The Terrell House, New Orleans
The Terrell House Bed & Breakfast ~ New Orleans, Louisiana
There is something to be said about Mississippi being called the hospitality state and I am a very proud “hospitable" Mississippian. Connecting through people, I believe is a gift, and as a Southerner I hope I have this quality and always trying to refine in its ability. Travel is my main connector.
Anyone who knows me KNOWs I love to travel. It is what lights my fire and inspires me, my design, and my way of thinking and living. I believe when you expose yourself to new places, people, and spaces it expands everything about who you are and want to be. It can be life changing.
During Covid, my travels were very limited as was everyone’s’. My beloved New Orleans was one of the places I still traveled as things began to open up. Work, and let’s be honest I make sure there is always work for me in my soul city famously known as NOLA, allowed me to travel there. Exploring is my passion, and I took this opportunity to explore some new places in New Orleans. Because of Covid, hotels unfortunately were so limited that I looked into Bed and Breakfasts in the city. As a suggestion from Tony and Tracey Mose, two of my favorite New Orleans artists www.esomgallery.com (check out their stories in previous blogs) I found the Terrell House. Owned by Linda O'Brien, ironically from Mississippi.
Linda O'Brien, a native Mississippian, and her husband moved to New Orleans in 1998. They bought and renovated a house on Prytania. After completion, Linda found herself not working for the first time in her life and was bored. On a visit to see her child at the College of Charleston, she and her husband stayed at a bed and breakfast and thought this is something I would like to do in New Orleans. Back home, she began walking her neighborhood looking for a house to buy and convert into a B&B but learned they were NOT issuing anymore B&B licenses. That’s when she found the Terrell House, an existing B&B for sale. It had been shut down and was in disrepair but still had an active B&B license. In 2003 she made an offer, without her husband’s knowledge. The offer was accepted and thus began the Terrell house and Linda’s dance.
Richard Terrell was a wealthy Cotton Broker from Natchez Mississippi. Like many brokers from Natchez, they needed a home in New Orleans where their cotton was sold. Mr. Terrell began construction of his home in New Orleans in 1856 for his wife and three children. The Terrell house was completed in 1858. In Researching the history of The Terrell House Linda found that three of the family members of the Terrell family shared birthdays with Linda, her husband, and one of their children which further shows that the universe meant for the O’Brien’s to occupy this lovely home.
Linda is originally from Poplarville, MS, and a graduate of Ole Miss. She had spent most of her adult life in Greenville, MS where she worked at Lanas Interiors. You certainly can see this influence in the decor of the Terrell House. Despite the 14 ft. Ceilings crowned with plaster moldings and ornate ceiling medallions, it feels very warm and inviting like you are hosted by the epitome of a southern hostess in her home. You will see this in the linens, china, and silver collection used at breakfast. Most belonged to Linda’s grandmother. The attention to detail is impeccable. After the purchase, it took Linda a year and half to renovate the Terrell House. Linda said she had fallen through the floor in a portion of the house prior to renovation. Previous owners had not kept up with repairs. However when you arrive you will find the final product is just lovely and you will leave wanting to return. The main house features porches, galleries, and balconies framed in ornate cast iron and a brick courtyard complete with several fountains and lush vegetation.
I am grateful to Tony and Tracey Mose for introducing me to Linda and The Terrell House. Linda is one of Tony Mose’s first collectors. She commissioned several early works from Tony of Esom Gallery which adorn this lovely home. His paintings are sprinkled throughout the rooms and common areas. One of my favorite commissions Tony did for Linda is of Jubilee, who haunts the Terrell house…. in a “delightful” way. The story goes that Jubilee was the mistress of Richard Terrell. Jubilee was found dead in the living room. One version was Richard’s eldest son had a gambling problem and was selling things from the home to pay his debts. Richard caught him doing so and seeking revenge, killed Jubilee. In another version, his son was “caught” with Jubilee and Richard himself killed her. Regardless, she likes to make her presence known around the house by making noises, things being knocked off shelves, and things being moved around. One room in particular is where the linens are pressed. That is where a lot of the activity occurs. The resident cat is named for the Ghost. Linda said the kitty came with the house. So we know she is at least 20 years old. Jubilee’s recent vet appointment had the vets amazed at her good health. She truly is a part of the house as I have sat and visited with her on every visit. Jubilee, the cat or reincarnated Lady, carries a lot of mystique and adds just another interesting element to this lovely Bed and Breakfast.
As you begin traveling in 2022, I highly recommend making your way to New Orleans and booking a stay at The Terrell House. My favorite rooms are the corner store with two adjoining rooms. You will find the charm of the city, neighborhood, location, staff, and Linda to be memorable. Another HUGE amenity is your fur family members are welcome. Just another reason The Terrell House is one of mine and Mr. Beauregard’s favorite stays in New Orleans. Call and book today 504-237-2076 www.terrellhouse.com 1441 Magazine Street, New Orleans.
