BK Historic House and Gardens
4.7(274)google
4.5(35)yelp
Historic BuildingGuided TourIndoorOutdoorPhoto SpotRomantic
Overview
The BK Historic House and Gardens, historically also recognized as the Beauregard-Keyes House, is an outstanding 1826 Greek Revival and Creole cottage-style mansion standing proudly in the French Quarter. This elegant property has been home to various legendary historical figures, including Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and the prolific American author Frances Parkinson Keyes. Guided tours showcase beautifully preserved neoclassical furnishings, family heirlooms, and a pristine, formal Victorian walled garden filled with heritage roses.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeSpring (March to May) or autumn mornings are the premier times to visit. Built in 1826, this remarkably preserved Palladian-style historic residence features an elegant Italianate courtyard garden that looks spectacular in the soft morning light. A morning tour ensures you beat the midday heat while enjoying a guided history lesson.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully in the heart of the French Quarter at 1113 Chartres St. It is an easy, scenic 5-minute stroll northeast from Jackson Square. For transit riders, take the Riverfront Streetcar line, exit at the Ursulines St station, and walk three short blocks inland directly to the property.
Travel Tips
- Formerly the Beauregard-Keyes House. Self-guided interior wandering is not permitted; guests must join the official docent-led tours departing at the top of every hour. The final tour leaves at 3:00 PM, so arrive well before then.
- The interior houses delicate Victorian-era wallpaper and textiles; flash photography is strictly banned. When visiting the signature French parterre garden, stay entirely on the gravel paths—stepping onto plant beds or plucking flora is illegal.
- Active military personnel, students, and National Trust members qualify for ticket discounts at the physical box office with ID. Note that there is no modern elevator, and stairs are steep; contact the site ahead for first-floor accessibility options.
Reviews
Positive
- Built in 1826, this Palladian-style mansion boasts immaculate period interior decor and a stunning, peaceful Italianate courtyard garden.
- Once the home of famed author Frances Parkinson Keyes, the docents provide beautiful narratives about her writing career and local life.
- Stepping into the rear garden from the chaotic French Quarter feels like entering another dimension; crowds are light and the vibe is tranquil.
- The directional signage is clear, multilingual handouts are well-prepared, and flat ground routes offer decent access for strollers.
Heads up
- To safeguard the delicate 19th-century wooden flooring and antique textiles, photography and filming are strictly banned in core gallery rooms.
- Due to strict historical preservation laws, there is no central AC inside, making the indoor spaces feel stifling during muggy summer afternoons.
- Operating hours and guided tours are tight; if the property is booked for a private wedding, it closes early, which can disappoint drop-in tourists.
- As a multi-story property, the stairs leading up to the second-floor bedrooms are steep and narrow with zero elevators, presenting a barrier for seniors.