The Anne Rice House
photo taken from asergeev.com
A man by the name of Albert Hamilton Brevard was a man who enjoyed the finer things in life. In the year of 1857, he hired architects James Caltow and Charles Pride to build him a beautiful house on First Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The home was constructed and built way beyond its years, containing such modern features that include hot and cold running water, in all of the bedrooms, and the design of double galleries, in order to catch the wind for a nice and cool breeze.
Upon the completion of the construction, it was considered to be the nicest house in the entire Garden District. Albert Hamilton Brevard was only able to enjoy this marvel of a house for two years before financial problems caught up with him. The house cost a total sum of approximately $12,000 dollars to build. However, the tax assessor placed a value on it that was even higher, leaving Brevard in a big whole for money. Brevard could only come up with one solution to this problem. After taking a relaxing walk, Brevard stood on his porch, took out a pistol, and shot himself in the head. By doing this, the suicide lowered the assessed tax.
The daughter of Albert Hamilton Brevard was able to keep the house, but only until 1869. It was then sold to Reverend Emory Clapp. The Reverend was able to buy the house at a value that was well below what it was worth. He too also sought the services of architect Charles Pride, who extended the first floor. After the Reverend died, his wife closed part of the gallery. About 100 years later, famous writer Anne Rice then purchased the house. Rice also made some renovations on certain parts of the house. Rice and her family lived in the house from 1989 to 2004. During this time, she wrote several books, inspired by some of the features of the house.
The ghost of Albert Hamilton Brevard has been known to haunt the now renamed Ann Rice House since his death. The site of his death on the porch seems to be always shrouded in a mysteriously cold atmosphere. Psychics who go on the porch feel a sense of sadness and shame. Pictures that are taken from the outside of the house reveal orbs. Legend has it, that on moonless nights, the residents of the neighborhood can see a mist form on the porch where Brevard shot himself.
Currently, the site remains as a private residence.
(Source: Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunter’s Guide to New Orleans. 2007.)
