Sleep in a — haunted or not — mansion in Treme, New Orleans
The Dragon Fly Guest House in Tremé, New Orleans
New Orleans offers hundreds of hotel options. You’ll find all the main chain hotels around Canal Street and the French Quarter.
However, while we sometimes indulge in a nice chain hotel and can’t deny their practicality, we always prefer accommodations that reflect the vibe of the destination, and are a bit off the beaten track — for example, we stayed at a fishermen cabin in the bayou!
And we found the perfect gem in the heart of Tremé.
Welcome to the Dragon Fly Guest House! Spoiler alert: If there are ghosts, they didn’t show up during our stay.
Note: This article is NOT paid or sponsored promotion and solely reflects our honest opinion.
This article is part of our series: 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track.
Tremé: Jazz, civil rights and historic houses
Tremé, one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans, is steeped in cultural and historical significance. Located just north of the French Quarter, its history is closely tied to the African American experience in the United States.
Early history and formation
Tremé originated from the plantation of Claude Tremé, who sold land to free people of color, making it one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the U.S.
In the 19th century, the plantation was subdivided, becoming a vibrant, mixed-race community with many free people of color.
Tremé became known for its music and arts, with Congo Square as a central gathering place.
20th century
Tremé was crucial in the development of jazz. Despite its cultural vibrancy, the neighborhood faced economic hardships, including displacement due to the construction of the Municipal Auditorium and Interstate 10.
Tremé was active in the civil rights movement, home to many activists fighting against segregation and for equality.
In the late 20th century, community efforts began to preserve Tremé's cultural and historical identity. Unfortunately, the area suffered significant damage from hurricane Katrina but showed resilience in rebuilding.
21st century
After Katrina, Tremé has seen revitalization and a renewed focus on its cultural heritage. However, the neighborhood has also faced issues with crime and insecurity, impacting its residents.
Nowadays, the neighborhood is a lot safer that it used to be. We could leave our car on the street overnight, and walk to and from the French Quarter without any issues.
The mansions of Tremé
Mansions and villas are a notable aspect of the neighborhood's rich architectural and cultural history. These grand homes reflect the prosperity and diverse heritage of the area, particularly during its peak periods in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tremé’s most famous mansions
Dufour-Baldwin House: Located on Bayou Road, this Greek Revival mansion was built in the 1850s by wealthy free man of color Claude Dufour.
Tremé Villa: This early 19th-century Creole home on North Villere Street features a distinctive double-galleried facade.
Henriette DeLille House: Situated on St. Philip Street, this house was associated with Henriette DeLille, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family.
The Dragon Fly Guest House
All these mansions are absolutely stunning to look at, but it’s even better to stay in one of them!
Converting these historic villas into Bed & Breakfast and Guest Houses is a way to preserve them, as we can’t even imagine the price of maintaining a house like that!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Staying at a guest house instead of a chain hotel is a good idea! You'll receive personalized, more flexible service and warm hospitality, with owners providing valuable local insights. They often have historical interiors, offering a distinct character and a home away from home. Finally, it’s a way to support local and small businesses!
So, this is exactly what Lore, the friendly owner of the Dragon Fly Guest House, did with her beautiful place.
To be completely honest — and not the sightliest embarrassed about it — besides the amazing pictures on the website and the great reviews on Booking, I (Eli) absolutely wanted to book this place because it’s called the Dragon Fly and the owner’s name is Lore. What, you’ve never heard of Gilmore Girls?
Authentic style
This 1892 mansion boasts 12-foot ceilings, antique fireplaces, pocket doors, balconies, and a blend of antique and modern furnishings, creating an eclectic style that captures the ambiance and spirit of old New Orleans.
It’s less than a mile from the French Quarter, and it’s a lovely walk along the Esplanade and its stunning villas.
A quick Uber ride will also take you to Nola’s main attractions.
The neighborhood is a lot quieter and authentic than the tourist hot spots, and parking is free on the street!
Facilities
The guesthouse is very intimate, accommodating up to 8 guests with 4 comfy bedrooms — some with balconies — and 5 baths.
There’s a shared kitchen and cozy living room.
After a hot day exploring bustling New Orleans, you’ll love the saltwater pool, and the outdoor pool house equipped with a flat-screen TV, soundbar, bathroom with shower, bar, seating areas, outdoor sofa, and barbecue grill stove.
The vibe and decoration reminded us of a Balinese garden, a peaceful haven in the middle of crazy New Orleans!
What’s with the ghosts?
New Orleans, and Louisiana in general, boast a rich history, culture, and folklore, with a reputation for haunted tales and voodoo practices. This fascination with the supernatural can be attributed to several factors.
Rich history
Louisiana's long and tumultuous history, including periods of French and Spanish colonial rule, slavery, and the Civil War, has left behind a legacy of tragedy, mystery, and unrest.
Iconic figures such as pirates, voodoo queens, and Civil War soldiers have become part of local lore, their stories intertwining with the city's history and contributing to its reputation for the paranormal.
A blend of cultures
New Orleans is known for its unique blend of Catholicism, African spirituality, and Caribbean influences, which have given rise to diverse spiritual practices, including voodoo and hoodoo.
Festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest celebrate the city's vibrant culture and provide a backdrop for tales of ghosts, spirits, and magic.
Haunted tales
New Orleans has a strong tradition of oral storytelling, with tales of ghostly encounters and supernatural phenomena passed down through generations.
The city's historic buildings, cemeteries, and neighborhoods are rumored to be haunted by restless spirits, adding to its allure as a hub of paranormal activity.
While in Nola, you can join a ghost tour!
That being said, we didn’t meet any ghost while staying at the Dragon Fly Guest House.
Maybe they were shy? Or maybe it was the smell of our late night gumbo…
Finally, here is a playlist to get you in the Tremé vibe:
We’re so happy we opted for a accommodation with a soul! The Dragon Fly Guest House is absolutely beautiful and has so much more character than a chain hotel.
We enjoyed the decoration, the big and comfy bed, the spacious room, the Balinese-style pool and garden, and Lore was very welcoming and accommodating.
Whether you pick this guest house or another mansion in Tremé, we can definitely vouch for this type of lodging while in New Orleans.
Other articles from our series 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track:
