In the late 1800's a New Orleans dermatologist, Dr. Isadore Dyer, brought several leprosy patients from New Orleans in the middle of the night to this house by coal barge as no other transportation would take them. The house was in great disrepair and the patients had to stay in cabins scattered throughout the property.
The house was restored to its former beauty and became the centerpiece of Carville.
Today it is used as the Headquarters for a Division of the Louisiana National Guard which operates a youth program at Carville. Hurricane Gustav damaged much of the grounds and buildings in September, 2008 and this house was no exception as it was the first line the winds hit after crossing the Mississippi River.
The house was designed by Henry Howard, the same architect who designed Nottoway, Madewood, Henry Howard House in New Orleans.