Houmas House Estate & Gardens
September/October 2021
'Fall' Into Cooler Weather and Event-filled Days!
The summer is over and you know what that means? It's time for football, holiday parties, and planning your spring wedding. This Estate is a favorite place to celebrate with family and friends for any special occasion. 

Tis the season for brides walking down the aisle framed by Live Oak trees; dancing the night away to live bands; and large formal dinners marking the end of another great year. 

The hardest decision is choosing the perfect spot in these expansive gardens and ballrooms. So, I can make it easy for you. Take a look at all the options you have for your event at Houmas House!
The Tragic Closing of San Francisco Plantation
This summer was the last time San Francisco Plantation would be opened to the public. Making the decision public in June, Marathon Oil decided to no longer offer tours of this antebellum home.  

If you don't know the history behind this ornate sugarcane plantation, here's an excerpt from their website:

"In 1853 Edmond Bozonier Marmillion hired expert builders and purchased twelve highly skilled slaves to convert his extravagant vision into reality. When main construction was finished two years later, Edmond appointed accomplished artists to carry out an ambitious decoration project. It featured five artistically hand painted ceilings, painted door panels, faux marbling, and faux wood graining throughout. The house became so distinctive that it inspired novelist Frances Parkinson Keyes to write “Steamboat Gothic”, a story about the family she imagined lived there. Viewed from some angles, the house closely resembles the ornate and yet graceful superstructure of a Mississippi riverboat.

Edmond passed away in 1856, less than one year after the home was completed. The day after Edmond’s death, his oldest son, Valsin, returned from Europe and was forced to take over the plantation. The unusual name “San Francisco” is believed to be derived from Valsin’s comment about the extraordinary debt he was confronted with when taking over the estate. He declared he was sans fruscins or “without a penny in my pocket.” The name evolved into St. Frusquin and, in 1879, was changed into “San Francisco” by the next owner, Achille D. Bougère."

To Read the Full History, Click HERE.
San Francisco Plantation Circa 1935
San Francisco Plantation Present Day
Secrets From the Kitchen at Houmas House
If you've followed us on social media the last year, you've seen our weekly live cooking shows. Each Thursday Chef Jeremy Langlois has shared some of his favorite recipes while sprinkling in a little history. These cooking shows have brought a whole new dimension to our interaction with all of you and to our restaurants. Thank you for watching, commenting and letting us be part of your week.
Help Us Name the New Swans!
Our Swan family is growing! Introducing our two new swans who are a stunning addition to our pond. But they need names? Can you help us?

What's the prize? The winner will receive a one night stay at The Inn at Houmas House and a copy of our coffee table book.

How will a winner be chosen? Once the contest has closed, the responses will be reviewed by Houmas House staff. A winning name will be chosen. If the winning name has multiple entries with the same name, the first one to submit that name will be deemed the winner. All entries are timestamped to ensure we select the first one if multiple names are submitted.

Rules: No limit on amount of entries per person.  

Duration: Contest open from September 28- October 10. Winner announced on October 11th via contact information submitted. Please share this with your friends on social media too!
Ralph's Market Fall Wine Gala
Ralph’s Market Fall Wine Gala
November 5, 2021
6:00 – 8:30
Tickets $59.99 each

Hosted by Ralph’s Market, this event is one of the most coveted events all year! Join us in your James Bond attire and have fun with this theme while sipping on over 75 wines. Each ticket includes unlimited wine tastings, gourmet food, cheese, and fine desserts.

Located indoors at The Great River Road Museum, guests can explore the rare artifacts and exhibits while mingling with friends and enjoying this great wine event.

Prizes will be given for the following:
Best Dressed Couple – Wine Dinner for 12
Best Dressed Woman – Wine Tasting for 12
Best Dressed Man – 1 Case of Wine

Raffle tickets are available for purchase with your tickets or at the event. Each $10 ticket gives you a chance to win a trip to Wine Country.

**The ticket you purchase is $59.99 and the fair market value of the goods received is $15.00, making your tax deductible portion $44.99.   Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.
The Houmas House Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (Tax ID #27-2187425) 40136 Highway 942 / Darrow, Louisiana 70725


You've asked for this and now it's finally here- our gift shop is available online! Starting with a few of our most popular items, we will continue to add more products throughout the year. This is the perfect way to share your memories of Houmas House with friends and family. Orders are shipped in the US only.
Decorative Pelican- Electroplated Silver
$20.45

Open Daily


Mansion Tours: 9:30 am- 7:00 pm daily
Gift Shop: 9:00 am- 8:00 pm daily
The Carriage House Restaurant: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Latil's Landing Restaurant:
Thursday- Saturday 6:00pm-9:00pm (By Reservation)
Dixie Café: 8:00 am- 2:00 pm daily (located in The Great River Road Museum)
Houmas House Estate and Gardens
40136 Hwy 942, Darrow, LA 70725
225.473.9380