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Visit these historical buildings to learn about New Orleans’ iconic architectural styles. SHOTGUN HOUSE Shotgun-style architecture is notable for its long, narrow layout that’s one room wide (two rooms if it’s a “double” shotgun), lack of a front yard, and a layout that features one room opening into the next, without hallways. Many feature charming Victorian embellishments beneath the large front eave. DOUBLE GALLERY HOUSE Two stories with three openings across the front, deep-set covered porches on the first and second floors, and a front door that’s typically on the left or right side of the porch — that’s what makes a Double Gallery House. Degas House bed-and-breakfast and museum is a perfect example. You’ll also be inspired by the sight of this and other Double Gallery Houses, which include African American museum Le Musée de fpc, Fairchild House Bed and Breakfast and Terrell House Bed and Breakfast. CREOLE COTTAGE According to legend, pirate brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte once hid out in the circa-1732 Bourbon Street tavern known as Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Another French Quarter Creole Cottage-turned-business is Creole restaurant Bayona. These and other Creole Cottages are easy to spot with their high, steep-side gable roofs, brick chimneys and wooden storm shutters. CENTER HALL COTTAGE Some of New Orleans’ most storied figures have lived at the 1820s-era Beauregard-Keyes House. Learn their tales at this museum, a Center Hall Cottage whose architectural style is notable for having one-and-a-half stories with a front entrance, columns running the length of a wide front porch (with its door centered) and side-gabled roofs. CREOLE TOWNHOUSE The Pontalba Apartments residents in Jackson Square have witnessed countless weddings and Mardi Gras celebrations from their balconies. Creole Townhouses are notable for having two to four stories, hidden rear courtyards, iron balconies and brick or stucco exteriors. Visit the restaurants and shops on the Pontalba’s ground floor, and nearby restaurant Pere Antoine and gift shop Forever New Orleans. GREEK REVIVAL HOUSE Oak Alley Plantation is among Louisiana’s most-visited house museums. This immense Greek Revival home features full-height porches with round columns or blocked piers, a parapet (a short wall running the length of the roof) and the wide, flat trim around the outside windows and doors called a “Greek-key surround.” Other Greek Revival beauties include Houmas House and Gardens and Nottoway Plantation. Visit NewOrleans.com for more information on these businesses and their current post- Covid19 status.
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