On the Market: Claiborne Mansion on Dauphine lists for $3.5M

Dauphine Street, originally named Rue de Vendome, was renamed to honor the heir apparent to the French crown, the Dauphin of France. The street, which dates to the early 19th century, features a mix of restaurants, bars, retail, and some of the most historic landmarks in New Orleans. And now, one of Dauphine Street’s most historic crown jewel residences is on sale.

The Claiborne Mansion at 2111 Dauphine St. – built in 1859 for W. C. C. Claiborne II, the son of Louisiana’s first elected Governor William C.C. Claiborne – is listed for $3.5 million. At the foot of Frenchmen Street and located steps from the French Quarter, the 7,400-square-foot Greek Revival, two-story home features 10 bedrooms, 8½ bathrooms, and 8,500 square feet total.

The third of an acre manicured grounds and landscaped property includes a 40-foot saltwater pool and deck area, gardens, and private courtyards. It has secured off-street parking for as many as eight cars. The mansion features original mid-19th-century period details, such as grand parlors, wrought-iron balconies, pocket doors and windows, cornices, soaring ceilings, and wide plank wood floors. Another example of historical preservation is there is no kitchen in the main house; it’s in the service wing as it was originally built.

“The Claiborne Masion is an iconic gem in New Orleans, and it’s such a breathtaking property. We have received a lot of interest since we have listed it on the market last month, and you can just see the wow factor from people when you tour them through,” said listing agent Scott Weston, The McEnery Company. “The property is so unique in that you’re in the middle of all the action amidst an urban street landscape at the foot of Frenchmen and close to the French Quarter. But then you can seclude to 8,500 square feet of peace and quiet with an urban oasis of a courtyard, pool, cabana, and outdoor area, that all complement a beautiful mansion.”

The building is zoned as HMC-1, meaning it can be residential, commercial, and/or an office building. The late Cleo Pelleteri, who died last year at the age of 83, bought the property in 1993, ran a bed and breakfast until 2020, and then after the COVID-19 pandemic, resided in the home.

“With every ounce of energy and love, Miss Pelleteri and her family put so much work into this property that it has been meticulously maintained with significant architectural details preserved over its lifespan,” said Weston. “It’s ideal as a luxurious private residence or a wide variety of commercial uses such as an art gallery, hospitality business, restaurant, or even an office for a nonprofit with an endowment. … The opportunity to acquire such a historic asset of this grandeur in an amazing location comes along once in a generation.”

Weston said he has had a mix of interested buyers from local investors and residents to out of state investors and residents as well. The Claiborne Mansion would be the third mansion sold in New Orleans over the last three months as the 1856 Buckner Mansion at 1410 Jackson Ave. sold on Sept. 23 for $3 million, and the LaLaurie Mansion at 1140 Royal St. sold on Oct. 21 for $6 million.

“We have seen movement in the New Orleans market for people investing in high-quality luxury homes and historic properties such as the recent sales of the Buckner Mansion and LaLaurie Mansion,” said Weston. “I think the Claiborne Mansion will move quickly, and we have had a lot of interest so far.”