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Robinson House

A monument to Italianate architecture, the Robinson House is a grand 19th-century estate featuring double-curved verandahs and a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, designed by architect Henry Howard.

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Robinson House
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What is the Robinson House known for?

The Robinson House is considered a monument to Italianate architecture in New Orleans' Garden District. It features a double-decker design with stately columns, double-curved verandahs, and a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles.

Who built the Robinson House and when was it completed?

The house was built for Walter G. Robinson and his wife Emily Hanford, and is attributed to architect Henry Howard. Construction began around 1857, but was delayed by the Civil War and finally completed in 1867.

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

The house features Doric columns on the first floor and Corinthian columns on the second, a curved portico, and a roof design that once served as a water collection vat and cistern. Inside, there is a curved staircase in a curved alcove and a dining room that projects as an octagonal bay.

Who was Walter G. Robinson?

Walter G. Robinson was a cotton factor and perique tobacco merchant from Lynchburg, Virginia, who made his fortune in these trades.

Does the Robinson House have any other buildings on the property?

Yes, the property includes a two-story carriage house on the north side, which also contained the kitchen building.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Robinson House, located at 1415 Third Street, is a stunning example of Italianate architecture in New Orleans' Garden District. Construction began around 1857, but the project was delayed by the Civil War, finally reaching completion in 1867. The estate was commissioned by Walter G. Robinson, a wealthy cotton factor and perique tobacco merchant from Lynchburg, Virginia, and his wife Emily Hanford. Designed by architect Henry Howard, the house is a five-bay brick structure with a distinctive double-decker design. Its facade is characterized by stately columns: fluted Doric columns support the first floor, while Corinthian columns support the second. The house also features double-curved verandahs and intricate cast-iron decorative details, including a balustrade, cornice, and parapet. Beyond the main house, the property includes a two-story carriage house on the north side, which originally served as the kitchen building. On the south side, a rose-patterned cast-iron verandah overlooks what was once a garden but is now a pool. The interior is equally opulent, featuring a curved staircase in a curved alcove and a dining room that projects as an octagonal bay. Historically, the house reflects the social stratification of the era. Approximately 30 percent of the floor area was dedicated to working and living space for servants or enslaved workers. The home has since passed through various owners, including the McCan family in the late 19th century, and was renovated in 2005 based on original plans.

Visitor tips

  • Focus on the columns; notice the transition from Doric on the first floor to Corinthian on the second.
  • Look for the rose-patterned cast-iron work on the south side of the property.
  • Since this is a private residence, please remain on the public sidewalk while admiring the architecture.

Nearby context

The Robinson House is a centerpiece of the Garden District, surrounded by other historic 19th-century mansions that highlight the wealth of the city's early cotton and tobacco merchants.

Sources

Evidence and links