Cottages & Rates

Cook's Cottage and Joseph Jefferson Servant's Quarters at Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island

Nestled in the heart of Rip Van Winkle Gardens you'll find the most charming Acadian cottages that have ever been opened to over night guests. With over twenty acres of semi tropical paradise for your backyard, you'll feel transported back to a time when Southern hospitality was its finest.

The Servants Cottages were built in 1870 built by Joseph Jefferson to house the servants of his 22-room mansion. Cook's cottage was built in 1925 by J. Lyles Bayless, who purchased the property from the Jefferson heirs in 1917. This cottage was to serve as a home for the cook who prepared meals for employees of the Diamond Crystal Salt Company, which mined the salt dome below Jefferson Island. This salt dome is the geological feature that gives the site its "island" formation, being at a higher elevation than the surrounding area. The island is named for Joseph Jefferson. The surrounding gardens - a twenty acre semitropical paradise - are named for the famous character he portrayed in more than 3,000 performances in theaters around the world.

Rip Van Winkle Cottages' are furnished with luxurious and exquisite hand made mahogany king-size four poster, Louisiana French Style beds. Each evening guests will unwind with fine cotton sheets and down pillows. Some of our bed and breakfast amenities include TV, stereo, tub and shower with aromatherapy soaps, bath oil, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, toaster oven, microwave and coffee maker.

Other buildings on Jefferson Island will be transformed into future Bed and Breakfast Cottages such as the Carriage House built in 1870, the Caretaker's garage built in 1925 and the Japanese Tea House which is nestled in the heart of the gardens built in the late 70's.

Our Bed and Breakfast cottages are smoke free. For our guest who smokes, rocking chairs are available on shaded porches. For more information, or reservations, call (337) 359-8525 or visit our web site at www.ripvanwinklegardens.com.

Prices are based on two guests. Deposit is equal to first night's stay. Cancellation policy 48 hours.

Each cottage is $150.00 per night.