Walter Grinnan Robinson House, New Orleans

Constructed in 1859 by none other than New Orleans' renowned architect, Henry Howard, the Walter Grinnan Robinson House stands proudly on Third Street, commanding attention amidst a row of relatively modest neighbors. With its stately columns and double-decker design, this house is an ornate gem that seamlessly blends the grandeur of Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles. In recent times, it has undergone a magnificent restoration, alongside its adjacent servant quarters and stable.

Galleries, or covered walkways, were an integral feature of Garden District residences, and the house doesn't disappoint. Doric columns support the first floor, while Corinthian columns support the second, lending an air of sophistication to the facade. Adding to its charm, the house features a distinctive curved portico and an unconventional roof design that once served as a large water collection vat and cistern. This ingenious setup harnessed gravity to provide water pressure, making it a pioneer of indoor plumbing in the Garden District.

Walter Robinson, hailing from Lynchburg, Virginia, initially ventured south to establish himself as a cotton factor. However, he ultimately returned to his roots as a tobacco merchant, specializing in perique tobacco – a curly variant used in pipes.