Margaret Gardens Inn is located in the plaza of Margaret Place and Walk, founded in 1884 and dedicated to the Irish immigrant Margaret Goffney Haugherty who devoted her life to helping the needy and providing shelter for orphans. By establishing a bakery and dairy, she accumulated enough wealth to found seven orphanages with the help of her friends and the Daughters of Charity Organization. The seven steps leading to her statue in Margaret Park are imprinted with these orphanage name and dates of founding. She is the only woman in the United States to have three monuments pronounced in her honor, one of which can be seen from the front steps of our Inn.
From the 1930’s to the 1960’s Cecile Rouillier from Convent, Louisiana, operated a boarding house for the young gentlemen from River Road between New Orleans to Baton Rouge, who came to New Orleans to look for employment during the depression. The young ladies from the “country” stayed at the Louise House across the street.
Entering the renovated 1834 Greek Revival mansion is a step back in time to Old New Orleans. Enter the mansion into the stately foyer with its 14 ft ceilings, hardwood floors, majestic mirror and grand staircase.
The spacious double parlor, Magnolia Room can be entered through two 12 ft. cypress doors. The Ralph Lauren candlelight flickers on the walls of the Magnolia Room reflects the light from the two crystal chandeliers and two crystal wall sconces. Margaret Gardens’ courtyard can also be accessed through the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the courtyard.
Exiting the Magnolia Room and traveling down the foyer hall, you come to the Dragon Room, so named for the intricate hand-carved dragon fireplace. This room has a panoramic view of the courtyard and is a central location for food stations.
Straight ahead is the Courtyard Retreat and yet another atmosphere with its exposed brick walls, two fireplaces and three doors opening onto the 3,000 sq ft courtyard.
Traveling through the mansion, the last stop is Margaret Gardens’ lush 3,000 sq ft Courtyard with its romantic French gazebo which provides a spacious setting with an abundance of greenery and flowers.
Your guests can enjoy the elegant interior of the 1854 Greek Revival mansion and have the added lagniappe of our lush courtyard.
Visit their website for more information:
Linda will be happy to assist you!
http://www.margaret-place.com/index.htm
