Ever wondered what it’s like to step inside a real-life haunted mansion? Buckner Mansion in New Orleans, made famous as Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story: Coven, is more than just a filming location—it’s a Greek Revival masterpiece with a history as rich as its architectural details. From eerie ghost stories, like the legend of Miss Josephine, to jaw-dropping interior design and timeless Southern charm, this mansion is a rare blend of beauty and supernatural mystery.
Buckner Mansion of American Horror Story: Coven House
- 📍 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, Garden District
- 💰 Estimated Price: $4.5 million
- 📅 Year Built: 1856
- 🏞️ Size of Land: Approximately 0.44 acres
- 🏠 Size of House: 9,062 square feet
- 🛏️ Rooms: 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms
Background of American Horror Story: Coven
Set in the heart of New Orleans, Coven explores the hidden lives of witches, the legacies of dark histories, and the clash between voodoo and witchcraft—all themes that sink beautifully into the cultural landscape of the city. This season of American Horror Story is steeped in the eerie and the supernatural, blending fact and fiction to build an atmosphere that is deeply rooted in New Orleans’ unique charm and haunting past.
At the center of this season is the Buckner Mansion, which portrays Miss Robichaux’s Academy, a boarding school for young witches honing their powers. This building isn’t just a location; it’s a symbol. It reflects the old-world grandeur of New Orleans, with architecture that whispers of secrets and a presence that’s undeniably haunting. Buckner Mansion became the foundation of Coven’s atmosphere, weaving together beauty, history, and a touch of darkness.
Interior Design of Buckner Mansion
Buckner Mansion’s interior design is nothing short of mesmerizing, a true showcase of Southern opulence, history, and classic Greek Revival elegance. When I first stepped into the mansion, I was struck by how its design effortlessly marries grandeur with intricate details that seem to tell a story of their own. Each room is carefully crafted, with layouts that are spacious yet intimate, creating an experience that feels both awe-inspiring and welcoming. It’s no wonder this space was chosen to represent Miss Robichaux’s Academy in Coven. This mansion doesn’t just look the part of a supernatural academy—it embodies it.
Entrance Hall and Grand Staircase
The entrance hall is nothing short of breathtaking, serving as the grand introduction to the mansion. Visitors are greeted by a sweeping staircase with polished mahogany railings that elegantly curves upwards, drawing the eye to the intricate molding on the ceiling. The multi-tiered chandelier hanging above the staircase casts a warm, welcoming glow that softens the grandeur of the room. Antique furnishings, including Victorian-style chairs and side tables, accent the space, setting a refined and historic tone.
Formal Parlor
The formal parlor is the epitome of Victorian elegance. This room features tall windows dressed in opulent, floor-length curtains that add drama and color to the space. The windows allow soft natural light to filter through, highlighting the intricate patterns in the floral wallpaper that covers the walls in warm beige and gold tones.
A white marble fireplace anchors the parlor, adding a sense of warmth and grandeur. Antique seating, upholstered in rich, muted fabrics, is carefully arranged to create an inviting area for conversation. With its high ceilings, crystal chandelier, and ornate decor, the parlor was an ideal setting in Coven for scenes that demanded both elegance and intimacy.
Ballrooms and Living Spaces
The ballrooms at Buckner Mansion are expansive, allowing ample room for gatherings and social events, both real and fictional. These spaces are adorned with hardwood floors that gleam under the light of several large chandeliers suspended from ceiling medallions. The windows are dressed with sheer drapes, providing a delicate contrast to the solid structure of the room and allowing sunlight to softly illuminate the antique furnishings.
These living spaces are quintessentially Southern, with their high ceilings and refined aesthetic, creating a balance between lightness and sophistication. During filming for Coven, these ballrooms and living areas were subtly transformed to enhance the eerie elegance of the school, where history and supernatural energy collide.
Dining Room
The dining room in Buckner Mansion is a masterpiece of color and craftsmanship. The walls are painted a deep, earthy green with white trim, adding a grounded richness to the space. The long dining table, covered with a floral tablecloth, invites guests to sit, creating a sense of traditional Southern hospitality.
Around the table, antique cabinetry and an elegant fireplace decorated with candelabras add authenticity to the room. The ceiling features intricate moldings that draw the eye upward, further emphasizing the height and historic feel of the room. The dining room’s subdued colors and classic decor create a warm, dignified atmosphere, ideal for formal gatherings or intimate meals.
Kitchen
The kitchen is unexpectedly light and airy, a departure from the mansion’s otherwise dark and opulent palette. Pale yellow walls add brightness to the room, while traditional cabinetry and a center island ground it in classic design. Despite being a historic home, the kitchen includes modern appliances that blend seamlessly with the decor, providing functionality without disrupting the room’s timeless charm.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom in Buckner Mansion exudes timeless elegance with its light-colored walls and floral drapes that soften the space. High ceilings and a stunning chandelier amplify the room’s airy feel, making it both luxurious and calming. Vintage furniture pieces, including a beautifully crafted wooden bed and matching armoire, add touches of historic charm that feel as inviting as they are refined. This room’s serene ambiance makes it a perfect retreat, blending classic Southern style with understated sophistication.
Guest Room
The guest room is cozy yet elegant, designed with mustard-yellow walls that add warmth to the space. Twin antique beds with wrought-iron frames and vintage linens anchor the room, creating a nostalgic feel. Tall bay windows, adorned with soft, decorative curtains, allow natural light to flood in, enhancing the room’s inviting atmosphere. Traditional furnishings and a classic armchair in the corner complete this charming guest retreat, embodying Southern hospitality and comfort.
Exterior, Rear View
The rear view of Buckner Mansion is a breathtaking sight, showcasing three levels of wrap-around balconies that extend from each story. These iconic balconies are supported by grand Ionic columns, seamlessly blending with the mansion’s Greek Revival style. The staircases lead to a beautifully landscaped backyard, with lanterns lining the pathways that cast a warm glow at dusk. This view highlights the mansion’s majestic structure and adds an enchanting charm, inviting viewers to experience its timeless elegance from every angle.
Haunting Legends and Paranormal Significance
There’s something about New Orleans that feels otherworldly, like the city itself is infused with mystery and history. It’s no surprise, then, that Buckner Mansion is steeped in local lore, drawing ghost hunters and fans of the supernatural alike. This mansion isn’t just grand and beautiful—it’s also known for its hauntings, and it holds a place in the rich tapestry of New Orleans’ ghostly history.
Local Ghost Stories and Haunted Lore
New Orleans has a reputation for embracing the paranormal. From voodoo to ghost tours, the city’s fascination with the supernatural is woven into its identity. The Buckner Mansion is one of many historic properties in New Orleans rumored to be haunted, attracting both tourists and locals who come to experience its eerie energy.
- New Orleans’ Haunted History: The city’s historic homes, with their creaking floors and dimly lit halls, seem to invite ghost stories. Many of these tales stem from real-life tragedies or eerie coincidences, making New Orleans one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Buckner Mansion fits right in, with its Gothic architecture and dark history.
- Ghostly Experiences at Buckner Mansion: Over the years, residents and visitors have reported strange occurrences at Buckner Mansion. Whispers of disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps echoing down hallways, and sudden cold spots are common stories. Some even claim to see shadowy figures moving through the halls, adding a spine-tingling element to this stately home.
Story of Miss Josephine, the Ghostly Caretaker
One of the most well-known legends surrounding Buckner Mansion is the story of Miss Josephine, a spirit believed to be the ghost of a woman who served the Buckner family.
- Historical Background of Miss Josephine: Miss Josephine, a former enslaved woman, is said to have stayed on at Buckner Mansion even after the Civil War, choosing to continue working for the family. According to local lore, she developed a strong connection to the home, and even after her death, she remained as its ethereal caretaker.
- Reports of Paranormal Activity: Those who have spent time in the mansion report feeling her presence. People often describe hearing soft footsteps, as if someone is walking quietly through the rooms, and catching a whiff of lemon peel—a scent that was reportedly her favorite. Some believe Miss Josephine’s spirit lingers to keep watch over the mansion, ensuring it’s maintained just as it was when she cared for it in life.
Influence of Paranormal Stories on Coven
It was these very ghost stories that inspired the Coven production team. The legends surrounding Buckner Mansion and the tales of hauntings in New Orleans influenced not only the choice of location but also the tone of many scenes in the show.
- Inspiration from Real Ghost Stories: The production team wanted an atmosphere that felt authentically haunted, drawing inspiration from tales of Miss Josephine and other ghostly presences to build a setting that felt palpably eerie.
- Haunting Elements in Key Coven Scenes: Coven integrated supernatural elements into Buckner Mansion’s portrayal, from shadowed corners to dimly lit hallways, enhancing its mystical appeal. The use of dark lighting and antique decor mirrored the real-life ambiance of Buckner Mansion, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a way that keeps viewers captivated.
| Mansion Name | Location | Architectural Style | Notable Haunting Legend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckner Mansion | New Orleans, Louisiana | Greek Revival | Ghost of Miss Josephine, the caretaker, who watches over the home |
| Winchester Mystery House | San Jose, California | Queen Anne Victorian | Ghostly encounters with lost souls due to unusual design and endless hallways |
| Whaley House | San Diego, California | Greek Revival | Spirit of Thomas Whaley, original owner, and multiple apparitions of past tenants |
| The Myrtles Plantation | St. Francisville, Louisiana | Antebellum/Plantation | Ghost of Chloe, a former enslaved woman, and other spirits seen on the property |
What is the American Horror Story: Coven House?
The American Horror Story: Coven House, known as Buckner Mansion, is a historic Greek Revival mansion in New Orleans. Built in 1856, it gained fame as Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story, adding to its allure with its haunted history and grand architecture.
Where is the Coven House from American Horror Story located?
The Coven House from American Horror Story, known as Buckner Mansion, is located in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana, at 1410 Jackson Avenue. This historic area is renowned for its grand Southern mansions and lush, oak-lined streets.
Why was the Coven House chosen for American Horror Story?
The Coven House, or Buckner Mansion, was chosen for American Horror Story due to its grand Greek Revival architecture and eerie atmosphere. Its historic charm and haunted reputation perfectly aligned with the supernatural themes of the show’s Coven season.
Who owns the Coven House from American Horror Story now?
The Coven House from American Horror Story, also known as Buckner Mansion, is currently privately owned. While the owner’s identity is not public, the mansion is not open for tours but can be rented for private events.
Conclusion
The Buckner Mansion is more than just a backdrop for Coven; it’s a symbol of New Orleans’ architectural beauty, cultural history, and ghostly allure. Its impressive Greek Revival structure and haunting legends continue to draw admiration from fans, historians, and travelers.
