John Goodman is known for his acting, the beloved actor who stole our hearts in “Roseanne” and made us laugh in Coen Brothers films has called the Big Easy home for decades.
His John Goodman New Orleans house isn’t a celebrity mansion but it’s a Louisiana history in one of the city’s iconic neighborhoods.
His home was valued around $1.8 million when he purchased it around 1990.
Today, this gem is worth $5 million, a mixture of both historical significance and Goodman’s stewardship.
His love for New Orleans goes beyond owning property. He loves the city’s jazz-filled nights, mouth-watering cuisine, and the unique cultural combo.
Here, we’re taking you on a tour of John Goodman New Orleans House.
We’ll peek inside the Greek Revival architecture, wander its historic rooms, and see why this place meant so much to the actor.
We’ll also look at the recent fire incident that damaged parts of the property.
About John Goodman New Orleans House
His New Orleans house was built between 1840-1850, Goodman’s Greek Revival mansion stands as an example of antebellum architecture.
For over three decades, this historic treasure in the Garden District is the Goodman family’s beloved home base.
Located on a street in the Garden District, the property is on 0.6 acres of prime New Orleans real estate.
The mansion boasts 6,000-6,500 square feet of living space with tall columns, classic shutters, and wrought-iron details that have New Orleans charm.
| Property Details: John Goodman’s Primary Residence |
| Location: Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Size: 6,000-6,500 square feet on 0.6 acres |
| Purchase Price: $1.8 million (circa 1990) |
| Recent Value: $4.9 million (2025) |
| Style: Greek Revival |
| Age: Approximately 175 years old |
| Bedrooms: 5 |
| Bathrooms: 5.5 |
What was John Goodman’s connection to New Orleans?
Many actors buy homes in cities because they filmed there once, but Goodman’s connection to New Orleans is deep.
According to a 2013 interview with The Times-Picayune, Goodman first visited the city while filming “Everybody’s All-American” in the late 1980s and loved its unique vibe.
Goodman made New Orleans his primary home. He met his wife Annabeth Hartzog, a Louisiana native, and they decided to raise their daughter Molly away from the spotlight.
The city’s laid-back attitude matched Goodman’s personality.
He became a regular at local haunts, supported community initiatives after Hurricane Katrina, and served as the King of Bacchus in the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebration in 2009.
What makes his connection special is how Goodman embraced all things New Orleans. As he told CBS News in 2018, “I’m just a normal guy here.
People wave, maybe ask how I’m doing, then go about their business. That’s why I love it.”
John Goodman New Orleans House Tour: A Greek Architecture
John Goodman New Orleans House combines historic charm with modern comforts. From the moment you come in, you feel you are back to the 1800s.
Soaring ceilings, original hardwood floors, and antique mantels create an atmosphere of timeless elegance, while thoughtful updates make the space livable for a modern family.
Massive Living Room
The heart of Goodman’s home is its grand living room.
According to Architectural Digest, the space features 14-foot ceilings with original crown moldings that have been preserved.
Two crystal chandeliers hang from medallions, casting a warm glow over the room.
The walls wear a soft, period-appropriate color.
Large windows near floor-to-ceiling, draped with custom silk curtains.
Goodman’s personal touches make the formal space feel lived-in.
A baby grand piano sits in one corner, though Goodman once joked to Southern Living that “nobody really plays it except guests who’ve had too many hurricanes.”
Bedrooms
The mansion’s five bedrooms tell their own story.
The primary suite occupies a generous portion of the upper floor, with windows and the view of the garden.
According to New Orleans Home & Garden magazine, Goodman preserved the room’s original fireplace, now converted to gas for convenience but maintaining its antique marble mantel.
The bedroom features walk-in closets.
The four guest bedrooms maintain details like chair rails and ceiling medallions, but Goodman updated them with modern bedding and lighting.
One bedroom was reportedly used as a nursery when Goodman’s daughter was small.
It features the hand-painted mural of New Orleans scenes bought from a local artist.
Bathrooms
While maintaining historic charm, Goodman didn’t forget the bathroom updates.
The house boasts 5.5 bathrooms, each blending old-world charm with modern necessities.
The primary bathroom feels like a personal spa retreat, with a deep soaking tub positioned under a window with garden views.
A separate glass shower, double vanities with marble countertops, and radiant floor heating make the space comfortable and beautiful.
Guest bathrooms feature restored claw-foot tubs, vintage-inspired fixtures with modern functionality, and custom tilework that goes with the character.
Chef’s Kitchen and Dining Area
Goodman, a self-proclaimed food lover, made sure his kitchen could handle cooking.
As reported by New Orleans Magazine, the kitchen underwent a renovation in the early 2000s.
The space balances professional functionality with historic charm. Custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances integrated to maintain the period feel.
A massive center island topped with butcher block provides prep space and seating.
The formal dining room connects to the kitchen through a butler’s pantry.
Crystal stemware catches the light from another period chandelier, while family photos add warmth to the setting.
Library and Study Room
The personal space in Goodman’s home is his wood-paneled library.
According to a profile in Garden & Gun magazine, this cozy retreat houses his collection of first-edition Southern literature and jazz records.
Built-in bookshelves line the walls, and a rolling ladder provides access to the high shelves.
A leather chair sits beside the fireplace, Goodman’s favorite spot to read scripts, according to friends.
Outdoor Amenities
The New Orleans heat demands good outdoor living spaces, and Goodman’s property delivers. The backyard features a rectangular swimming pool surrounded by a flagstone deck.
A covered outdoor kitchen and dining area makes entertaining easy.
The space includes a built-in grill, mini-fridge, and counter space for serving drinks and crawfish boils.
Landscape and Courtyards
The 0.6-acre lot may not be huge, but Goodman’s team of landscapers created multiple outdoor “rooms” that make the space large.
The front yard maintains a formal appearance appropriate to the historic district, with manicured hedges and classic Southern plantings like azaleas and camellias.
Iron gates and brick pathways lead visitors through various garden areas.
A private courtyard off the kitchen features a small fountain and garden. According to Southern Living, Goodman loved the night-blooming jasmine planted near the outdoor seating areas.
Did John Goodman sell his house in New Orleans?
Yes, after three decades of staying in a New Orleans home, John Goodman sold his beloved Garden District mansion.
According to reports and records, the property changed hands in July 2025 for around $4.9 million.
The sale marked the end of an era for both Goodman and the historic property.
Local real estate experts weren’t surprised by the interest in the home because it combined historic with celebrity provenance.
“Properties like Goodman’s don’t come on the market often,” noted a prominent New Orleans realtor quoted in The New Orleans Advocate.
“You’re not just buying a house but you’re buying a piece of both architectural and Hollywood history.”
The timing of the sale came after a fire incident and coincided with Goodman taking on projects that kept him in Los Angeles.
While the actor never stated his reasons for selling, friends suggested that maintaining two large homes had become impractical.
John Goodman’s House 2017 Fire Incident
In early 2025, an incident happened in the historic mansion when a fire happened in the morning hours.
According to reports, the blaze started in an upstairs bedroom, due to an electrical issue in the home’s wiring system.
The fire damaged a particular portion of the roof and upper floor before firefighters could contain it. Water used to extinguish the flames caused additional damage to lower floors.
Goodman, who was home at the time, handled the crisis with composure.
“He was out there in his bathrobe, making sure the firefighters had water and coffee,” a neighbor told The Times-Picayune. “Even in a crisis, he was thinking about others.”
Restoration efforts began immediately.
Goodman hired a specialist firm experienced in historic home restoration to assess the damage and develop a plan.
The project focused on salvaging original architectural elements while bringing damaged areas up.
Conclusion
John Goodman New Orleans house was not only a celebrity home but it was an example of how historic architecture can be preserved while creating a comfortable family home.
For over 30 years, this Garden District mansion provided Goodman with something Hollywood couldn’t.
The recent sale turns a page in the story of this property.
While Goodman no longer walks its halls, the care he put into maintaining its historic character ensures that this architectural treasure will continue to stand as a personality to New Orleans’ rich architectural heritage.
As Goodman himself told Travel with Leisure magazine, “Houses like this aren’t really owned, they’re temporarily looked after by each generation.”
His stewardship of this Garden District gem has left it better than he found it.
FAQs on John Goodman New Orleans House
Why is John Goodman leaving New Orleans?
While Goodman hasn’t publicly stated reasons for selling his New Orleans home, many factors contributed to this decision. After the 2025 fire damaged portions of the house, managing repairs from a distance would be challenging. Additionally, Goodman’s work has kept him in Los Angeles in recent years.
Does John Goodman have a house in LA?
Yes, John Goodman maintains a residence in Los Angeles. Though he’s kept details of his California home private, property records indicate he owns a home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. This makes sense given his career demands.
Is John Goodman selling his house in New Orleans?
The house has already been sold. According to local real estate records and reports, Goodman’s Garden District mansion sold in July 2025 for around $4.9 million. The property had been listed at various price points, starting around $5.5 million before adjusting to $4.75 million.
Is John Goodman still alive?
Yes, John Goodman is alive. This question arises because celebrities are subject to false death rumors on social media. Goodman continues to be active in his acting career. In fact, recent interviews with Entertainment Weekly show him discussing upcoming projects and his continued passion for acting.