General Info

Enjoy a tour of one of the original Natchez Pilgrimage featured homes! Open to the public during Spring and Fall Pilgrimage, as well as to B&B guests year-round. Ravenna built in 1835-36 by the contracting firm of Neibert & Gemmell for successful entrepreneur William Harris, was one of the first examples of residential Greek Revival designs to be attempted in Natchez. Ravenna stands at the secluded end of a quiet street near one of the area’s characteristic ravines, or bayous, and was built of native cypress amid acres of informal gardens. Around a basic central-hall plan two rooms deep, Ravenna’s exterior is distinguished by front and rear double galleries inset beneath a gable roof. The first-floor galleries display Doric columns while the second-floor columns are of the higher Ionic order, a worldly first step in the newly imported style. The interiors of Ravenna are beautifully detailed but the elegant curves of its elliptical staircase and the entrance hall arch spanning a Doric screen reveal a hesitation by the builders to abandon completely the Federal Style and embrace the purely angular Greek Revival. The combination of styles and orders creates an interesting composition, and the ample galleries are like outdoor living rooms at this private site. Ravenna is noted for its old gardens, handsome exterior, and beautiful interior woodwork. The décor is maintained almost exclusively to the period of the house and features fine antiques from through-out Europe. An 88-piece antebellum set of Old Paris China graces the large dining room, which features a Greek Revival mantelpiece with engaged Doric columns. In total the home boasts 6 bedrooms and 5 baths, including 7 fireplaces. Ravenna has been described as “set in magnificent plantings”. Enjoy a stroll around the 3 acre grounds, including pool and pool house. Looking out on the ravine feels like a step back in time. One can easily imagine the interesting tales of the homes colorful history as they come to life in this lovely and timeless setting.Enjoy a tour of one of the original Natchez Pilgrimage featured homes! Open to the public during Spring and Fall Pilgrimage, as well as to B&B guests year-round. Ravenna built in 1835-36 by the contracting firm of Neibert & Gemmell for successful entrepreneur William Harris, was one of the first examples of residential Greek Revival designs to be attempted in Natchez. Ravenna stands at the secluded end of a quiet street near one of the area’s characteristic ravines, or bayous, and was built of native cypress amid acres of informal gardens. Around a basic central-hall plan two rooms deep, Ravenna’s exterior is distinguished by front and rear double galleries inset beneath a gable roof. The first-floor galleries display Doric columns while the second-floor columns are of the higher Ionic order, a worldly first step in the newly imported style. The interiors of Ravenna are beautifully detailed but the elegant curves of its elliptical staircase and the entrance hall arch spanning a Doric screen reveal a hesitation by the builders to abandon completely the Federal Style and embrace the purely angular Greek Revival. The combination of styles and orders creates an interesting composition, and the ample galleries are like outdoor living rooms at this private site. Ravenna is noted for its old gardens, handsome exterior, and beautiful interior woodwork. The décor is maintained almost exclusively to the period of the house and features fine antiques from through-out Europe. An 88-piece antebellum set of Old Paris China graces the large dining room, which features a Greek Revival mantelpiece with engaged Doric columns. In total the home boasts 6 bedrooms and 5 baths, including 7 fireplaces. Ravenna has been described as “set in magnificent plantings”. Enjoy a stroll around the 3 acre grounds, including pool and pool house. Looking out on the ravine feels like a step back in time. One can easily ima...