Fire at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s New Orleans mansion could be arson

A huge team of firefighters put out a blaze at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s New Orleans church conversion

NOLA.com / YouTube ; Gareth Cattermole / Staff

On the evening of 22 July, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s New Orleans home was set ablaze. Possibly the victim of an arson attack, which is now being investigated, we take a look inside the converted church that is connected to one of the world’s most famous couples. Click or scroll through for more…

Under investigation

@Chris_R_Welty / @WGNOtv / Twitter

The $2.5 million historic New Orleans mansion owned by the couple reportedly caught fire at around 6:15pm CDT but was fully extinguished by 8:30pm after 22 firefighters attended the scene. This image, taken from NOLA.com’sYouTube channel, shows the magnificent home surrounded by firefighters.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s New Orleans church conversion

Keller Williams

The cause of the fire has not been determined, however, the New Orleans police are investigating the blaze as ‘simple arson’, which is the offence of causing criminal damage by fire. The department have also “received a report of a suspicious person in the area around the time of the fire,” according to the New York Post.

An unusual purchase

Realtor

Beyoncé and Jay-Z purchased the converted church in 2015. The unusual property, which can be found in the Garden District of New Orleans, went on the market in September 2013 at $2.5 million and sat there until the Carters placed their bid.

A bargain purchase price

Keller Williams

According to city records, Sugarcane Park LLC – a limited company linked to Beyoncé’s mother – acquired the home for just $100. Managed by Celestine Lawson (the legal name of Beyoncé’s mother, who is better known as Miss Tina), the LLC is registered at a Sherman Oaks address where the singer also has several other companies listed.

A stunning living space

Realtor

The 13,000-square-foot home, which was once a Presbyterian church, is spacious and bright thanks to towering 26-foot ceilings and vast windows.

The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom property was originally built in 1925 and boasts an incredible living green roof.

Modern touches

Keller Williams

Spread over three floors, the converted church blends modern touches with plenty of period features, including hardwood floors, marble accents, original columns and attractive plasterwork.

A dramatic staircase sits at the center of the living room, which is zoned into a lounge, kitchen and dining area. Known as La Casa de Castille, the home also provides a loft-style sitting room and a library nook with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

A family affair

Keller Williams

The master suite is classically styled and comes with a large walk-in closet, as well as a generous bathroom with a wooden vanity, a large antique bathtub and a separate shower.

With Beyoncé’s younger sister, Solange, having relocated to New Orleans in 2013, the former church, which is just off the main Mardi Gras parade route, would make the ideal base for family reunions.