Some people are attracted to old houses for their history and charm. However, one particular house in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter has a dark past that makes some hesitant to even set foot inside, let alone consider buying it.
The LaLaurie Mansion, a 10,284-square-foot property listed for $10.25 million, sits on land with a disturbing history. The original house on the property burned down in 1834, revealing a horrifying truth about its former owners. Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite, and her third husband had been torturing and starving enslaved people in the mansion, keeping them locked up in chains.
The discovery of this abuse shocked the community, leading to the ransacking and destruction of the original LaLaurie Mansion. The house was later rebuilt in 1834 and has since been used for various purposes, including as a high school and apartments.
The current owner, Michael Whalen, has kept the mansion private, but its dark history has made it a prominent stop on many of New Orleans’ ghost tours. Despite the grim and ghostly stories surrounding the house, Whalen remains unfazed. However, the property has sparked mixed reactions among those who have heard about it, with some expressing a strong aversion to the idea of living there.
The mansion itself boasts modern amenities, including a wine cellar that can hold up to 2,000 bottles, a billiard room, and a garage with space for two vehicles. The main house also connects to “servant wings” with two independent apartments. Previous owner Nicolas Cage lost the mansion in an auction due to unpaid property taxes, leading to Whalen’s acquisition of the property.
While some may find the mansion’s dark history intriguing, others are quick to dismiss it as a place they would never consider living in, regardless of its luxurious features. The allure of a historic property is often overshadowed by the disturbing events that took place within its walls, leaving potential buyers with a difficult decision to make.
Despite its dark past, the LaLaurie Mansion remains a significant part of New Orleans’ history and continues to capture the interest of those intrigued by its mysterious and eerie reputation. The mansion serves as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred within its walls and the resilience of the community that ultimately brought justice to those who suffered there.