricane Katrina?
Following the damage caused by the hurricane, the house was restored and reopened for tours through the combined labor of staff and volunteers.