Election Fever: A Piece of History for Sale
A Political Power Couple’s Palace
Election fever is at its peak. And now, in New Orleans, house hunters can own a piece of property once owned by a political power couple — a Democratic strategist and a Republican political consultant.
The Former Home of James Carville and Mary Matalin
This historic mansion was formerly owned by the politically divided, and romantically united, James Carville and Mary Matalin — and it has hit the market for $3.7 million.
A Symbol of Unity
Carville, known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” just turned 80 and is having a moment. He’s the subject of a new documentary, “Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid.” He also encouraged President Biden to drop out of the presidential race earlier this year. And yet, he’s also a symbol of unity. He has been married to Matalin since Thanksgiving Day 1993.
The Mansion’s Features
The mansion comes with plenty of historic details, like the fireplace mantel in the sitting room. The couple bought the home from the sellers for $3.3 million in 2021. Carville and Matalin had lived there since May 2008, when they purchased it for $2.25 million.
The Property
The home, built in 1906, sits on coveted Palmer Avenue by Audubon Park. The five-bedroom mansion is 8,279 square feet and features original details like a grand staircase, 13-foot-high ceilings, six fireplaces, marble mantels, and intricate molding and millwork. The outside of the dwelling boasts a large front porch with double-leaded glass doors leading to a large entrance foyer.
Entertaining and More
There are plenty of entertaining rooms with Italian plaster friezes and original pocket doors. A formal dining room boasts a hand-painted mural of Audubon Park and detailed wood paneling. There’s also a large den with a wet bar that opens to the chef’s kitchen and butler’s pantry. A main bedroom suite with a balcony overlooks a street lined with oak trees.
Amenities
The home comes with a saltwater pool, a laundry room and kitchenette on the second floor, while the renovated third floor can house a home office, guest rooms, and an additional entertaining space with a wet bar. The backyard comes with a covered terrace, a flagstone patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a saltwater pool with fountains. There’s also a second prep kitchen in the partially finished basement and a laundry room, along with gated, off-street parking for four cars, a new slate roof, and a generator.
The Listing Broker
The listing broker is Eleanor Farnsworth of Latter & Blum | Compass.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of the mansion?
A: $3.7 million
Q: How many bedrooms and square feet is the mansion?
A: 5 bedrooms, 8,279 square feet
Q: What are some of the notable features of the mansion?
A: Original details like a grand staircase, 13-foot-high ceilings, six fireplaces, marble mantels, and intricate molding and millwork; a large front porch with double-leaded glass doors leading to a large entrance foyer; plenty of entertaining rooms with Italian plaster friezes and original pocket doors; a saltwater pool; a laundry room and kitchenette on the second floor; and a renovated third floor that can house a home office, guest rooms, and an additional entertaining space with a wet bar.
Q: Who is the listing broker?
A: Eleanor Farnsworth of Latter & Blum | Compass.
