Certain properties in New Orleans become available for purchase only once in a lifetime. That can be particularly true of the many mansions that fill the Garden District and sections of Uptown.
But when the stars align just right, a heavenly slice of Crescent City architecture is offered: 2423 Prytania St.
Built in the mid-1850s as a status symbol for the owner at the time, the home has almost 8,000 square feet with six bedrooms, more than five baths and an abundance of architectural details that create an atmosphere of opulence, listed at $8.5 million.
Situated behind a wrought-iron fence bearing the historic marker, the Adams House is a raised villa-style edifice with a quartet of floor-length windows across the broad front porch, accessible by a grand marble stairway leading to the stately front door.
The broad center hall, with 14-foot ceilings, opens onto a plethora of rooms, with the unique curved staircase to the upper floor recessed in an arched alcove to the side.
To the right, double parlors sport their own characteristics but open one to another via pocket doors. Marble fireplaces also tie the spaces together, as well as the immense molding that characterizes the rooms.
Behind the second parlor lies the home’s stately dining room, bathed in natural light from floor-length windows. Another Italian marble fireplace is featured in the room.
On the left side of the hall, the library features more windows and an array of gilt-trimmed cabinets and shelves for literature and objets d’art. A mirrored-front cabinet cleverly conceals a spacious bar area.
Step from the library into the Chinese room with its bowed wall of windows and custom-carved fireplace mantel that bolsters the Asian attributes of the space. Hand-painted wallpaper matches the voluminous curtains.
Golden tones are omnipresent in the downstairs bedroom courtesy of French silk brocade wallcoverings, drapes and a tester. A prime guest room, it features an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The kitchen, located behind the dining room, conjures images of rustic Louisiana with cypress cabinets, a broad island and a portfolio of professional-grade appliances in stainless steel. Included in the assemblage of appliances are double refrigerators, a convection oven and deep fryer. Exposed brick creates a textural counterpoint to the natural wood tones throughout.
At the end of the front hall, a breakfast room gets a view of the extensive grounds via French doors with a transom and sidelights that create a wall of windows to the outside.
Up the curved staircase lies the primary bedroom featuring a large bath done in an art deco motif, with a double vanity, whirlpool tub and a marble shower with a bench. The five-person sauna is also at hand for a touch of European spa elegance…