Rosedown Plantation holds a special place in my heart and is one of my favorite plantations in Louisiana. Rosedown Plantation is located in St. Francisville, Louisiana which is about 40 minutes north of Baton Rouge. We usually visit at least a couple times a year since it is so close to us.
History of Rosedown
Daniel (one of the wealthiest men in the nation before the Civil War) and Martha Turnbull started building the main house at Rosedown Plantation in 1834 and it was completed in 1835. The home was furnished with some of the finest pieces available with many of the original pieces still being on display.
At its largest, Rosedown Plantation comprised approximately 3,455 acres, the majority of which was planted in cotton. Due to the size of the operation and cotton production at Rosedown Plantation they utilized as many as 450 slaves at their peak.
Martha Turnbull had a love of gardening which was influenced by the formal gardens of Europe they had seen during their honeymoon. The gardens expanded to cover about 28 acres at Rosedown.
In 1956, the Turnbull family members sold the plantation to Catherine Fondren Underwood, who was an amateur horticulturalist. She spent eight-years restoring the house and formal gardens. They used Martha Turnbull’s extensive garden diaries and replanted the same species and varieties.
Currently, Rosedown Plantation, it’s main house, historic gardens, 13 outbuildings and 371 remaining acres, are preserved as a state historic site by the Office of State Parks.
Why We Love Rosedown
Rosedown Plantations is actually where my bridal photos were taken and we have used the grounds for many photos since. Our Christmas card photos this year were taken at Rosedown Plantation.
Their gardens are absolutely beautiful with numerous outbuildings, gazebos, statues, fountains, and a pond. Each trip we discover something new on the grounds. Oh and S is in love with their cat.
Last spring, we participated in their Easter Egg Hunt, which was so much fun having Easter eggs hidden throughout all of their gardens. The children were also able to participate in vintage games.
Rosedown Plantation participates in St. Francisville’s Spring Pilgrimage, which is one of our favorite events to attend. Several private homes are open to the public for tours, along with several plantations in the area and historic churches.
Admission is charged for Rosedown Plantation, however if you only want to view the gardens and outbuildings the cost is $5.00 per person versus $10.00 for an adult to tour the main home (price accurate at time of posting).
Have you toured a plantation? Do you have a favorite plantation?
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This looks like so much fun! That garden is beautiful. Your little girl is always dressed so cute!
Thank you Logan! The gardens are beautiful!
The gardens are to die for! Thanks for sharing, maybe I’ll make it out there some day!
Yes, the gardens at Rosedown are awesome! I hope you are able to make a trip 🙂
I’m starting to be more interested in history like this. I hated it as a teenager! I would love to visit this place. The walkway with those trees! Swoon!
Thanks Melissa! I think that’s common with a lot of teenagers 🙂 The gardens are so amazing!
Wow – what a beautiful place! I absolutely love Louisiana and the antebellum architecture. I hadn’t heard of Rosedown before – now I have a new reason to get back to Louisiana! (Not that I need much to persuade me – definitely one of my favorite places.) Thanks for the great post!
It really is a wonderful plantation! Also in the area is Oakley House, which is another state owned plantation. I hope you head back to Louisiana soon!
I love Rosedown Plantation, it is so beautiful!
It is a wonderful plantation!
I’ve never toured a plantation before – love the gardens here and that gazebo is so pretty! Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
Thank you Lauren! The gardens are amazing at Rosedown!
What a beautiful place to visit. I can see why you enjoy returning year after year! We have visited Oak Alley and another plantation outside New Orleans as well as Middleton Place outside Charleston. I love learning the history of these places, they always fascinate me. Beautiful pictures and I love reading about it. Stopping by from the Family Fun Friday linky!
Thank you Kirsten! Oak Alley is another one of my favorites; I especially love sipping mint juleps on the front porch.
I love your history with Rosedown! Ellen
Thank you Ellen!
That is so gorgeous! We might have to take a road trip this summer to visit! Beautiful!
I hope you do Stefanie! It’s a beautiful plantation. There is also Oakley House and the Myrtles both in St. Francisville too!