What is the Brevard-Rice House known for?

The Brevard-Rice House is known for its transitional architectural style, combining Greek Revival and Italianate elements. It is also recognized as one of the Garden District's finest Greek Revival-style mansions and was once owned by American author Anne Rice.

When was the Brevard-Rice House built and who commissioned it?

The house was built in 1857 and was commissioned by Albert Hamilton Brevard, a wealthy merchant.

What are some of the unique architectural features of the house?

The house features double galleries with Corinthian and Ionic columns set between square corner pillars. Its original construction included cypress galleries, cedar-lined closets, and a 9,000-gallon cistern.

Did the house have any modern conveniences when it was first built?

Yes, at the time of its construction, the house reportedly featured hot and cold running water in all four of its bedrooms.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Brevard-Rice House in New Orleans

Who has owned the Brevard-Rice House over time?

Originally commissioned by Albert Hamilton Brevard, the house was sold by his children in 1869 to cotton broker Emory Clapp. It was later purchased in 1988 by author Anne Rice and her husband Stan, and in 1990, it was bought by Sandra and Norman King, with subsequent ownership by Susan and Charles Zambito starting in 1997.

What to know

Located at 1239 First Street, the Brevard-Rice House was constructed in 1857 for Albert Hamilton Brevard, a wealthy commission merchant. The residence was designed by architect James Calrow and built by Charles Pride, resulting in a "transitional" architectural style that seamlessly merges Greek Revival and Italianate elements. This blend is most evident in the double galleries, which feature a combination of Corinthian and Ionic columns anchored by square pillars at the corners. From its inception, the home was a marvel of 19th-century luxury. It featured high-end amenities such as cedar-lined closets, protective lightning rods, and a massive 9,000-gallon cistern. Most remarkably for the era, the house reportedly provided hot and cold running water in all four of its bedrooms, reflecting Brevard's taste for the finer things in life. Over the decades, the property passed through several notable hands. In 1869, Brevard's children sold the estate to cotton broker Emory Clapp, who was the only owner to make substantial architectural changes. In June 1988, the house was purchased by author Anne Rice and her husband Stan, who eventually established it as their permanent home. Preserving this architectural gem required significant effort in later years. In 1990, Sandra and Norman King purchased the building to begin major restorations, a process continued in 1997 by owners Susan and Charles Zambito to maintain its status as one of the Garden District's finest mansions.

Visitor tips

Walk slowly along First Street to appreciate the transition between the Corinthian and Ionic columns on the galleries.
Look for the historical marker nearby for additional context on its 1869 ownership change.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this is best viewed as part of a larger Garden District architectural stroll.

Nearby context

The Brevard-Rice House is a cornerstone of the New Orleans Garden District, situated among other historic mansions that showcase the wealth and architectural ambition of the mid-19th century.