One of the oldest residences in Lake Charles Louisiana. The Big White House was built in 1850 and has been fully restored with all the modern luxuries. There are ample bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate any type of stay, whether a weekend, long term or a one night visit. The Big White House is located in the Garden District of Lake Charles blocks from the Lake Charles Little Theatre, old historic downtown, lots of nice restaurants and the casinos.
A little bit about the house:
The house was built in 1850 by Dr. William Kirkman. You will notice the name around town (Kirkman Street and Kirkman Hall at McNeese State University). Dr. Kirkman was my great (x4) grandfather and he built the house on the land that was homesteaded by his Father (James Kirkman). It is one of the oldest residences in Lake Charles Louisiana. In 2016 the house went under major renovation to restore and modernize the house. You can see the process on Instagram and Facebook; look for the profile @thebigwhitehouselcla. The house was lifted 8 feet and a new foundation was established, then the house was lowered and a gutted down to the double wood walls. The downstairs was opened up to provide a great space for gathering; 5 rooms combined to one. The restoration took 2.5 years to complete. We hope that you love the house as much as we do. She has a great vibe and she welcomes love, laughter and togetherness. Enjoy!
*** Please Note*** the maximum number of guests allowed in our home is 8 guests, an extra charge of $50 per person per night will be charged for each guest over 8 guests. If you wish to have more than 8 guests during the day this would be considered an event, and event fees will apply. All events, day parties, weddings, reunions, funerals, etc. require prior approval and deposit. Once the event type, length of the event and number of guests are confirmed, the price for the rental will be confirmed accordingly. Thank you!
The Neighborhood:
The Big White House is located in the garden district of Lake Charles. There are many beautiful and historic homes on the surrounding streets. The Big White House is located blocks from downtown where there are many great restaurants and local shops to enjoy. Some of our favorite restaurants are: The Villa (on Pujo Street), Luna (on Ryan Street), 121 Bistro (on Michael DeBakey Drive), 1910 (on the corner of Kirby Street and Ryan Street), Pujo Street Café (on the corner of Pujo Street and Ryan Street), The Charleston Bistro (located inside the Charleston Hotel) and Empire of the Seed (located inside the historic Calcasieu Marine Bank building on Ryan Street). Lake Charles offers Waitr. Download the app and you can have any restaurant in Lake Charles delivered to The Big White House if you choose to stay in. Lake Charles also offers Lyft for a convenient way to get around town without your car. Download the app. If you plan to visit the casinos Lyft is a great option so that you can drink and have a good time without worrying about driving.
Rules of the house:
1)Absolutely no smoking. We want to preserve the house for many generations to come and we would hate to have a fire destroy the memories.
2)No sitting or standing on the counter tops. They are quartz and they will break.
3)Please be cautious of the floors as they are the original red oak floors downstairs and the original white oak floors upstairs. The kitchen is a slate tile.
4)Please treat the house with respect, she is old but alive and well. My family and I love this house and we want the people who stay here to love the house as much as we do.
5)Please clean up after yourself. Load the dishwasher. Take out the trash. Start a load of towels before you leave and if you spill something, please clean it up.
6) No pets
7) No parties, loud music or events allowed. Please respect our neighbors.
8) Quiet hours are from 11pm to 7:30 am. Only preregistered guests are allowed.
9) No additional people other than the original reservation guests can be present. Please do not bring additional people on premises. This includes people you meet at a bar or restaurant, a friend that happens to be passing through, any random stranger and any sex worker (just to be clear). If you break this rule you will be asked to leave immediately with no refund.
