The Gilded Age Mansions of Newport: A PEEK INTO AMERICA'S OLD MONEY GLAMOUR

Hello there, history buffs and architecture enthusiasts! Today, we're going to take a stroll down the Bellevue Avenue, the Riviera of America, to explore the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. So, grab your metaphorical top hats and let's dive into the opulence and extravagance of America's Robber Baron era. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and the gilded age mansions of newport.

The Gilded Age: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the mansions, let's set the stage. The Gilded Age (1870s-1900s) was a time of rapid economic growth and excessive wealth, with a small elite class flaunting their newfound riches. This era was coined by Mark Twain, who used the term "gilded" to describe something that is covered with a thin layer of gold but is otherwise base and worthless. Ironically, the mansions we're about to explore are far from worthless!

Newport: The Summer Capital of the Gilded Age

Newport, Rhode Island, was the ultimate summer destination for the Gilded Age elite. With its cool ocean breezes and proximity to New York City, it was the perfect escape from the sweltering city heat. The Bellevue Avenue district became the heart of this exclusive summer colony, where the Astors, Vanderbilts, and other prominent families built their grand Gilded Age mansions.

The Breakers: The Crown Jewel of Newport Mansions

Our tour begins at the Breakers, the most famous of the Newport mansions. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the Breakers is a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace that sits on 13 acres of oceanfront property. This Gilded Age mansion is a testament to the Vanderbilt's power and wealth, with its opulent decor, grand rooms, and cutting-edge technology for the time.

Fun fact: The Breakers was the first house in America to have a built-in telephone system!

The Marble House: A Monument to Love and Excess

Next up, we have the Marble House, another Vanderbilt masterpiece. Built by William K. Vanderbilt as a gift for his wife Alva, this Gilded Age mansion is a true labor of love (and excess). The Marble House is made almost entirely of marble, with over 500,000 cubic feet of it used in its construction. The interior is equally extravagant, with rooms adorned with gold leaf, silk, and velvet.

Did you know? Alva Vanderbilt was a suffragist and hosted the first meeting of the National Society for Women's Suffrage at the Marble House.

The Elms: A French Chateau in Newport

The Elms is another stunning Gilded Age mansion on our tour. Built by Edward Julius Berwind, a coal magnate, this 47-acre estate is modeled after a French chateau. The Elms is known for its beautiful gardens, which were designed by the same landscape architect who designed the gardens at the Palace of Versailles.

Pro tip: Don't miss the Chinese Tea House in the gardens, which is a miniature version of a traditional Chinese pagoda.

The Chateau-sur-Mer: The First of the Newport Mansions

Our tour ends at the Chateau-sur-Mer, one of the first Gilded Age mansions built in Newport. This 62-room Second Empire-style mansion was built by William Shepard Wetmore, a wealthy merchant, and later owned by the famous Astor family. The Chateau-sur-Mer is known for its grand ballroom, which hosted many lavish parties during the Gilded Age.

Trivia: The Chateau-sur-Mer was the first house in America to have a heated indoor pool!

Visiting the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport

If you're planning a visit to the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, there are a few options to choose from:

1. 1. The Newport Mansions Season Pass: This pass gives you access to all the Newport mansions for a whole season. It's the best value if you plan on visiting more than one mansion.
2. 2. Individual Mansion Tickets: You can also purchase tickets to individual mansions. This is a good option if you're only interested in visiting one or two mansions.
3. 3. Guided Tours: Many of the mansions offer guided tours, which can provide a more in-depth look into the history and architecture of the buildings.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour of the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. These magnificent mansions are a testament to a time of excess, opulence, and newfound wealth. So, the next time you find yourself in Rhode Island, make sure to add a visit to these Newport mansions to your itinerary. You won't regret it!

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