Modern Pool House for a Historic Home
This pool house was designed as an accessory structure to one of the most iconic historic homes in New Orleans: the Italianate mansion commonly known as the “Cornstalk Fence Mansion,” named for the distinctive cast-iron fence surrounding the property. The main residence was originally designed in 1859 by famed architect Henry Howard for Colonel Robert H. Short.
The project presented a unique set of challenges due to its elevated design, high visibility, and sensitivity to the historic main house. The scope included construction of a new pool house, swimming pool, and deck, as well as major repairs to the rear exterior wall of the existing home. To accommodate the new design, an existing stone deck attached to the rear of the house and tied into the foundation had to be carefully removed. This process required extensive work to the historic brick foundation in addition to the installation of 85 helical piles to support the new pool and pool house structures. Every phase of the work demanded meticulous planning and execution to protect the integrity of the historic residence.
The architecture of the new pool house was intentionally designed in sharp contrast to the Italianate detailing of the original home. Rather than attempting to replicate the historic architecture, the design embraces a clean, modern aesthetic that complements both the main structure and the eclectic, contemporary character of the interiors. Great care was taken to ensure the addition felt respectful yet distinct — a deliberate dialogue between old and new.
Floor-to-ceiling steel doors slide open to blur the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a seamless connection to the pool and surrounding deck. The outdoor kitchen was designed to accommodate everything from casual family cookouts to large-scale entertaining, while the deck naturally links the pool, pool house, and main residence into a cohesive outdoor living environment. Tucked within the structure, a private one-bedroom guest suite offers a quiet retreat with the feel of a boutique hotel, just steps from the pool.
Credits:
Architect: Lee Ledbetter & Associates
Interior Design: Olivia Erwin Interiors
Photographer: Jacqueline Marque
Photo Styling: Suzonne Stirling
