Hidden within New Orleans’ Lakewood neighborhood lies a secret garden, a hidden oasis known as Longue Vue House and Gardens. This isn’t just another historic home. It’s a testament to the vision of Edith and Edgar Stern, a couple who dared to dream big and build a home that reflected their passions. Longue Vue House and Gardens began its life in 1924. The Sterns, inspired by their travels, envisioned a space that seamlessly blended architecture, gardens, and their extensive art collection.
The current Longue Vue House, completed in 1942, is a masterpiece of design. The renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman orchestrated the gardens, while architects William and Geoffrey Platt, sons of Shipman’s mentor, designed the house. The collaboration resulted in a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Each of the house’s four facades offers a unique perspective, echoing architectural styles from the French Quarter to the Palladian villas of Europe. Inside, twenty rooms on three stories house the Stern’s original furnishings, a testament to their discerning taste.
The gardens at Longue Vue are a symphony of colors and textures. Shipman’s touch is evident in the formal gardens, like the Goldfish Pond and the Pan Garden. A unique feature is the Wild Garden, a collaboration with naturalist Caroline Dormon. It showcases a stunning collection of native Louisiana irises and a distinctive brick dovecote. This is the only surviving “Wild Garden” designed by Shipman, making it a true treasure.
The Sterns were avid collectors, amassing an eclectic array of English and American furniture, modern art, and ceramics. Their collection wasn’t about monetary value, but about what they loved. A vintage carpet was chosen to complement the patina of Chinese wall paintings. Creamware, chosen for its variety of shapes and simple elegance, filled their shelves. Even ceramic birds from Woolworths found a place, adding a touch of whimsy to their spring decor. Edith Stern’s influence extended beyond the gardens and collections. She played a vital role in shaping Longue Vue’s interiors, ensuring that every room reflected the couple’s unique personality. After Edgar’s death, Edith continued to live at Longue Vue until 1978, when she generously opened the house to the public as a museum.
Longue Vue House and Gardens stands as a testament to a bygone era, a time when grand estates were built with passion and purpose. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in every detail, from a carefully chosen piece of art to the delicate bloom of a Louisiana iris.