13 Exquisite Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
Back in the 1980s, I discovered the splendid Newport mansions while immersing myself in the film “Reversal of Fortune.” These captivating homes were a feast for the eyes, showcasing remarkable architecture. Among these opulent residences, the movie took place at Clarendon Court, a Newport gem.
During my early twenties, I embarked on an epic four-month road trip across the USA, with Newport as one of my stops. I strolled along Cliff Walk, unable to afford the guided tours but nonetheless exploring the houses scattered along the walk and the streets of Newport. I covered countless miles on foot.
The first grand mansion, often referred to as a cottage, to grace Newport was Marble House, constructed by Alva and William Vanderbilt in 1892. This marked the beginning of an era of gilded age mansions. Enormous sums were lavished on these homes, which served a mere six weeks a year. When adjusted for inflation, the amount spent on these estates far exceeds any contemporary construction or sale. The most extravagant of them all was Marble House, which commanded a staggering $11 million back then ($308 million in 2018).
Before the arrival of these mansions, Newport thrived as a shipping town established in 1639.
1. Beechwood
The magnificent Beechwood Mansion in Newport, RI
Size: 16,400 square feet
While not the most grandiose “cottage” in Newport, I find Beechwood to be one of the loveliest. Its simple yet sturdy exterior design and expansive grounds caught my eye.
Beechwood was originally built in 1851 and underwent renovations from 1888 to 1890 by Mrs. Astor, the wife of William Backhouse Astor. Although it predates the gilded age mansions, the Astors expanded it and even added a ballroom capable of accommodating 400 guests.
2. The Elms Mansion
The Elms mansion in Newport, RI
Constructed between 1899 and 1901 by the Berwind family, The Elms mansion carried a price tag of approximately $1.5 million. It was among the first fully wired mansions of the gilded era. To manage the estate, the Berwinds employed a staff of 40 servants.
Personally, the design of this home doesn’t resonate with me. It possesses an imposing and gothic quality, reminiscent of a 19th-century governmental institution.
3. Rosecliff
Rosecliff mansion fountain and gardens in Newport, RI
Rosecliff mansion on Cliff Walk in Newport, RI
In 1899, heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs erected Rosecliff, investing an estimated $2.5 million ($75,000,000 in 2018) into its construction.
Among the Newport mansions, Rosecliff reigns as my favorite. Its symmetrical layout, courtyard, pristine white exterior, and ornate detailing leave me in awe. This grand mansion manages to retain an airiness in its design, making it truly remarkable. Although I suspect the interior may be too extravagant for my personal taste.
4. The Breakers
The magnificent front facade and grounds of The Breakers
The Breakers claims the title of Newport’s largest cottage, boasting a staggering 65,000 square feet and costing $7 million ($212 million in 2018).
Upon seeing photographs of The Breakers for the first time, it becomes challenging to determine its front facade since all four sides emanate grandeur and grandiosity. It is a truly remarkable place.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned the construction of this fortress-like mansion in 1893.
Do I appreciate it? It’s hard not to. While I hold a preference for Rosecliff, The Breakers stands as a beautiful testament to a bygone era (i.e., pre-income tax).
5. Marble House
Marble House and its stunning grounds in Newport, RI
Marble House represents another Vanderbilt creation. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the first “over-the-top” mansion to grace Newport. Alva Vanderbilt set the stage for the opulence that followed.
Alva spared no expense when building this house, reportedly investing a whopping $11 million (equivalent to about $308 million in today’s currency). Reflect on that for a moment—the house you see above, although impressive, doesn’t match the grandeur of The Breakers or its size, yet it commanded an astonishing $300+ million by today’s standards. That far surpasses the price of any contemporary home, considering the most expensive house ever sold went for $149 million in Hong Kong.
So why did Marble House carry such a hefty price tag? Well, its name isn’t just for show. You guessed it—tons and tons of marble (500,000 cubic feet) were used in its construction. In fact, a staggering $7 million was spent on marble alone. I find that a tad excessive. While it is a beautiful home, I struggle to believe it warranted $200 million in today’s money. Surely a more cost-effective material could have sufficed.
With a total of 50 rooms, the mansion employed 36 servants during the summer season. That’s a considerable number of rooms and an extensive staff.
6. Vinland
Peabody & Stearns constructed Vinland Estate in 1882 as the official residence for tobacco heiress Catherine Lorilland Wolfe. This property showcases a Romanesque Revival-style exterior, featuring red sandstone. Eventually, the estate was donated to Salve Regina University, and its main building now bears the name McAuley Hall.
7. Castle Hill
Castle Hill – Newport, RI
Situated on a 40-acre peninsula, Castle Hill was built in 1875 by Boston architect Robert Slack and served as a summer retreat for scientist and explorer Alexander Agassiz. While it originally functioned as a private residence, it underwent conversion into a private inn during the latter half of the twentieth century.
8. Rough Point
Rough Point Mansion – Newport, RI
Originally constructed using granite and red sandstone, Rough Point’s construction commenced in 1887 and concluded in 1892. This English Manorial Style home, designed by the architectural firm Peabody & Stearns, was intended for Frederick William Vanderbilt. Today, Rough Point serves as a public museum.
9. Crossways Mansion
View of Crossways Mansion in Newport, RI
Nestled in Newport’s Sheep Point Cove, Crossways was built by Marion Graves Anthon Fish, also known as “Mamie,” between 1896 and 1898. A ballroom was added to the mansion at a later date. In contrast to the ostentatious “palaces” labeled as “cottages,” which characterized the other Newport mansions, Mamie opted for a colonial style, which I find quite appealing. It ranks among my favorites in Newport.
10. Tredegar House
Construction of Tredegar House began in 1664 on a 90-acre property, reaching completion in 1672. The house served as the residence of the influential Morgan family, who later became Lords Tredegar. Originally built using stone, it underwent expansion using red bricks. Since March 2012, Tredegar House has been designated as a historical landmark under the supervision of the National Trust.
11. Chateau-sur-Mer
Chateau-sur-Mer was finalized in 185
2 on a 7-hectare plot. Architect and builder Seth Bradford crafted this residential villa for William Shepard Wetmore, a prominent trading merchant. Currently owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County, Chateau-sur-Mer serves as a museum.
12. Sheep Point Cove
Sheep Point Cove mansion in Newport, Rhode Island
Nestled in the picturesque Sheep Point Cove of Newport, Rhode Island, this splendid mansion graces the landscape with its elegance and charm.
13. Isaac Bell House
Isaac Bell House – Newport, RI
Also known as Edna Villa, the Isaac Bell House was constructed between 1882 and 1883 based on designs by the renowned firm McKim, Mead and White. This three-story, wooden balloon-frame structure with a stone basement covers an impressive area of 4,047 square meters. Its open and characteristic Shingle Style architecture has solidified its status as an iconic example of the era. In 1996, the Preservation Society acquired the Isaac Bell House, which is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When were the Newport mansions built?
The first mansion, Marble House, was built in 1892 by Alva Vanderbilt, with others following suit within the next decade or so.
Which is the largest mansion in Newport?
The Breakers claims the title of Newport’s largest mansion, boasting an impressive 65,000 square feet, surpassing even the White House in size.
Which Newport mansion was the most expensive?
Marble House takes the crown for the most expensive Newport mansion, with a jaw-dropping price tag of $11 million. Adjusted for inflation, that amounts to $308 million in 2018. More than half of this sum was spent solely on marble.
Which Newport mansions are must-see?
In my opinion, the must-see mansions in Newport are:
1. The Breakers
2. Rosecliff
3. Marble House
4. Chateau-sur-Mer
Which mansions did the Vanderbilts build?
Members of the Vanderbilt family were responsible for constructing Marble House and The Breakers, two of the most iconic Newport mansions.
Feel free to explore our extensive gallery of historical mansions here.
Map
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