Commission Accomplished: 135-year-old French Quarter home sells for $1.5M

Address: 634 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, 70116
Sales price: $1.5 million
Asking price: $1.6 million
Date sold: June 2
Days On Market: 108
Listing agents: Sam Poche’ and Jennifer Saltaformaggio, Latter & Blum
Sales agent: Bryan Drude, Keller Williams Realty

Enter through a front double parlor and original archway to experience century-old architectural details still intact, or pull up a seat at the full bar in the entertainment room that connects to the courtyard.
There is a balance of nostalgia and renovations at the 135-year-old French Quarter home at 634 Esplanade Ave., which sold on June 2 for $1.5 million.

“A stunning, historic French Quarter home along an oak tree-lined Esplanade Avenue is still a crown jewel in New Orleans, and this one had a perfectly-renovated touch from the needed foundation and repair work to stunning upgrades on the inside,” said Sam Poche’, co-listing agent on the transaction, along with Jennifer Saltaformaggio, both with Latter & Blum.

Poche’ said she actually “met this house” 30 years ago when the house, built in 1888, functioned as a multifamily unit and Poche’ was hired as a property manager. After the landlord passed away, the family sold it, and then the house changed hands several times before Poche’s client moved in and made the existing renovations.

“The grand entrance leads to splendid double parlors with the original archway, marble mantels, exquisite medallions, matching fireplaces, polished hardwood floors, and soaring ceilings – all of that contributes to the ‘wow’ factor when you enter into the interior,” Poche’ said. “The third parlor was transformed into a full bar in an entertainment room that connects to the courtyard. You have a superb kitchen with a huge island for family and friends to gather around. It’s the perfect house to host a party.”

Additional amenities in the 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath, 4,316-square-foot living space include a primary suite on the second level featuring a balcony, fireplace, and private den. The guest suite has a wraparound balcony with a private entrance. There is gated parking and a courtyard.

“This was as smooth a transaction on both sides as a deal could be. The house was extremely move-in ready, down to the renovated layout, excellent taste in colors and upgrades that were all attractive to the buyer,” said Bryan Drude, Keller Williams Realty, and selling agent on 634 Esplanade Ave. “Another huge asset was the structural and foundation repairs the seller invested into the property, which can always make or break a deal like a this.”

Drude mentioned the buyer is an out-of-state resident who in the past has purchased French Quarter properties as vacation homes. “She loves New Orleans, and this is a very, positive investment for the French Quarter area, a big driver of tourism and revenue for our City.”

Other highest price homes sold:

Address: 2 Oaklawn Dr., Covington, 70433
Sales price: $1,300,000
Asking price: $1,349,000
Date sold: June 1
Days On Market: 95
Listing agents: Alice McNeely and Rebecca Hammett, Latter & Blum
Sales agent: Margot Rainold, McEnery Residential

A 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 4,144-square-foot home at 2 Oaklawn Drive in Covington sold for $1.3 million on June 1 after spending 95 days on the market.

• This Tchefuncta Estates neighborhood home is situated on a tree-shaded corner lot with landscaping, pool, and a guest house. Total area is 7,995 square feet.
• Classic Acadian style featuring formal living and dining, Carrera marble kitchen, family room with fireplace and French doors, primary suite with travertine bath and office.
• Front and back porches, deck with pergola, pool, and guest house with living, game room, kitchen, plus two-car garage.

Address: 136 Oleander Ct., Mandeville, 70471 
Sales price: $1,235,000
Asking price: $1,249,000
Date sold: May 31
Days On Market: 4
Listing agent: Christine Westenberger, Fine Southern Properties
Sales agent: Libby Cabrera, Hanemann Realty Inc.

A 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 4,085-square-foot home at 136 Oleander Court in Mandeville sold for $1.235 million on May 31 after spending just four days on the market.

• Located in The Sanctuary neighborhood in St. Tammany Parish.
• Spacious kitchen with luxury appliances, custom cabinetry andMonte Blanc quartz countertops, Kentucky wood floors, office, media/bonus multipurpose room, two dishwashers, and a whole house generator.
• The primary bedroom features a large walk-in closet,en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, soaking tub, separate shower.
• Outside, the property features an outdoor kitchen, largecovered patio area.

Information provided by Kelleye Rhein & Stephan Mock of Reve Realtors.

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