An Antebellum Porch

By Brian Vanden Brink

This remarkable two story porch is attached to the well known antebellum mansion Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi. Designed in 1859 for Dr. Haller Nutt by Samuel Sloan, an architect from Philadelphia, the construction of the house was interrupted by the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War in 1861. It was never fully completed, and remains today as a reminder of the wealth and style of the pre-war deep south. Longwood is the largest octagonal house in the country and the porch is a richly ornamented and detailed structure that must have been a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a steamy southern evening. The fact that the house was so grand and elaborate but never completed gives rise to its nickname, “Nutt’s Folly”.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Not So Big House

This book earned author Sarah Susanka a reputation as a small house guru, yet, that wasn’t exactly her goal. This book isn’t about building a small house, it’s about building a smart house, one that matches how we live, and prioritizing beauty and comfort over size.

Buy at Amazon

All New Bathroom Ideas that Work

Everyone wants their bathrooms to be beautiful, but few know the challenge of arranging all the fixtures, storage, and convenience of a great bathroom into one of the smallest space in our homes. This book has hundreds of ideas to inspire you.

Buy at Amazon

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid

If you are designing or remodeling a traditional home and want to make sure that you get all the finish details right, this book is for you. Marianne’s drawings are illustrative, covering every aspect of interior and exterior finishes.

Buy at Amazon

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mid-Wall Install

This time-tested installation method for flangeless windows ensures smooth operation and provides air, water, and vapor control.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Discussion Forum

Highlights

Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

An Antebellum Porch

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Through the Lens

Up Next