479 Audubon
11,500 square feet
2 stories
New Orleans, Louisiana
2023
One block from Audubon Park, this expansive estate seamlessly integrates historic architecture with refined contemporary design. The renovation embodies the art of preservation and innovation, carefully blending the home's original design intent with modern luxury for a result that feels both timeless and enduring.
Uniting three separate lots into a cohesive urban retreat, 479 Audubon encompasses more than 11,500 square feet of total living space across five distinct structures. At the heart of the compound is the meticulously restored 1916 main residence, carefully renovated by MA to honor the home's historic integrity while introducing thoughtful modern interventions.
A key component of the architectural approach is the addition of a wraparound porch, designed to harmonize with the home’s existing character. The challenge lay in ensuring the new structure felt inherently connected to the original design intent. A significant decision centered on the porch’s corner juncture, with extensive studies leading to the selection of a gracefully curved form that best complements the home’s original architecture. Custom details include hand-formed plaster rosettes at the column capitals by local artisan Janusz Urbanski, bespoke 10" tall French doors fabricated locally with brass cremone bolts, and a rich "French Quarter Green" oil-based paint for the floorboards. The porch design also incorporates Bevolo gas lanterns and Phantom Screens for a refined yet functional outdoor experience.
Within, the residence is a showcase of bespoke craftsmanship and elevated interiors. The fully custom kitchen features deVol cabinetry in Mushroom, Calacatta Borghini stone countertops and backsplash, and a built-in bench seat. A secondary deVol pantry kitchen in Clerkenwell Blue provides additional functionality while maintaining the estate’s dedication to historic details.
Beyond the main residence, the estate includes a two-bedroom guesthouse, a pool house with an outdoor kitchen and studio, and a heated gunite pool and spa. Two separate garages offer five covered parking spaces, while majestic live oaks frame the outdoor spaces, transforming the property into a park-like retreat.
Image Credits
- Jacqueline Marque
