historic oakleigh house

Oakleigh House was included in an historic homes tour of Mobile, an annual Historic Mobile Preservation Society fund raiser. We toured it on a horrendous, stormy day. The Oakleigh neighborhood first welcomes you with beautiful, well kept homes along narrow, quiet streets. Some of those streets were filling with water in the rain but none went so far as to entirely flood.We found a parking lot at the back of the property on Roper Street and I believe another is on Oakleigh Pl. For the visitors that day, these seemed adequate.We arrived at 3p and Kyle, our docent, collected us within minutes. We had a tour of both the main house and the Cook's House as well as an overview of the grounds with its magnificent live oaks and a sunken garden. The docent was very knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy his work. We were part of a very small group of 6 people which made for such a pleasant tour. Luck of the draw because a large group accumulated for the next tour. The only thing I noticed that was mildly off a bit was the fact the docent didn't always wait for everyone to come within hearing range before beginning the speech in the next area. I'm sure they must have to keep to a schedule to get everyone through and they are very willing to answer questions throughout the tour.This was the ideal way to enjoy such a terrible weather afternoon. Rain or shine, this tour is a must do when in Mobile.

My wife is from Mobile and still has family there. We love the Oakleigh neighborhood. The Oakleigh house is beautiful and offers a timeless classic look for early Mobile. Take the tour of the house and make sure to take either your own foot tour of the neighborhood or pay for the LoDa. Whatever you do, feel free to talk to the residents of the Oakleigh neighborhood that are walking around for great conversation (we know many Oakleighians).

The tour of Oakleigh House was very good. Our guide was dressed in a period costume which added to the charm of our visit. We were taken through two houses on the property and told the stories of the owners, some of the furnishings and the portraits. We were fortunate to arrive at 3:00pm because this is when the last tour of the day is given (The hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm). Photography is not allowed inside either house.

We enjoyed the walk from downtown to this house, and loved walking around the area. Our guide was wonderful. There was a few things to purchase in the gift shop.. but I think it would do them good to expand on what they had. It is 10.00 to see the large house, and the smaller house is included. I believe they are open 10am to 4pm. Tours leave on the hour. After you tour the home make sure you wander around the area a bit. We walked.. and felt very safe at all times, but a drive of the area would be lovely too.

Our tour guide, Barbara Ann, was excellent. She was just out of colleges and full of enthusiasm and was well informed about the history of the home and grounds. Over the years most of the original owners belongings and personal items had been sold. She was able to point out what items from the former owners were on display. The stories that connected the furniture to the period of the home - from the decorations, china, silver and Mardi Gras programs that date to the late 1800's and the many paintings of Mobile residents who were on display - all are part of the history of Oakleigh and the City of Mobile and were very interesting to listen to. I was sorry that another group of tourists were waiting as I felt Barbara Ann would have continued to tell us more stories about the home.

This is probably one of the most memorable tours we've ever had. Our tour guide, Noel, was very sweet and knowledgeable! She made our tour so much fun and you could tell she really loves what she does! Also, the tour guide ladies wear 1800s style dresses, so this makes the house seem more "alive". They take their time answering your questions. Lots of things to see around the property and inside both houses. Lemonade and cookies at the end of the tour was a very sweet gesture. 5++ and a definite must see!! Thank you!

We enjoyed our visit with the tour guide; he tried really hard to give us wonderful tour but unfortunately we had a family with three undisciplined children on our tour. He did offer us the opportunity to stay longer after they left to answer questions or revisit some of the areas. the cookies and lemonade were a nice touch and the staff were really very pleasant. The tour was worth the time; but would not recommend small children>short attention spans will get bored. History buffs will love it.

This is a great example of what a mansion of a cotton merchant looked like in the antebellum period. The docents are great in explaining the history of the house and the people who lived there. There is also a cottage included in the tour which is where an average working family would live. Many of the furnishings are original or date back to the period of the house.

I think this is a beautiful well kept historical home. We could not take pictures which was a little disappointing but I guess that's their rules. Would have liked to had more slower tour not rushed but overall good tour.

The docents here really make the tour worthwhile: some in costume, they are fully knowledgable about the history and the people who inhabited this fine version of the Greek Revival Style--so interesting on so many different levels. The furnishings match the period of the building in one of its many phases. It's not difficult at all to imagine the lords and ladies of yore traipsing through this house. Be sure to traverse the grounds and out-buildings with your docent--yet more stories await you there!

MY wife and I recently toured through the Oakleigh House in Mobile, Al. We enjoyed the tour as well as the well decorated and displayed rooms throughout the wonderful mansion. What I enjoyed most was the private tour I was given of "the Cook's House" or "the Barracks Rooms" which I found to be both interesting and enlightening. Probably one of the most memorable features of the tour was the wonderful lemonade & goodies that were served in the lobby on a break during the tour. The whole experience we would strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys Southern history.

We visited Mobile and the first place we wanted to see was the Oakleigh House. It was a perfect choice. The hosts at the House were very knowledgeable, personable and were able to answer all the questions from the visitors on the tour. We were even offered lemonade or ice water and cookies. Don't miss this place. It is a gem.

Very interesting and informative, thanks Maggie for the tour. There are two homes included in this tour and then you are served cookies and lemonade.

The Oakleigh House looks small from the outside but once in the door the house meanders through sitting rooms, bedrooms and servants quarters. The kitchen is located in another building that is being refurbished. Lovely home

Great house in a beautiful setting. Lots of history here. House was not so "museum-ey". Nice little gift shop, too !!