Spooky St. Elizabeth’s
Famed horror genre novelist, Anne Rice -- author of the 1976 sensation Interview With a Vampire – passed away in December at the age of 80. With her vampire novels selling over 150 million copies throughout her lifetime, Rice left behind a legacy as one of Louisiana’s most successful authors. But almost equally as impressive as her books, were some of her real-estate holdings, which included a spectacular New Orleans-based home -- a 19th century former orphanage -- called “St. Elizabeth’s.”
The 3-story, red-brick building was originally a Catholic girl’s school, which Rice converted into New Orleans’s largest residential property. Measuring over 47,000 sq. ft, in its heyday, St. Elizabeth’s spanned a whole city block.
And keeping in line with the spooky aura surrounding her novels, as well as her personal interest in Gothic “Voodoo” NOLA culture, Rice used the residence primarily as a life-sized dollhouse to store her collectibles. (Rice also owned a mansion on Saint Charles Ave, famously said to be haunted.)
After the death of her husband, however, Rice decided to downsize and sold St Elizabeth to developers, who in turn converted the premises into 28 luxury condominiums.
The most elegant of the units -- nicknamed “the Chapel” -- features 17-foot stained-glass windows throughout the space. Fitted with hardwood floors and sporting a total of three bedrooms and five bathrooms, the historic details of the home have been preserved with high-end finishes. The 24’ Cathedral ceilings in the Great Room highlight the unit’s open concept and integrates the living and dining areas.
Speaking of the dining area, the kitchen is quite unique -- tucked neatly in the corner of the Great Room -- and includes Berlino cabinets, state-of-the-art Thermador appliances, and offers access to a butler’s pantry and wine room. Further, the stained- glass backdrop pours tinted light into the kitchen, reflecting elegantly off the white marble countertops.
The master suite is fit for royalty, equipped with high ceilings, a walk-in closet, and a master bath sporting dual vanities, heated mirrors, and a shower with 16 jets.
As you stroll through the rest of the unit, you’ll find a library, a large den, and a home theatre (converted from an old choir loft).
Outside, the amenities include luscious-green landscaped grounds, multiple gated parking, private security, common areas for gatherings, and an in-ground pool.
St. Elizabeth’s sits squarely in New Orleans’s coveted Garden District and is only a stone’s throw away from the Audubon Zoo, Saint Charles Streetcar, and the Jazz & Heritage and Voodoo Festivals.
The luxury “Chapel” condo was listed at auction for $3.49 MM and sold in 2018. Rosy Wilson of Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty held the listing.
To learn more: https://toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/home/anne-rice-queen-of-vampire-novels-new-orleans-mansions
Photo credit: Concierge Auctions
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com