A well-designed space has the power to transport. The right textures, colors, and architectural details can make you feel like you’ve stepped off a plane in Provence, Venice, or the rolling hills of Tuscany—even if you’re still firmly rooted in the South.
Lately, we’ve found ourselves drawn to places that channel the elegance and richness of Europe, but with a uniquely Southern twist. These spots aren’t just pretty—they’re full of stories, intentional design, and that special kind of flare that makes you forget where you are (in the best way).
Here are a few of our favorite Southern USA stays and spaces that give serious Europe vibes—and might just be the perfect backdrop for your next celebration, weekend escape, or design daydream.
Commodore Perry Estate | Austin, TX
Tucked into the heart of Austin but feeling worlds away, this 1920s estate was modeled after a European villa inspired by the owners’ travels abroad. The stately gardens, manicured grounds, and Mediterranean-style interior courtyard instantly transport you to another place in time. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated by design icon Ken Fulk, and it shows—from the antique furnishings to the layered, lived-in feel of the rooms.
If you ever wanted to experience an Auberge property that blends Southern ease with continental sophistication, this is it.
Photo via: Commodore Perry Estates
Maison Métier | New Orleans, LA
High design meets old-world romance in this boutique hotel that feels like a Parisian dream with a Southern heartbeat. The blue-and-white bistro sunroom is a standout—airy, elegant, and endlessly photogenic. The Salon Salon gives off supper club energy reminiscent of Paris nightlife, while a hidden, guests-only bar wrapped in framed Hermès scarves makes for a luxurious little secret.
With antique touches and design details everywhere you turn, Maison Métier is where charm and cool collide.
Photo via: Maison Métier
The Swan House | Atlanta, GA
If your dream destination is a European manor with grandeur and grace, The Swan House delivers. This historic estate feels straight out of an Italian countryside vignette—with sweeping staircases, fountains, statues, chandeliers, and dramatic architecture that sets the stage for unforgettable moments.
While it’s primarily an event venue, it’s worth a visit or a booking for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into a Southern-set European film without leaving the USA.
Photo via: The Cultural Landscape Foundation
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens | Miami, FL
Equal parts garden escape and Mediterranean fantasy, Vizcaya feels like a postcard from Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast. Built in 1916, the waterfront property features striped Venetian-style poles, manicured English gardens, and Mediterranean architecture full of grandeur and romance.
Whether you’re strolling through the museum or taking in the waterfront views, Vizcaya is a true showstopper—and one of the most immersive Euro-style experiences in the South.
Photo via: Vizcaya Museum
1874 Guest House | Galveston, TX
A little cottage-core, a little seaside villa—this lovingly restored historic home is intimate, elegant, and full of charm. The striped sun loungers by the pool set a breezy, Riviera-inspired tone, while each guest room tells its own story with curated design and distinct personality.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip something sparkling by the water and feel like you’re tucked away somewhere along the French coast—without the jet lag.
Photo via: 1874 Guest House
European by Design
These destinations dotted throughout the Southern USA remind us that the feeling of Europe isn’t limited to geography—it’s about how a place makes you feel. It’s in the way a garden is arranged, the curve of a staircase, the linens on the table, or the hush that falls over a beautifully preserved room.
Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply craving a bit of escapism, these Southern spots prove you don’t have to travel far to find a little European magic. Go ahead—romanticize your surroundings.
