Follow along with Andrew and I as we take a tour of a 19th century New Orleans Creole Cottage in Faubourg Treme. I teamed up with and Andrew and Free Tours by Foot New Orleans to take you inside one of New Orleans unique homes. New Orleans is known for it’s unique, historical architecture. Have you ever walked along the streets of the French Quarter, Treme, or Marigny neighborhoods and wondered what is inside these unique 19th century New Orleans Creole Cottages? Now is your chance to see what’s inside!
Creole Cottages were built in the French Creole neighborhoods of New Orleans between 1790 and 1850. Because Creole Cottages are often built with local materials, are unique to their location, and are strongly influenced by the cultural aspects of their environment, they are a type of vernacular architecture. The home we toured was built in 1840, so it is one of the last 19th Century Creole Cottages built in New Orleans.
Creole cottage homes were built to help people live with the hot, wet New Orleans weather. As a result, features include tall windows that allow air to flow through the home and tall ceilings that allow hot air to rise above the heads of the inhabitants. Transom windows over interior doors further allowed for air to circulate through the home.
Many Creole Cottages were built in a brick between post style. This building method incorporates a wooden frame with brick between the posts. Stucco or barge board was used on the exterior. Plaster was typically used on the interior. These coverings helped to protect the brick from humidity. Creole Cottages were also raised above the ground on piers or blocks. This method protected from flooding and allowed for airflow.
Hipped roofs, large attic spaces, and sometimes dormer windows or galleries (porches) were other features. Inside, rooms (or bays) often flowed into each other. Hallways are rarely present. This home Andrew and I toured is a four bay, double, galleried, creole cottage. I hope you enjoy the Creole Cottage tour!