On the Market: From consulate to convent, 3 historic New Orleans homes for sale | New Orleans CityBusiness

What do a tobacco importer, a steamboat captain, and an Ursuline nun all have in common? The punchline is that they’re all founding inspirations for three historic homes in New Orleans. Yes, cue the phrase – “Only in New Orleans.”

The original residences of these unique tales from our city’s storied past are on the market for prospective buyers to purchase significant pieces of New Orleans history.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at 521 Dauphine St., 2027 Carondelet St., and 515 Ursulines Ave. It’s a good thing that school is back in session because be prepared to settle into your desk for some unique history lessons.

Historic, story-filled Xiques Mansion on sale for $3.9M

Like any historic New Orleans home, the Xiques Mansion has a story to tell. Well, stories. Built in 1852, 521 Dauphine St. has been the site of a gambling house, a cigar factory, a brothel, and a poisonous murder of a Spanish consul. Some would call that a typical night in the mid-to-late 19th century when the French Quarter was known for much indulgence and vice.
To add another story to the mix, 521 Dauphine is rumored to have been designed by architectural legend J. N. B. de Pouilly, who is known for designing the St. Louis Cathedral.

A chance at owning a piece of New Orleans French Quarter history is on sale for $3.9 million.

Formerly known as “The Lion House” because of the previous large number of lion statues outside, 521 Dauphine was built for its namesake Angel Xiques of Cádiz, Spain. Xiques was a partner in Laborde & Xiques, importers of Cuban products, including tobacco and coffee.

The home was the Spanish Consulate in 1871, and in 1877, a high-profile murder by poison took place in the living room. Spanish Consul Severino de la Barrera died following his liver regulator bottle being replaced with cyanide of potassium. It was originally thought to be a suicide but later determined to be a murder with a headline of “The Poisoning of the Spanish Consul” appearing in the Daily Picayune. The murder went unsolved.

521 Dauphine transitioned into a gambling house, a cigar factory, a nightclub, a rooming house, a bottling company, place of various commercial uses, and eventually a single-family home and privately-owned multi-use residence.

“I love telling people the fascinating stories. This is such an exquisite gem in a special part of our city,” said listing agent Allison Vencil, Realtor and Certified Luxury Home Specialist with Latter & Blum | Compass. “It’s an honor to be a part of putting the Xiques Mansion back in the public spotlight where people can learn about it or be reminded about its storied past, and we are looking forward to finding a new owner who can make it their own.”

The Greek revival mansion at 521 Dauphine St. features 8,325 square feet, 10 bedrooms, and 10½ bathrooms, making the three-story mansion versatile as a multi-unit residence, wedding and events venue, or a luxurious private home. The property also has eight off-street parking spaces and secure iron gates for a private driveway.

The Greek Revival façade is unique in that it is one of only two façades like it in the French Quarter. Twin curved staircases sweep from the sidewalk to a broad, raised portico and grand front gallery, where eight towering Corinthian columns and wrought iron railings help further define the architectural style. As you enter the foyer, visitors are greeted with a rare, raised center hallway, a feature found in no other home in the French Quarter.

The premier étage boasts two spacious living quarters, each with its own full bathroom and shared living rooms. The converted attic (garret) includes two additional living quarters, each equipped with full kitchens and washer and dryer units. The exterior back stairs lead to the former servants’ quarters, showcasing custom wooden arches and exposed brickwork, all overlooking a serene common courtyard and fountain.

Vencil said the property is zoned with a VCR (Vieux Carré Residential District)-1 designation.

“It has been a multi-family residence for many years, with 10 units that can be closed off and rent paid to the owner to help offset costs, while the owner utilized the primary level and third floor as living spaces,” said Vencil. “It’s multifunctional. A future owner could utilize the mansion as a cultural center, a museum, or even turn it into an event space – it has a perfect layout as a wedding venue with an amazing French Quarter-style courtyard and rooms for the bridal parties.”

19th Century steamboat owner’s home on Carondelet available for $2.5M

In 1859, a mansion at 2027 Carondelet St. was built for Captain Thomas P. Leathers, a steamboat owner who piloted vessels between St. Louis and New Orleans, including the Natchez that he built and mastered. Fun fact: The Natchez VI made more than 400 trips without accident in the New Orleans to Vicksburg trade route – a great accomplishment in the late 19th century.

Leathers’ original home is on sale for $2.5 million.

2027 Carondelet St. features 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 6,382 square feet. The luxury home sits on a corner lot, one block from St. Charles Ave. The grounds also include an 1,820-square-foot, two-story carriage house that was renovated in 2020. Downstairs in the carriage house is a full eat in kitchen, study, half bath, and a great room with French doors overlooking the garden and patio. Upstairs in the carriage house are two bedrooms, each with ensuite baths, laundry, plus a sitting room. The carriage house has been used for short term rentals.

Extensive renovations were completed in 2012, and the home has been meticulously restored to modern functionality while also maintaining exquisite original features, says Katherine Eshleman, Realtor with McEnery Residential. Eshleman is the co-listing agent with McEnery Residential Realtor Maria Argote. Renovations included the replacement of all electrical, all new copper plumbing, and four new HVAC systems, and a new roof was installed in 2024.

“There’s so much to love about this home. It was originally built in 1859, and it still has so much of that historic charm, but with all the modern updates. When you walk in, there’s this grand hallway with Baccarat chandeliers and a gorgeous carved staircase – it really makes a statement,” says Eshleman. “The formal rooms are amazing too, with super high ceilings, original gilded mirrors, and big windows. The kitchen is one of my favorite parts – it has a huge marble island and flows right into a cozy den.”

Eshleman added: “The gardens wrap around half the block; it really feels like your own private oasis in the middle of the city.”

The double gallery front porches, with ornate scrolled ironwork, lead to the front entrance flanked with stained glass. The grand center hall extends from the front door to the rear entry and is adorned with Baccarat Chandeliers and a carved staircase. The grand formal rooms feature 14-foot ceilings, intricate crown molding, ornate plaster ceiling medallions, original gilded mirrors and chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, and mantels. The gourmet kitchen includes with custom cabinets, a large center island topped with Italian marble, a dining area, and a butler’s pantry, plus a wet bar. The kitchen flows into the den that has a woodburning fireplace.

The second floor houses an upstairs landing, four bedrooms and a laundry room. The primary bedroom has a sitting area with a gas fireplace, a custom-built, walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with a steam shower and soaking tub. Off the landing is an outdoor porch leading to a separate guest room with an en-suite bath. The house also has an elevator, mudroom, wine room, inviting back porches, and gated parking for multiple cars. The side and rear yards have manicured gardens, take up half of the city block, and provide tranquil outdoor living.

18th Century French Quarter gem – part of original Ursuline Convent – hits market for $1.9M

In 1745, King Louis XV of France authorized the construction of the old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans to house the Ursuline nuns, to provide a hospital to care for the poor, and as a space to educate young girls.

That original Convent property included 515 Ursulines Ave. – adjacent to the convent and built in 1770 – one of the oldest French Quarter structures to still exist. The historic French Quarter gem is now a single-family home and is on sale for $1.9 million. Its rich history is authenticated by a chain of title dating back to the 1700s, complete with a letter signed by King Louis XV.

“The history of this property, connection to the Ursulines Convent, and chain of title dating back to King Louis XV is really impressive,” says Vince Liuzza, owner of Liuzza Realty Group. The listing agents of 515 Ursulines Ave. are Garrett Shearman and John McCoy of Black Ark Luxury and Liuzza. Both groups are partnered with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, of which Liuzza is a Co-Managing Partner.

“This is more than just a residence; this property represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of New Orleans history and embrace a lifestyle few can claim,” says Liuzza. “It’s a cool piece of history and an amazing space that is ready for someone to put their personal touch on it and begin the next chapter.”

515 Ursulines Ave. features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 3,843 square feet of living space. The property features original architectural elements including 17-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and functional windows opening onto Ursulines Avenue. There is a gated courtyard that can fit four cars for off-street parking.

The crowning glory is a rooftop terrace with views of downtown, the Mississippi River, and St. Louis Cathedral.

“The rooftop deck and the views from there is one of the most impressive places on the property and a big draw when people see the home,” says Liuzza. “The off-street parking is also a major plus, along with the welcoming, open floor plan on the ground level.”

The ground floor features an open floorplan, living room, dining room, and a large kitchen that includes a 5-star range, granite counters, pantry, dishwasher, icemaker, oven, and refrigerator.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet, a large ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms, a study, and a spacious den. The home can be personalized with a $100,000 decorating allowance.