New Orleans’ Esplanade Ridge Historic District was once the most prestigious Creole neighborhoods in the city. Now it boasts one of the largest and most impressive concentrations of historic buildings in the nation. It also hosts thousands of people every year for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival each spring.

Romantic New Orleans B&B

Ashton’s B&B in New Orleans’ Esplanade Ridge Historic District is a beautifully restored manor house by innkeepers, Karma and Patrick Ashton. They have done a remarkable job bringing this 155-year-old antebellum period mansion to its former splendor and grace after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Ashton’s B&B is a spacious 10,000 sq. ft, center-hall Greek Revival Mansion. The mansion exudes old Southern charm and hospitality with its 15-foot ceilings, original hand-scraped wood floors in a rich dark finish, and a  parlor with a hand-carved marble mantle.

Outside there is a lush green private courtyard with cobblestone bricks and wrought-iron seating for a quiet nightcap before bed.  As I sat in the courtyard under the 300-year-old oak tree, I half expected to see ladies in long billowing gowns sitting next to me having tea.

The Rooms

Our room, called Garden District, was comfortably expansive with a private bathroom and shower. Decorated in soft hues of blue with period antique furniture. The bed was one of the most comfortable that I have slept in (including my own). It had a fluffy pillow-top mattress and lump-free pillows.

It could have been all the walking I did, but I slept splendidly! The thunder and lightning storm we had that weekend did not even wake me.

The Breakfast

Each morning there was a delicious gourmet breakfast presented like works of art on our plates. They served tasty treats like Bananas Foster with waffles and sausage, eggs Benedict with a creamy tart hollandaise sauce and a berry compote. There were also side dishes of fresh fruit, yogurt, and toast.

They made sure that our bodies had plenty of fuel for the day’s activities we had planned. (see what we did in New Orleans here) We did not leave the table hungry!

Go there!

Ashton’s B&B is a relaxing, luxurious place to call home while you explore New Orleans. It is  within walking distance to the French Quarter, restaurants, coffee houses, and museums. To book your stay make your way to their website at www.ashtonsbb.com or call them at (504) 942-7048 | (800) 725-4131.