The facade of Rip Rap features one of Natchez’s grandest residential essays in Italianate style with its cast-iron gallery arcades and decorative window cornices. The two front parlors contain fourteen-foot ceilings with original plaster molding and luxurious chandelier medallions and feature four ten-foot windows of 15 lights each, looking over the magnificent front gallery and the grounds beyond. The crystal gasoliers hanging in each parlor are reminiscent of the magnificent paddle wheel steamboats of Mississippi River fame. The central hall, painted in Trompe-l’oeil stone block motif, leads to a relaxing keeping room, elegantly appointed dining room, morning room, bedroom suites, and back gallery overlooking the grounds of the two-acre property. Surrounded by graceful live oaks, Rip Rap was constructed in the mid-1830s for successful Natchez merchant Benjamin Wade and his wife, Zelia Robitaille Wade.
Open for tours year-round, for over 80 years Natchez has opened the doors to some of America’s most exquisite homes and gardens. No matter what time of year you choose to visit this beautiful city on the mighty Mississippi, historic house tours await you. Each home tells its own story, docents at each site will share the rich history of those who lived, worked or visited these heritage sites, while pointing out significant architectural and decorative arts and architectural details. Browse the buildings below and book your Natchez tour online.