Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden

Francis -Parkinson Keyes, one of my favorite authors lived here so we always pay homage on a trip. it never gets old. Built in 1926, This architectural treasure is an outstanding example of a raised center hall villa and includes both Creole and American features in an elaborately detailed residence. BK House's diverse history includes the stories of those who both lived and labored here for nearly 200 years. Originally owned by Ursuline nuns and subsequently occupied by PT Beauregard and Francis- Parkinson Keyes. FPK also wrote a novel called The Chess Players, based on chess champion Paul Morphy, who was also the grandson of the original owner of the house, LeCarpentier.(A great book).Our first tour a few years ago was just us and the docent. There was an ermine cape as worn by FPK and I tried it on. It fit perfectly.Another Urban gem in New Orleans.

The tour guide was so nice and informative. She was the Sicilian lady. She had a plethora of information and answered all of our questions. The house itself is nice and historical. We learned a lot about Keyes and PGT Beauregard. Nice terrace and garden. Lots of nice old furniture and rugs. Great tour!!

The BK Historic House and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built in 1826 and restored to its present condition by renowned author Frances Parkinson Keyes beginning in 1948. It is an example of a raised Creole cottage and is lovingly cared for by the Keyes Foundation. Reasonable admission price, the tours start every hour on the hour. You are not allowed inside to wait more than 10-15 minutes before the tour begins, so be aware of that during the hot summer months. This is well worth the stop if you are in the area. It is located in the French Quarter, but off the beaten path.

Nice tour very informative about the history of the house and local area We were able to get a private tour at the end of the day

Much more history and beautiful architecture to explore inside...gardens and a courtyard.

Books, Murder, Civil War Veterans and a Prodigy Chess Master. The story of the Beauregard-Keyes House is a twisted tale. We were lucky to have a retired New Orleanian architect, Robert, as the docent who really brought the history of this restored gem to life. Originally slated to be the site of a weapons arsenal, the Ursuline nuns used this property from the early 1700s as a garden until Joseph Le Carpentier had an architect from Baltimore and a free person of color from New Orleans design and build his home in 1825. Le Carpentier's grandson was Paul Morphy, the prodigy world-famous chess champion, who was found dead in his bath tub at age 39, possibly from a heat stroke. Le Carpentier sold the property to the Swiss Consul John Merle whose wife built a garden as an addition. Most likely, the garden allowed families a reprieve from the nasty sanitation smell of the French Quarter. The property then changed hands several times until it was bought by a grocer in the French Quarter, Dominique Lanata, as investment property. His first tenant, Civil War General P.G.T Beauregard, was one of the most famous residents. Although he only rented here for 18 months, this building carries his name.The next owner, the Giacona family, moved here in 1904. They were in the "wholesale liquor business." A rival sect of the mafia, the Sicilian Black Hand Mafia, felt that the Giacona family was infringing on their business. During a "dinner" meeting, three or four members of the Black Hand were assassinated during or shortly after that meal on the back porch. Pietro and Corrado Giacona were arrested and charged, but their case was dismissed eventually on the grounds of self-defense and "service" to the community. In 1925, the property was auctioned off and the new owner threatened to tear down the home and turn the property into a macaroni factory unless preservationists rescued the home. Although sold, the home fell into disarray and was used as a refuge for homeless men and by Alcoholic Anonymous. In 1945, author Frances Parkinson Keyes was looking for a place to write and live in New Orleans. She stumbled onto the property and spent the next 25 years restoring the historic gem to its Victorian roots and writing novels. She was an avid collector and her collection of veillsuses (a teapot that also has a cup and a night light) is the second largest in the world. She had an eclectic group of friends which are featured in her photographs, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, restaurateur Ella Brennan, and old Hollywood elite. She was able to add furniture from the Beauregard family due to her friendship with P.G.T. Beauregard's granddaughter. Although the home is not the fanciest historic home that I have toured, Robert was one of the best tour guides. His one hour tour was so entertaining and he was quite honest and passionate about past. We used our NARM reciprocity passes for entry. Tours occur every hour and are $10 without a pass. To enter, ring the doorbell. Someone will answer, eventually.

This review is for a WEDDING at Beauregard-Keyes House.A friend recently got married here, despite walking by the venue earlier in the day, I really didn't know what the wedding itself would be like, but we were all blown away by the event! The ceremony itself took place in the garden next door. Really beautiful settings with trimmed hedges, fountain, lily-pads, roses etc. And a live band joined in for cocktail hour while we hung out. Afterwards the reception moved inside the house, which despite the word house being the in the name, I wasn't quite prepared for it. This really is a historic house with several rooms and antique furniture and paintings. Quite a lot of things to look at and was quite a unique setting. She had a food buffet set up in the front room and tables in the next room. On the balcony outback she had the bar set up, as well as a wonderful view of the courtyard and fountain down below with another band and dance area. Really beautiful wedding venue where you can easily do ceremony and reception!

Our tour guide Carolyn Guidry was awesome! The tour was so interesting and I hung on to every word. I would highly recommend it!

After walking by hundreds of times, finally made it to an event at the BK House! This review is for the opening evening of the candlelight concert series, "Bach & The Beetles". We took our own wine and snacks and were seated on the veranda overlooking the courtyard and concert. Overall, a wonderful evening in a beautiful setting! The house and courtyard were spectacular. I highly recommend a visit for a tour, or better yet, a candlelight concert!

Lovely historical tour of how people really lived By far one of the best tours I was able to see in NOLA. John is a volunteer who has a vast knowledge of Mrs.Keyes and the history of all the owners of the house. Loved seeing the time period furniture pieces and the stories that were involved. Courtyard is quaint & we got some lovely pictures in the garden. Really enjoyed the on the hour tour. Very impressed!