famous people's houses in garden district

Famous Homes in New Orleans' Garden District

By Andrew MartinezDecember 17, 2025

The Garden District, a historic neighborhood in New Orleans, is renowned for its stunning architecture and lush greenery. But what makes it even more fascinating is the number of famous people who have called this area home. Let's take a tour through some of the most notable houses in the Garden District, each with its own story to tell about the famous residents who once lived there.

From literary icons to Hollywood stars, the Garden District has played host to a diverse range of influential figures. As we delve into their homes, we'll not only explore the architecture and history of these magnificent properties but also gain insights into the lives of the famous people who once resided within their walls.

The Sarah Woodworth Memorial House

The Sarah Woodworth Memorial House, built in 1858, is one of the most iconic homes in the Garden District. It's best known for being the former residence of author Tennessee Williams.

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Williams, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, spent several years living in this grand house during the 1930s and 1940s. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous works, including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". The house's rich history and association with such a literary giant make it a must-visit for any fan of Williams' work.

The House's Architecture

The Sarah Woodworth Memorial House is a striking example of Italianate architecture, with its symmetrical design, tall windows, and ornate ironwork. The house boasts 11-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, and a grand central staircase, all of which contribute to its timeless charm.

James Carville House: The New Orleans Mansion

Restoring - A Garden District Queen Anne style house in New Orleans. I've shown this house before but when I went by it last month the raking light on the facade really highlighted the variety of siding materials, textures, and patterns characteristic of the Queen Anne style. I had to take another photo of it to share. American Queen Anne developed its own distinctive characteristics, emerging from English Queen Anne style. The porches, balconies, tower, elaborate trim, and complex roof form seen on this house are all typical of the style. One of America's most famous neighborhoods, the Garden District is filled with wonderful 19th and early 20th-century homes. This is a charming example from the last quarter of the 19th century. Understanding the style of a house is the essential first step in developing a restoration plan that prioritizes the preservation and restoration of character-defining features while making changes necessary for modern life in an old house. More than two dozen full-color photos illustrate the Queen Anne style in Chapter 2 of

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Today, the house serves as a bed and breakfast, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a slice of life as it was during Williams' residency. Guests can stay in the very rooms where the playwright once wrote his groundbreaking works, immersing themselves in the creative energy that once filled the house.

Tennessee Williams' Time in New Orleans

Williams' time in New Orleans was pivotal in his career. The city's unique culture, history, and people provided ample inspiration for his plays. His experiences in the Garden District, in particular, left a lasting impression on his work.

In "A Streetcar Named Desire", for instance, Williams drew on his memories of the neighborhood's streetcars and the vibrant, sometimes volatile, dynamics of its residents. The play's iconic line, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," reflects the sense of community and connection that Williams found in the Garden District.

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The Buckner Mansion

Another notable residence in the Garden District is the Buckner Mansion, built in 1856 for John McDonogh, a wealthy philanthropist. The house is famous for being the former home of actor Nicholas Cage.

Cage, known for his roles in films like "Leaving Las Vegas" and "National Treasure", purchased the mansion in 2006. Despite his plans to restore the property, he was forced to sell it in 2009 due to financial difficulties. The house has since changed hands several times and is now a private residence.

The Mansion's History

The Buckner Mansion is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, with its grand columns, pedimented portico, and symmetrical design. The house features 13-foot ceilings, original heart-of-pine floors, and a magnificent double-gallery porch that wraps around the entire first floor.

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The mansion's history is as colorful as its architecture. It has served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War, a girls' school, and even a bordello in the early 20th century. Its most recent incarnation as a private residence maintains the house's historic charm while incorporating modern amenities.

Nicholas Cage's Connection to New Orleans

Cage's connection to New Orleans runs deep. He has often spoken of his love for the city's unique culture and history, and he has even filmed several movies there, including "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" and "The Guardian".

In an interview, Cage described New Orleans as "a magical place where the veil between the worlds is thin". This sentiment is reflected in many of his films, which often explore themes of the supernatural and the surreal. His time in the Garden District, surrounded by the city's rich history and vibrant energy, no doubt influenced his creative pursuits.

The Sanders-Rabeman House

Our final stop on this tour of famous houses in the Garden District is the Sanders-Rabeman House, built in 1866 for prominent New Orleans businessman John Sanders. The house is famous for being the former home of singer and actress Fannie Brice.

Brice, best known for her role in the Ziegfeld Follies and her portrayal by Barbra Streisand in the film "Funny Girl", lived in the house during the 1920s. It was here that she entertained many of the era's most famous celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers.

The House's Architecture

The Sanders-Rabeman House is a beautiful example of Italianate architecture, with its symmetrical design, tall windows, and ornate ironwork. The house features a grand central hall, a sweeping staircase, and a magnificent ballroom, all of which reflect the opulence of the Gilded Age.

Today, the house serves as a private residence, but its historic significance is recognized by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Its association with Fannie Brice, one of the most famous entertainers of her time, adds to its enduring appeal.

Fannie Brice's Legacy

Fannie Brice's legacy as a pioneering female entertainer and comedian continues to inspire generations of performers. Her ability to poke fun at societal norms and challenge gender stereotypes made her a trailblazer in the early 20th century.

Brice's time in the Garden District was a pivotal period in her career. It was here that she honed her comedic skills and began to develop the characters that would make her famous. Her experiences in the neighborhood, surrounded by the city's vibrant arts scene, no doubt influenced her creative evolution.

As we conclude our tour of these famous houses in the Garden District, we are reminded of the rich history and cultural significance of this historic neighborhood. Each house tells a story of the famous people who once lived there, offering a glimpse into their lives and the creative energy that once filled these magnificent properties. Whether you're a fan of literature, film, or history, a visit to the Garden District is a must. Who knows, you might just feel the creative spirit of these famous residents lingering in the air, inspiring you to create your own masterpiece.