One of the most expensive properties on the NOLA market looks suspiciously like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The Garden District’s Cornstalk Fence Mansion, a 9,800-square-foot estate, is a 19th century architectural masterpiece which has kept much of its splendor over the last century and a half. This $6.5 million home has been renovated to its original glory and includes crown molding, chandeliers, 16-foot ceilings, three parlors for entertaining and private balconies on both floors. It’s the type of mansion nightmares dreams are made of.
Originally commissioned in 1860 by Col. Robert H. Short, the home was rumored to incorporate corn shapes into its design to cure the homesickness of his wife who was a native of Iowa. After the civil war the house was confiscated by the Union and changed hands frequently, with former Louisiana Governor Michael Hahn and Gulf Commander Nathaniel P. Banks both briefly calling the mansion home during the tumultuous period. It was eventually returned to Short where he lived until his death.
The home went through various owners in the last century until 1994 when it sold for $100,000 to the current owner. Since then it has been updated with modern luxuries that coexist beautifully with the century-old aesthetic. Reportedly, Julia Child and James Beard have both cooked in the kitchen, and Pablo Casals and Sarah Bernhardt have both put on performances here.
Brokered by Hill Riddle, Jr. & Associates the mansion features six bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths, a three car garage, gardens, and fireplaces in almost every room. The estate has been on the market for almost six months, yet neither the seller nor agent is concerned, as they know they’ll find the perfect buyer.
