Royal Residence

Named New Build of the Year for 2022, this project includes the full restoration and renovation of a historic center hall cottage as well as a new backyard oasis for the owners. This outside space features a pool with a hot tub, covered outdoor dining and kitchen area as well as a pool cabana, storage, and ample off-street parking. 

This project lot is actually several smaller lots combined into one L-shaped site, with the formal entry on one block and the driveway entry around the corner. The original portion of the home was in good condition, but a rear addition suffered significant deterioration due to deferred maintenance.

The rear addition was removed and reconstructed as a modern extension to the cottage, with expansive openings to the backyard and a covered porch. A home office and guest suite were added in the previously-unused attic, accessed by a bespoke bent-steel stair rising dramatically above the living room. A modern kitchen is supplemented by a butler’s pantry that mediates between the historic and new areas.

The main suite on the first floor comprises a sitting room and pass-through closet, as well as a single-story addition that was restored as a second guest suite with its own private entrance and porch. In the yard, the cabana is on axis with the outdoor dining area, while the pool stretches between them and landscaping provides lushness.

Location Royal Street, New Orleans Completed 2021 Size 3,946 sf