Monday, August 31, 2009

Sandra Bullock Buys in The Big Easy

BUYER: Sandra Bullock and Jesse James
LOCATION: Coliseum Street, New Orleans, LA
PRICE: $2,250,000
SIZE: 6,615 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: ...Ornately carved marble mantels, carved columns, large plaster medallions, antique shadow molding thru first flr liv area. Grand entry foyer, 41 x 13 w/ wd flring featuring alternating pecan & sycamore, lg doorways lead to parlor, ballroom & dining rm, all w/ 14' ceilings. Unfinished 3rd flr an additional 1935 sq. ft. w/ 10 ft. ceil.

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Just in case y'all did not know, Saturday was the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the powerful storm that devastated the Gulf states and visited a special sort of meteorological hell on the frisky and frolicsome city of New Orleans, LA. In remembrance of the tragic losses and in honor of all the hard and good work being done to rebuild and revitalize the City That Care Forgot, Your Mama thought it might be fun to discuss an historic and ornate mansion in the gorgeous Garden District recently snatched up by a couple of big hearted Tinseltown types who have quietly committed much time and major resources to the rebuilding of The Big Easy. No puppies, we are not going to discuss Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's mansion on Governor Nicholls Street. We've been there, done that, and, quite frankly, we are a little worn out by their constant real estate whirlwind. Nor are we going to chit-chat about prolific property collector Nic Cage who we are also tired of yakking about and who currently has two houses in New Orleans listed for sale.

Thanks to a well informed, Yat accented local gentleman we'll call Benji Buttons, Your Mama has learned that romantic comedy queen Sandra Bullock and her heavily tattooed, chopper doctoring huzband Jesse James recently snatched up a N'awlins nest. Property records show that Mister and Missus James actually closed on their Garden District digs in June of 2009 when they forked over $2,250,000 for what is alternately and interchangeably called the Koch-Mays House, The Swiss Chalet House, and/or Freret's Folly.

According to previous reports Your Mama dug up on the interweb and listing information kindly supplied by Benji Buttons, we ascertained that the Coliseum Street mansion was built in 1876 by architect William Freret for James Eustis, a U.S. Senator and Ambassador to France. The fanciful exterior of the three story Gothic-Victorian residence (is that such a thing?) is all intricate iron work, elaborate fretwork and pointy gables that have been topped with lethal-looking, spear like ornaments. The interiors measure 6,174 square feet (or approximately 6,615 square feet depending where on the listing one looks). At the time of the sale, the day-core of the 5 bedroom and 4.5 pooper mansion was all did up in what our dear Mister Buttons called, and we quote, "like some kind of homo-rococo hot mess," even though the sellers were not, in fact, homosexuals. Mister Buttons also told us that he thinks but can not confirm that the heavily gilded interiors had been worked over by noted New Orleans antiques dealer/interior decorator Buzz Harper who, and again we quote from Mister Buttons, "is an honors graduate of the Gone With the Wind school of plantation decor." Nothing like hitting the nail on the head and getting right to the meat of the matter, is there?

Anyhoo, listing information shows that after crossing the covered front porch, Mister and Missus James' new historic house is entered through an undeniably grand and Tara-esque foyer that stretches 41' from front to back and features a magnificent and shimmering floor of alternating strips of pecan and sycamore woods. The main floor includes a parlor and ballroom, a banquet sized dining room with fussy drapery and champagne-colored damask wallpaper, a den with deep, Burgundy wine colored walls, and a modestly-sized, 16' x 12' kitchen all with large, glittery crystal chandeliers, monumental 14' ceilings, imposing, antique shadow moldings, and more fireplaces with carved marble mantels than Your Mama cares to count. Okay, the kitchen does not have a sparkly chandelier, but it might as well.

The second floor houses the bedrooms including the master with the most luridly complicated wallpaper Your Mama has ever had the misfortune of eyeballing and the third floor measures 1,935 square feet of unfinished space with multiple windows and 10' peaked ceilings. The grounds of the sprawling and well shielded corner property include elegant gardens, a large lawn perfect for rousing games of sazerac-fueled croquet tournaments, a large swimming pool surrounded by commodious terraces and a motor court that will park 3+ cars or, more likely, a dozen or so of Mister James' tricked out choppers.

A peep and a poke into property records shows that in addition to their N'awlins mansion Miz Bullock and Mister James own a substantial number of dee-luxe properties between them. Their holdings include (but are not limited to) the following: A large house and a slew of other residential and commercial properties in Austin, TX; An ocean front house on S. Pacific Avenue in Sunset Beach, CA (that's just south of Long Beach children), a house on Marmont Avenue that Miz Bullock bought in 2001 for $1,485,000 and that happens to be next door to Cameron Diaz's digs; A townhouse on Sullivan Street in lower Manhattan which records show Miz Bullock scooped up in February of 2000 for $3,350,000; An ocean front spread in Tybee Island, GA walking distance from a house owned by John Cougar Mellencamp that records show she picked up in June of 2001 for $1,495,000. We've also read many times that Miz Bullock owns a home in or around Jackson, WY but, honestly chickens, we could not find (or did not look hard enough for) any current property records of that property.

60 comments:

Dick Splash said...

What's a "Chopper Doctor"?

A helicopter mechanic?

Here in the UK (can't speak for anywhere else.......) chopper is a slang term for the male youknowwhat.

I don't fancy the idea of a heavily-tattooed surgeon going down south to visit my youknowwhat.

So was I right first time? BTW, the house is fantastic!

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous!Historic, even! It reminds me of
something out of an Ann Rice novel!

I could not live in New Orleans. It is a place of unquiet spirits.
I don't even ant to visit there. All I can think of is that horrible, toxic water and all the bodies floating around and bodies trapped for weeks in houses.

I admire Sandra and I admier Brad Pitt. But I just can't help it.
The house is really beautiful, tho.

Consuela...the housekeeper said...

Mama this house is a bona fide conversation piece. No doubt. Can I ask astupid question? OK. YOu have researched and discovered multiple dwellings for Mrs. JAmes. Sullivan Street in Lower Manhattan, the place in Goergia, etc. Nick Cage has lots of houses. Brad and Angie have lots of houses. Johnny Depp has an island, and lots of houses. So what happens to these dwellings when the owners are not actually in residence? Can homeless people use them? Are they stafed by loyal retainers? I am perfectly willing to travel if necessary to become a professional housesitter. Honest.

Anonymous said...

It's been hours since you posted this. I can't image that I'm the only one worried out of my mind about Your Mama and Dr. Cooter and the living hell that LA looks like it's become! Where are you & what is going on out there???

Please let us know you're safe!

Unknown said...

In American slang, a chopper is a custom motorcycle. Mr. James is famous for building them and selling them at a tidy profit. He has had a television show called Monster Garage on cable TV in the states. No, um, "choppers" to doctor in your sense of the phrase....

Anonymous said...

Alas Momma, Sunset Beach is just south of Long Beach, and is between Surfside on the north, and Bolsa Chica State Beach on the south.

Your Mama said...

you right darlin. one to many g&ts last night.

Anonymous said...

I admire Sandra and Jesse's real estate modesty, we all know that they can afford to buy far larger and more lavish homes. Mama, how do you find these people in public records if they buy these houses under fake corporate names or LLCs?

blathering said...

Buzz Harper previously owned Nic Cage's house on Prytania & 2nd. And rococo-homo is an apt description. I don't know that Cage after even spent the night in the mansion.

As to Anonymous who can't visit NOLA because of the unquiet spirits...that's just silly. We are comforted by being surrounded by our history and our ancestors.

Haley Joe said...

"As to Anonymous who can't visit NOLA because of the unquiet spirits...that's just silly. We are comforted by being surrounded by our history and our ancestors."

"I see dead people!" LOL!

Anonymous said...

A CHOPPER IS A CUSTOM TYPE OF MOTORCYLE

Anonymous said...

Interesting that Sandra and her hubby would buy a place literally within steps of Commander's Palace, the most well-know restaurant in the French Quarter, and just a block over from Lafayette Cemetery #1. Guess she's not looking for any kind of privacy.

Anonymous said...

Commander's Palace is not in the French Quarter....it's off of Washington in the Garden District.

Anonymous said...

Very nice digs! Whatever you think of her, she does walk her talk.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if that style of furnishings is an "acquired" tase, but if I had that kind of money to spend, I would by something more modest, that junk is to busy with the funky wallpaper and stuff.

Anonymous said...

Sure looks nicer and cheaper (per square foot) than my KB Home house. But I'll bet Sandra's new house doesn't have a cracking foundation like my three year old over priced KB Home. Or faulty electrical wiring like my overpriced low quality built by the lowest common denominator KB Home.

KMalinkaVintage said...

Supper great palace!

Anonymous said...

SHOW'S HOW PEOPLE CAN BE SO JUDGEMENTAL ..CALM DOWN . I THINK SHE IS A WONDERFUL PERSON INSIDE AND OUT. DONT JUDGE UNTIL YOU WALK INTO HER SHOES... GOD BLESS HER FAMILY

Anonymous said...

niceto see you got what you wanted out of the marrige. know a lot of others that did the same thing to the man god will see you. then what are you going to say you wont be able to lie to him to get what you want.

Bartist8 said...

Sandra, You are Awesome, Beautiful and Strong. Your house is Divine.

Love and Peace,
Barton

Anonymous said...

wow, that's tacky..

barbara beesinger said...

i would just like to own a home much less a manison we are a 2 job family and still can not buy a home for all the interest and high loans sandra bullock if you read this i would just like a regular house you have a lot of money why not help me

Anonymous said...

I hope she puts a gate around that pool with the new baby hanging around there...........

Anonymous said...

I do so hope that you and baby are doing well, and being a single Mom is no big deal nowadays, yes it would be nice to have a daddy in the pic but oh well, he was not a good role model any way and really not much of a husband either !!!! I love your house, wish I could afford something just a tenth of your size!! I have been a fan for as long as I can remember and back you all the way in your journey from here out. a devoted fan!

Soo Yeshun said...

an enormous house!

Josie said...

Sandra, Hi, my name is Josie, I meet you in Hana Maui at the Hana store, U were in line behind me, I liked your necklace an told you I make necklaces like that. You were so nice but you were with your husband and he just gave me stink eye! I did'nt know who you where at first and my husband told me, You kept looking at us like you wanted to come with us, well you had your bouncer with you! Ha! It was so great to meet you and I will never forget that day. You are my favorite person! God Bless You sweety! LOL Josie

Anonymous said...

Looks like she can afford to pay higher taxes!

Anonymous said...

Sandy, you go girl, take no poop from anyone and live your life to the fullest with your new son. God Bless you!!!

Anonymous said...

Sandra will now find her peace in New Orleans,she is now at home. Not at all as Anne Rice has written in her novels? It is a Spiritual city and known for all of its multi cultural people since its founding. God speed for you Sandra and baby Louis. Dusty Ga.

hana said...

beautiful home but i love my home in mass only 3000 sq feet but its beautiful

notabrit said...

It takes a wealthy patron to buy and upkeep an old and valuable home. Thank you Sandra for taking on this emmense job of preservation. The house looks grand and will provide much love and comfort for many more years.

Anonymous said...

i love Sandra Bullock and think she is a class act.i wish her all the luck and love in the world.hope she finds someone who is deserving of her. sincerlely
one of your biggest fans

Anonymous said...

she doesn't own the home in Sunset Beach, CA...Jesse does. he also owns the property in Jackson Hole WY.

Anonymous said...

Im so proud of you, after all the crap talk that the media had to say. now, that I see this I know your much more of a true person than the bull-crap. l.o.l

Anonymous said...

i love the massion house.. its to big... i hope i can have one someday..

Anonymous said...

I hope Sandra learned her lesson with her house that went up in smoke and keeps this mansion the way it is, lots of history there.

Anonymous said...

I hope that Sandra and her family enjoys the house. My family sold it to her and I have many memories in that house. I miss it and wish to visit it again sometime.

Anonymous said...

Your house is really nice looking but I think you need better pictures of the yard and kitchen, they do not fit the rest of the house. My 3600 sqft house has a better kitchen and yard than that, from the pictures anyway! Good luck with your new home and enjoy it. You have worked hard and deserve it.
From
A hard working Veterinarian in Arizona

Anonymous said...

Sandra's house sounds like a very beautiful home. I love the victorian style homes,although I'll never have one. I wish Sandra and her son the very best.

Anonymous said...

I am happy for Sandra. However, I am amazed at the stupidities we pay attention to. How many bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, kitchen, etc we can be at the same time?

There is too much going on around the world and these are certain to be uneasy times. If buying hunted homes and follow celebrities is your passion, then I must be an alien from out of space concerned with real life stories.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous Property! Sandra is well deserving. I hope she puts a tall fence around the pool, so the baby doesn't wonder in.

cjm said...

I would have to quit the job I have , but I would love to be the Cabanna boy for that pool.Also do ranch hand stuff, fix things, but mainly pools stuff and filters, clean water is the goal. hint , hint.you know where or how to call time is tight.ciao cjm

Anonymous said...

Sandra, I admire your inner strength and values that you seem to stay true to...You deserve peace and happiness...Your home is your foundation, and your new son is your life....Congratulations

Anonymous said...

My 3 yaer old daughter & I are homeless. After my ex-husband left us and stopped paying for her, life went to hell so to speak. Never-the-less, she is healthy, feed, some what clothed, not able to go to school, but, with mommy. I lost everything being married and now am struggling for my lil' one. It's good to see someone that can provide everything for their child. S, God bless you! Perhaps, God might Bless me one day...

leb said...

Love ya, Sandra! You're such a classy lady and a real, down-to-earth person. You're a true inspiration and role model. Best wishes always!

Anonymous said...

New Orleans , La. native for 55 years. We welcome you and your baby Louis with open arms. I am so happy to see a child have a great mom like you to give him a chance at a beautiful life . Good luck .

Just a brother... said...

It is ever so amazing that we worry so much about what celebrities are doing nowadays than most do their own children. Amazing that a woman with a fortune bought a large home. Amazing that celebrities get divorced just like most average folks. It is however most amazing to me that we idolize these people for being able to act rather than our doctors, nurses, teachers, scientists, police officers, emts, fire fighters, and leaders of our respective faiths. Just food for thought.
May Yahuah bless you and keep you, may He ma His face shine upon you and be gracious upon you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you Shalom.

Unknown said...

VERY NICE HOUSE SANDRA SHE IS A WANDERFUL LADY. I WISH I HAD A MOTHER LIKE YOU I AM ORPHAN FROM ROMANIA AND DISABLED WITH POLIO AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A MOTHER IN MY LIFE MY PARETNS LEFT ME WHEN I WAS 6 MONTHS ON THE STREET. SO THE CHEELD DISERVES ALL THE BEST. GOOD LUCK SANDRA CHIP FROM ROMANIA

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous home...and congratulations to Sandra on the adoption of her son. She's enabled one child in the world to have a happy healthy life, where otherwise he may not have.
I reside in VT where Sandra's sister has a bakery...still need to visit it some day.

Anonymous said...

too too much for anyone

Anonymous said...

You people that sound so petty - get over it! Sandra Bullock had already made HER money long before she ever met that jackass James. And, if she prefers that style home, so be it. It's none of your business! And, the petty jealousy, "I only have a little house and we have two jobs" crap! So what! Go to drama school and work your way up! I'm so sick of people that boo hoo because they don't have what someone else does! I live modestly and that's fine with me - don't need a lot of "stuff" to make me feel good about myself!

Anonymous said...

i am NOT Anonymous "the AHole" I am just too lazy to create an account - But I can say Mr. Anonymous is a wackjob.. I can't image where you live must be a dream land where there is NO Flooding, No earthquakes, No tornadoes, No hurricanes, No mudslides, No sinkholes, No sandstorms, No wildfires No lightning, No sun - WOW are you burning in the eternal fire of Satan?

Anonymous said...

My response to the crackhead see his comment below::

You live in the past and need to join the world of reality in the present time dude. All those Anne Rice novels you read are NOT true in case you didn't realize we don't have spirits lingering in our streets. As for the dead bodies seriously does every tragedy cause you to not want to visit that town? WoW you're super senses will make you vomit at the thought of what used to lie there... man get a life.


Anonymous said...

I could not live in New Orleans. It is a place of unquiet spirits.
I don't even ant to visit there. All I can think of is that horrible, toxic water and all the bodies floating around and bodies trapped for weeks in houses.

Jayngelcat said...

Sounds like about 95% of you have no clue as to what a Victorian Home actually looks like. In Queen Victorias' day, houses were large, roomy, and decorated in some of the gaudiest wallpapers, tapestries, and curtaning you could ever imagine.Somewhere along the line, the Chinese influence wandered in, and everyone seemed to be fascinated with it as well. Homes were decorated that way. Now that these homes are well over 100-200 years old, you complain about the fact that they don't look modern. Well, that's just the way it goes. People preserve homes like this. They have a history to them, and yes, people richer than we are tend to renovate. There is nothing wrong with Sandra Bullocks' new house. It has "HISTORY". People should take some time to look back on their heritage and see what it was like. The Victorian-Gothic era was very interesting, and although homes were decorated gaudily, you must keep in mind that, in their day, these homes were the Creme de la Creme of Society. Read up on your history people - you may find some of your ancestors there....As for me, I wouldn't mind seeing some of those Spirits. Not all of them can be that bad.

Anonymous said...

jayn you r so right where i live we have gorgeous historical homes too. They were built for the wealthy whalers of my well known city.I live in a brand new home but wish i could afford a mansion We could never afford to build a home like that today.

Anonymous said...

congratulations Sandra on the house and your new baby too.

Anonymous said...

Jayngelcat they dont know how to appreciate a beautiful home like that.Poor things they are so envious .ENJOY Sandra the home is you purchased is gorgeous.We have many mansions where i live and we love our historica homes

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL HOME BUT I LOVE MINE NICE BIG NOT HUGE SOOOO SANDRA ENJOY IT WITH THE COOK CABANA BOY BUTLER AND HOUSEKEEPERS CAUSE THERES ALOT OF HOUSE TO MAINTAIN

Dian said...

We so love & adore you Sandra and it hurts our hearts with yours of this unfortunate sadn ess in your life... da(duh)James is grabbing at any straw now and this be too late, he made his choices now he needs to live with them and w/o you because he or anyone like him does not deserve your beautiful heart. He alone made his pathetic choice(s)with no regard or respect to you in anyway or cause & effect on a future with a family neither. He has proven anything but love or respect for you and equally as important as the Mother to your adopted son, and the loving caring heart Mom of his daughter. He is a complete loser because he CHOSE to be (just like I went through after 25 yrs of marriage to my children's Father and how he has regretted his selfishness and all the damage it has caused all our lives for the rest of our lives) Prayers are yours and I pray you send this betrayer back to where he belongs... God bless you and your child for a happier, healthier life from here on--

hugs, Diane

Scarlett said...

Momma,
Please answer the question you were asked quite some time ago, which you never answered: How do you find properties that celebrities own when they are hidden in corporate names or some other way?
For example, I've heard for years, from numerous sources, that Reba McIntire owns a farm in Marion County (Ocala area) Florida. However, I cannot find it in public records.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Tammie