History
Our History
Old Castillo Boutique Hotel sits on one of the oldest and most storied pieces of ground in Acadiana — right along the banks of Bayou Teche, in what is now St. Martinville, Louisiana. The property was originally constructed around 1827 (some sources cite 1829) under the ownership of Captain Edmond Castillo, at a time when the waterway was vital to transportation and commerce in southern Louisiana.
Over the decades, this stately Greek Revival residence served multiple lives — from welcoming steamboat travelers and bayou visitors, to acting as a gathering space for the community, and even later becoming a school run by the Sisters of Mercy.
In 1978 the building was formally recognized for its significance when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Land & the Legacy
Long before European settlement, the area surrounding Old Castillo was home to Indigenous peoples. When the first waves of European and African settlers arrived, the winding Bayou Teche offered fertile lands and a way of life centered around waterways, agriculture, and small-bayou commerce.
In 1765, after the tragic exile known as Le Grand Dérangement, many of the displaced French-speaking Acadian refugees made their way to the Teche region. Land along the bayou was granted to numerous exile families — making this region one of the earliest and most important centers of what would become Cajun culture.
St. Martinville, the parish seat of St. Martin Parish (established in 1807), grew rapidly as a cultural and commercial hub. By the early 1800s, the town had earned a reputation as “Le Petit Paris” for its refined Creole-French society, elegant homes, a thriving Catholic community, and cultural sophistication.
Evangeline, the Oak & Mythic Memory
No mention of Old Castillo is complete without reference to the Evangeline Oak — the legendary tree standing just steps from our front door, on the banks of Bayou Teche. The oak serves as an enduring symbol of the iconic love story immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 poem Evangeline. In local legend, the oak marks the spot where the devoted lovers (based on real Acadian exiles) were finally reunited after years of separation.
Nearby stands the historic St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church — one of Louisiana’s oldest Catholic congregations, founded by Acadian exiles in the 1760s. The church continues to stand as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the community.
Adjacent, the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site preserves the broader story of the Acadian settlement of the Teche region — offering visitors a glimpse into the lives, architecture, and traditions of the early settlers and Acadian exiles.
Revival Under Peggy Hulin
In the 1980s, local preservationist Peggy Hulin purchased the building with a vision to restore its original purpose as a place of hospitality. Through careful renovation and passionate stewardship, she reopened it as a bed and breakfast — welcoming guests from around the world to experience its history firsthand. Under Peggy’s leadership, Old Castillo became one of Louisiana’s most beloved heritage inns..
The Next Chapter: Preserving the Legacy
Beginning in 2026, brother-and-sister duo Reed and Rachel Rudasill are entrusted with continuing that legacy. Through their company, Experience Louisiana, the hotel is being thoughtfully refreshed and managed to honor its rich past while embracing its future — ensuring this iconic landmark remains a living, breathing part of St. Martinville’s cultural story.
Today, Old Castillo Boutique Hotel stands as a symbol of romance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Acadiana — inviting visitors to stay within the history that shaped Louisiana.
Whether you come to paddle the Teche, tour the Acadian Memorial, visit the Evangeline Oak, or immerse yourself in Louisiana’s living history — Old Castillo Boutique Hotel stands ready to welcome you, continue the story, and share the soul of this place.