The Hunt

"They're called a shotgun because you could ostensively (sic) open the front door and fire a gun and the bullet would go out the back door," Luke said. "The camelback comes in when you take a shotgun house and then instead of making a two-story house all the way from the back to the front, it has a hump and it has a couple rooms in the back of the house that are on a second floor, and those are usually bedrooms or other private space."

It has beautiful hardwood floors, a renovated fireplace and intricate vintage medallions. The couple has come up with creative solutions for their space issues, such as combining Amy's office with the front parlor and Luke's studio with the dining room.

They are now ready to find a larger home and want to stay in their current neighborhood near the Garden District. Helping them find their next home is real estate agent Anthony Posey, who is very familiar with the neighborhood and is confident he'll track down the right type of house for the couple. The Noderers like a variety of architectural styles but are open to anything as long as it's in N'awlins.

When they enter the bathroom they're in for a shock--the former owner has painted brightly colored animals all over the walls (figure D). Other than that, Amy likes the two pedestal sinks and all they would need is some primer and paint to fix the walls. Back downstairs they see the master with a large walk-in closet and a laundry chute. They think the house is great, so they put it on their list and keep looking.

Next up is a Steamboat Gothic fixer-upper (figure E) that was built in the 1840s. It was divided into two apartments, and if Amy and Luke decide on this one, they're in for some major renovations. The front parlor is filled with numerous period details that need some renovation. The bathroom and kitchen (figure F) also could use a little work. When they continue upstairs they have to go to an outside set of stairs.

If the Noderers choose this house they will have to add a staircase indoors. The upstairs has an area that the couple could use as a master suite. The best part for Amy is the balcony and view off the master bedroom. Though there is a lot of work involved, they put this home on the list as well.

This next house is more than triple the price of the previous homes. It is a nine-bedroom mansion (figure G) designed by New Orleans architect Thomas Sully. The entryway has historic egg-and-dart molding (figure H) and wonderful stained-glass windows above a magnificent staircase (figure I). The kitchen is fully modern (figure J), in contrast with the rest of the home.

The formal living room has wonderful period detail such as wallpaper, chair rail and a unique mantel. They tour the master bedroom, which has hardwood floors, but the Noderers don't know how they will afford this house. The master bath has a stand-alone shower, a spa tub framed by large pillars and an archway, and double sinks set in a stone countertop.

Posey suggests that the couple purchase the house and run it as a bed-and-breakfast to be able to afford it. Luke thinks the house is great, but he doesn't want to buy such a big place and end up with no room for his art studio or Amy's office. Posey has this figured out, too, though. He takes them up to see an enormous attic (figure K), which the couple can renovate and turn it into an office/studio place or master suite.

They ultimately decide to place their bid on the Victorian side hallway house. Just 24 hours later, Posey tells them that their offer was accepted.

Her favorite room is the second parlor, which they call the Common Room (figure M), because of its rich colors and courtyard views. His favorite is the master bedroom (figure N), with its custom color and added decorative paint panels.

They decided to combine their office and studio and leave the other spare room for guests. The Noderers think they have made the right decision and they'll be there for many, many years.