The Bywater is such a hot bed and incubator of the diversity and creativity that is representative of the same appeals of the uniqueness of New Orleans culture, says Elisa Cool Murphy, founder and broker of Cool Murphy Real Estate, LLC. “You can’t take your dog on a walk and not feel or be inspired by the creativity from the art, murals, views of the city, music, food, or people who are both interesting and interested in being around other fascinating people,” said Murphy.
“Creativity leaks from the walls. It’s just this amazing, concentrated area of creativity that resembles the soul of New Orleans culture and makes the Bywater a unique place.” It’s those same special characteristics that attract prospective homeowners to the Bywater neighborhood, said Murphy.
“There are typically two types of buyers – people wanting a single-family home where they want to live in an authentic part of New Orleans, or investors in multifamily that restore, rehab older historic homes, and either rent out the units, or use the home as a second home,” she said. “The Bywater draws all kinds of interest – out of state, from other neighborhoods, all looking for that unique change of lifestyle that the Bywater offers.”
The historic Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans is known for its colorful historic homes, Crescent Park – a skyline view of the city off the Mississippi River, restaurants, bars, art, and second lines down the streets. The boundary, as defined by the City Planning Commission, is Florida Ave. to the north, Industrial Canal to the east, Mississippi River to the south, and the railroad tracks along Homer Plessy Way to the west.
Murphy said the price range in the Bywater is typically between $500,000 to $800,000, with exceptions on the higher end for larger and luxury homes, and exceptions on the lower end for smaller homes and starters. Murphy’s agency currently has two under contract, pending, with both sales prices near the listing prices – 623 Alvar St. ($560,000 listing price; 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 3,095 square feet of living space) and 907 Clouet St. ($599,000 listing price; 3 beds, 2 baths, and 1,856 square feet of living space). Cool Murphy Real Estate, LLC also has the highest-priced Bywater home currently on the market at 3029 Royal St. The home, originally built in the 1900’s but recently restored, lists for $1,075,000 ($262 per square foot) and features 6 bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms, and 4,096 square feet of living space.
“It’s 4,100 square feet of magic. One visitor described it as a different experience in every room, and another said this home could be a museum,” said Murphy. “The sellers have put a lot of sweat equity into restoring this home; they are only moving because their grandchildren in the pacific Northwest have a stronger hold on them than New Orleans.” Additionally on the market in the Bywater is 2734 Burgundy St., selling for $699,000 ($466 per square foot), and featuring 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 1,500 square feet of living space. 2734 Burgundy St. was built in 1840 in the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks away from the French Quarter, and is a recently restored Creole Cottage.
Another restored home on the market in the Bywater is 1004 Louisa St., selling for $589,000 ($227 per square foot), and featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, and 2,600 square feet of living space. 1004 Louisa St. is a historic New Orleans cottage home that was built around the 1830’s. Below is a more in-depth look at several homes on the market in the Bywater.
On the Market: Bywater 3029 Royal St. [see the SlideDeck]
3029 Royal St., New Orleans, 70117 List price: $1,075,000 ($262 per square foot) Specs: 6 bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms, 4,096 square feet of living space Listing agents: Elisa Cool Murphy and Jess Rocco, Cool Murphy Real Estate
Description
3029 Royal Street is a restored home situated in the heart of New Orleans’ most creative and historic neighborhood – the Bywater. The home’s flexibility and location call for either a grand single-family home, 2-3 private residences, or the potential as a bed and breakfast. The home has been featured in glossy magazines and design books, most recently Bohemian Soul. The home includes 6 bedrooms, multiple workspaces, and 4½ bathrooms. Additional features include original hardwood floors, pocket doors, nine decorative fireplaces, grand front parlor, two gated parking spots, front porch, rear porch and courtyard, guest kitchen, main kitchen with a high-end gas stove and oven, whole-home generator, and private upstairs pied-à-terre apartment for the flexibility of additional living or rental space.
On the market: Bywater 2734 Burgundy St. [see the SlideDeck]
2734 Burgundy St., New Orleans, 70117 List price: $699,000 ($466 per square foot) Specs: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,500 square feet of living space Listing agent: Joey Walker, Rȇve Realtors
Description
2734 Burgundy St. was built in 1840 in the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks away from the French Quarter. A restored Creole Cottage, the home comprises of two units, each boasting 1 bedroom and 1½ bathrooms. The unit opening onto a garden oasis is currently vacant and can be sold furnished, presenting an ideal pied-à-terre or permanent residence. Meanwhile, the second unit is occupied by a long-term tenant, offering both income potential and community.
The units are mirror images, and each features concrete floors throughout an expansive living area, complemented by a stylish kitchen adorned with custom cabinetry, laundry facilities, and a powder room. Ascend to the upper level to discover heart pine floors, bedroom complete with a walk-in closet, and classic bathroom. The cottage has custom milled operable windows and
shutters, a real slate roof, and copper gutters. Outside, the yard beckons with an antique brick patio, parre-terre garden, and a fountain, all enclosed within a high wall that affords privacy.
On the Market: Bywater 1004 Louisa St. [see the SlideDeck]
1004 Louisa St., New Orleans, 70117 List price: $589,000 ($227 per square foot) Specs: 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, 2,600 square feet of living space Listing agents: Adrienne LaBauve and Heather Rose, eXp Realty, LLC
Description
1004 Louisa St. is a historic New Orleans cottage home that was built around the 1830’s in the historic Bywater neighborhood. The construction of this home was typical of the early 19th century and preserved for insulation and decorative interest. The restoration continues with attention to detail and craftsmanship, including exposed brick fireplaces and mantels, refinished wood floors, and original wooden beams.
The spacious and light-filled living/dining/kitchen stretches across the back of the house with French doors leading to the courtyard. The updated kitchen has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There are two large bedrooms downstairs with a dressing area and primary bathroom featuring a custom cypress double vanity, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. The open cypress staircase leads upstairs to two additional bedrooms and one full bathroom. The home has a newer roof and is in the X flood zone.
