Newport’s Gilded Age Mansions

A Guide to Visiting the Historic Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

Long before HBO’s The Gilded Age bedazzled our televisions, I had wanted to see the Historic Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. They are the closest thing the United States has to a chateau-route with the added benefit of ocean views.

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Another perk is that they are primarily concentrated within the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, as opposed to the entire countryside, making the mansions easy to visit during a short stay. Granted, the mansions aren’t as old as some of the stately homes you’ll see abroad, but there is still a lot of entertaining history from the glamorous lives that were lived here.

I threw together a last-minute, end-of-summer trip to Newport just before the houses closed for the season. I missed a couple that had already ended their opening hours, but still saw most of them. If you are feeling inspired to visit Newport yourself, this post will hopefully help you organize your plans and provide some essential info.

Below are my top tips and practical information for planning your trip and navigating the area, followed by individual overviews and photos of the top Gilded Age mansions to visit.

Travel Tips & Practical Information

• When is the best time to visit the Gilded Age mansions in Newport?
  • A couple mansions are open all year round, but most of them are only open during the spring and summer months. If you want the most comprehensive visit, aim for the months of May through August.
  • It is best to check the specific operating schedule for each mansion on the Preservation Society of Newport County website or the individual property website for those that are separately managed.
  • Some mansions re-open during the festive season and are decorated for Christmas. If you are flying into Providence, consider this full-day tour to see the mansions at Christmas.
• Do I need a car?
  • You do not necessarily need a car. The Newport Trolley #67 provides free public transportation to the most popular mansions and points of interest during the summer months. Ride share apps (e.g., Uber, Lift, etc) also operate in the area and are readily available.
  • Most visitors do end up renting a car for transportation to/from the airport. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is about 28 miles from Newport. Boston Logan International Airport is about 73 miles.
  • If you’d like to get around a bit more to see the beaches and scenic drives, you will need a car.
• Is there parking?
  • Yes, each mansion has free parking except for Hunter House and The Breakers Carrriage House. But, honestly, its a hassle. Just walk or take the trolley if you can.
• How much time do I need to plan for my visit?
  • I recommend 2 full days to see all of the mansions. However, if you’d like to see some of the other attractions in Newport, I recommend 3 – 4 days.
  • Allow approximately 1.5 hours for each mansion. You may want to plan a little more time for The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms.
• Should I book a tour?
  • If you have time for any extra behind-the-scenes or special interest tours, I highly recommend doing so! The tour guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and always have fun trivia that can bring these spaces to life!
• What should I wear?
  • Be comfortable. There is a lot of walking involved even if you have transportation between properties.
  • Bring earbuds or headphones. You’ll need them for the audio guides. Speaking of which, be sure to download the Newport Mansions App for iPhone/Android ahead of your visit.
• Where is the best place to shop for souvenirs?
  • Each mansion has its own gift shop, but there is also a flagship store at Bowen’s Wharf. Personally, I didn’t want to have to carry my purchases while I was busy touring and taking photos. So, the flagship store was great for picking up a couple items at the end of my visit.
  • Most of the mansion gift shops have very similar merchandise. If you miss your opportunity to buy something, chances are you will see it again at your next stop.

Historic Mansions & Gardens of Newport

The Newport mansions and gardens represent the pinnacle of American architecture and decorative arts from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. Some are privately owned and lived in, and others have been preserved as house museums that can be toured by the public.

Most of the Newport historic mansions are attentively looked after by the Preservation Society of Newport County, including The Breakers and Marble House. If you only have time to see a couple, these are likely them. Personally, I wanted to see them all! The homes really range in age, size, and style. So, it is worth taking the time to explore as many as you have time for.

In addition to the properties managed by the Preservation Society, there are also a handful of other historic properties that sometimes get overlooked, but are very much worth the time to visit, including Rough Point, the former home of Doris Day, Belcourt, and the Blue Garden.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth | Website

Although Green Animals Topiary Garden is not a mansion, it is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County and included in the Access Pass. It is actually located in Portsmouth, about 20-minutes north of Newport. Hence, it makes sense to visit on your drive into Newport or on your way back.

Above photo: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Green Animals Topiary Garden is the oldest topiary garden in the United States. The 7-acre garden was part of a country estate and the summer retreat of Thomas E. Brayton, treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company. The house is still there, but the garden is the main attraction. Filled with around 80 larger-than-life topiary sculptures and numerous planting beds, it is a joy to walk though.

Above photos: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Kingscote

253 Bellevue Avenue | Website

If you are walking Bellevue Avenue from north to south, one of the first historical mansions you can visit is Kingscote. It is a perfect start for a tour of the mansions since it was one of first to appear around 1839 (about 50 years before things got super fancy on the Avenue).

This charming cottage was built for Savannah plantation owner George Noble Jones in the Gothic Revival style by architect Richard Upjohn. Sadly, the Jones family was forced to leave Newport at the outbreak of the Civil War, never to return. The house then sold to William Henry King, who gave Kingscote its namesake.

Above photos: Kingscote

William’s nephew, David, was responsible for enlarging and re-decorating Kingscote, including the beautiful dining room which features the first use of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass block windows. It is a stunning room!

Although less grandiose than other mansions, Kingscote is a treasure trove of collected items — five generations worth! Don’t miss the little pet cemetery in front of the carriage house (behind the large tree at the front of the property). There are three brick headstones with the names of the family’s dogs (or horses — no one is 100% sure).

Above photos: Kingscote

Isaac Bell House

70 Perry Street | Website

The Isaac Bell House sits on a corner lot at Perry Street and Bellevue Avenue. It was built between 1881 and 1883 for an investor and cotton broker, whose brother-in-law had overseen the design of the Newport Casino (which now houses the International Tennis Hall of Fame). Isaac hired the same firm, McKim, Mead, and White, to design Edna Villa, the original name given to the property.

The house is one of the earliest that was built using shingle architecture, which adds to its historical significance. It has also been suggested that many of the features and architectural elements of its design may have inspired Frank Lloyd Wright, who famously built Taliesin and Fallingwater.

I didn’t get to tour the inside of the Isaac Bell House because it had already closed for the season. However, I was able to admire it from the outside and watch the online virtual tour. The house has minimal furnishings at this point, so there isn’t a lot to see in the way of collected objects, which is fine for anyone who is mostly interested in appreciating the use of natural materials and innovations of the time.

Practical information: The Isaac Bell House is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. It is usually only open for part of the summer on Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to consult the Preservation Society website for the upcoming opening schedule, as dates are limited and tours may need be reserved in advance.

Above photo: Isaac Bell House

The Elms

367 Bellvue Avenue | Website

The Elms is the former summer residence of Edward J. Berwind, a coal baron who was named amongst the top 58 men who rule America at the time. Edward commissioned Horace Trumbauer to design the Elms, which was used to host dignitaries and lavish parties during the Newport season each year. Sadly, the couple did not have any children, and the estate was eventually auctioned off by the family.

Above photos: The Elms

I dare say The Elms is the prettiest of the Newport mansions. French influences dominate the architecture, interior design, and magnificent gardens. My favorite feature might be the marble bifurcated staircase, but my favorite room was the conservatory, called the Palm Room. This sun-drenched space was built as an orangery with recessed radiators to keep the plants happy and thriving year-round.

Above photos: The Elms

The former carriage house has recently been renovated and opened as a cafe for visitors. I had lunch on their umbrella-shaded terrace so I could enjoy the view overlooking the gardens and fountains. It is a wonderful, charming setting with a classy-casual vibe.

Practical information: The Breakers is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access Pass and Membership holders can visit freely during opening hours. Otherwise, individual tickets can be secured online in advance. Reservations are recommended for the Carriage House Cafe.

Above photos: The Sunken Garden at The Elms

Chepstow

120 Narragansett Avenue | Website

Chepstow is an Italianate villa built in 1860 as a summer cottage for Edmund Schermerhorn (first cousin of Caroline Astor). The house was revitalized when it was sold to Emily Morris-Gallatin in 1911. All of the original furnishings and collections are intact, including many important pieces of American art.

Unfortunately, I never got to tour the inside of Chepstow as the tours were completely full by the time I put together my last-minute plans. It’s a shame because it sounds like there is a lot of rich history at Chepstow, as it is tied to a descendant of one of America’s founding families, US Vice President Elbridge Gerry.

Practical information: Chepstow is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Visits are by guided tour only and must be reserved in advance.

Above photos: Chepstow

Chateau-sur-Mer

474 Bellevue Avenue | Website

The Victorian estate of Chateau-sur-Mer was one of the first grand mansions in Newport that subsequently raised the bar for new building projects. It was the largest home in the area up until the Vanderbilts came in the 1890s.

Above photo: Chateau-sur-Mer

One important difference of Chateau-sur-Mer is that is was the year-round, permanent residence for William Shepard Wetmore and his family, as opposed to a summer cottage. After the estate passed to William’s son, it was remodeled by Richard Morris Hunt, who expanded the house and updated the interiors.

Above photos: Chateau-sur-Mer

Chateau-sur-Mer has beautiful wall and ceiling stenciling. I was in awe of the details. The showcase feature of the house is the Great Hall. The ceiling is open to all of the upper levels, so you can look down into the space from any floor.

Practical information: Chateau-sur-Mer is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access Pass and Membership holders can visit freely during opening hours. Otherwise, individual tickets can be secured online in advance.

Above photos: The Staircase (left); Upward view from the Great Hall (right)

The Breakers

44 Ochre Point Avenue | Website

The Breakers is one of the most well-known and grandiose Newport mansions, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895. To give you an idea of just how palatial, it is over 62,000 square feet and has over 70 rooms, not including the carriage house, outbuildings, or gardens.

Above photo: The Breakers

The music room and dining room were my two favorite rooms. They will take your breath away. No detail was overlooked, which makes sense for these spaces in particular since they were a showcase in which to entertain guests.

Above photos: The Breakers

The back side of the house overlooks the Cliff Walk and Easton Bay, which can be admired from the logia during the house tour. You’ll also catch views of the sprawling lawn and gardens that will draw you outside at the end of your visit to wander the path and admire the huge trees and football-sized hydrangeas.

Above photo: View from the loggia at The Breakers

Practical information: The Breakers is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access Pass and Membership holders can visit freely during opening hours. Otherwise, individual tickets and time slot reservations can be secured online in advance.

Above photos: Back exterior and gardens at The Breakers

Rosecliff

548 Bellevue Avenue | Website

Rosecliff is sometimes referred to as the Hermann Oelrichs House or the J. Edgar Monroe House, after its succession of owners. The name Rosecliff comes from the original name given to the estate by George Bancroft, who planted extensive rose gardens along the cliffs. After George passed away, the Oelrichs family purchased the estate, but demolished the original house to make way for a new mansion.

Above photo: Rosecliff

The new Rosecliff was built between 1898 – 1902, with Theresa Fair Oelrichs overseeing much of the construction and interiors. She was one of the great hostesses of society during the Gilded Age, with the largest ballroom in Newport, the ceiling of which is famously featured in the opening credits of The Gilded Age television series.

Rosecliff appealed to me more than any of the other mansions. It felt the most livable (if I were to win the lottery). I loved the airy rooms, tall French doors, huge fireplaces, and architectural symmetry.

Above photo: Rosecliff

The entire second floor of Rosecliff has been re-purposed as an art museum with changing exhibits. During my visit, the Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light exhibition was on. Hunt was the architectural mastermind behind many of the area’s buildings. It was interesting to learn more about his life and how he helped shape Gilded Age America.

Above photos: Second floor view of staircase (left); Richard Morris Hunt portrait (center); Exhibition (right)

Practical information: Rosecliff is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access Pass and Membership holders can visit freely during opening hours. Otherwise, individual tickets can be secured online in advance.

Visits to Rosecliff fit in well between The Breakers and Marble House. It is a 20-minute walk or 3-minute trolley ride from The Breakers to Rosecliff. I recommend walking along Victoria Avenue or Ruggles Avenue, and then turning left on Bellevue Avenue.

Above photos: The Gardens at Rosecliff

Marble House

596 Bellevue Avenue | Website

The opulent Marble House was commissioned by Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt and designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Building took place between 1888 to 1892 and put Newport on the map as a summer playground for the wealthy. Although there were already numerous impressive estates in the area, the elevated grandeur of Marble House prompted other families to follow.

Above photo: Marble House

I took more photos inside Marble House than any other mansion, and it was the only one I went back to for a second visit because I wanted to take more time, if that is any indication of how much there is to see here.

Despite its name, Marble House is not entirely constructed of marble. Although, there is quite a bit of it! Upstairs, the bedrooms were full of color and personality. I especially loved seeing Consuelo’s bedroom after visiting Blenheim Palace earlier this year, where she lived after she married the Duke of Marlborough.

Above photos: Marble House

After completing the house tour, I had tea at the Chinese Tea House. It was built in the early 1900s and was used to host suffragette rallies, one of Alva Vanderbilt’s well-known causes. Inspiration was taken from 12th-century Song Dynasty temples, making it a unique stand-out amongst the other buildings that face the Cliff Walk.

After years and years of weathering, it was moved back from the seawall in the 1970s and later completely restored by the Preservation Society of Newport County for use as an event venue and high tea.

Above photos: Tea at the Chinese Tea House at Marble House

Practical information: Marble House is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access Pass and Membership holders can visit freely during opening hours. Otherwise, individual tickets can be secured online in advance.

It is just a short 7-minute walk from Rosecliff to Marble House. Btw, in between these two houses is the former Astor estate of Beechwood, now privately owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder or Oracle. Although not open to the public, you can catch a glimpse of the estate as you walk between the properties.

Belcourt

657 Bellevue Avenue | Website

Belcourt of Newport is the third largest mansion in the area, but often missed as it is further south on Bellevue Avenue and separately managed. Belcourt was built between 1891 to 1894 by Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and designed by Richard Morris Hunt.

Originally, the first level of Belcourt was comprised of stables and carriage areas for Oliver’s prize horses and carriages with the living quarters above. He married his neighbor, Alva Vanderbilt, in 1896 following her divorce from William Kissam Vanderbilt. Alva then added her feminine touch to the mansion, converting the carriage space to a grand banquet hall (of course, she did). Fun fact – Jennifer Lawrence held her wedding to Cooke Maroney here in 2019.

Above photo: The Ballroom at Belcourt of Newport

Belcourt is an eclectic property, full of different architectural styles and decor that its succession of owners have implemented. Most recently, Belcourt was sold to jewelry entrepreneur Carolyn Rafaelian, who has been breathing new life into this historical home through renovation projects and hosting special events.

Practical information: Belcourt of Newport is privately owned, but is open to the public via guided tours. Individual tickets and time slot reservations can be secured online in advance.

Above photos: The Dining Room (left 2); Oliver’s Bedroom (right 2)

Rough Point

680 Bellevue Avenue | Website

Rough Point is another Gilded Age mansion that is less visited due to its removed location at the very end of Bellevue Avenue, near the south end of the Cliff Walk. The interior of the house is a unique mixture of glam and livable homeyness that sets it apart from the other properties. It is also rather new on the house museum circuit, opening to the public in 2000 following the death of its last owner, Doris Duke.

Rough Point was constructed between 1887 and 1892 for yet another Vanderbilt — Frederick William, the brother of both William Kissam who built Marble House and Cornelius who built The Breakers. It changed hands a couple times and was purchased by James Buchanan Duke in 1922, who eventually left it to his only daughter, Doris, after his passing.

Above photo: Rough Point

Doris lived at Rough Point off-and-on until the 1960s, when she started to spend most of her time there. She made a lot of changes, added wings, and re-furnished the home with art and antiques. One of the most interesting aspects of visiting Rough Point is seeing exactly how she left it, including her clothes and jewelry.

Above photos: Rough Point

Another reason to visit Rough Point is to see the rocky cliffs and rugged shoreline of Newport. Once you are down there, it is just a short walk to the Cliff Walk access at Ledge Road. There are usually pedicabs in the area if you need a lift back to civilization after spending some time soaking up the sea spray.

Practical information: Rought Point is under the care of the Newport Restoration Foundation. Self-guided tours are offered from April until November. Individual tickets can be secured online in advance or purchased in-person.

Above photo: Cliff Walk Bridge at Rough Point

Hunter House

54 Washington Street | Website

Hunter House is an 18th-century Georgian Colonial house that was home to several different families, most of them wealthy merchants. Most of these early families also enslaved individuals of African descent. The house-museum offers visitors a very unique and enlightening look at life in Newport during Colonial times.

Hunter House was the first to come under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. It has very limited opening hours on Sundays and Mondays between June 1 and September 1.

To read my complete post on everything else to see & do around Newport, click here.

The order in which I listed the mansions is north to south with the exception of Hunter House. Keep in mind though, it probably isn’t possible to visit them all in the same day, so you may want to re-arrange these a bit and incorporate other Newport attractions.

I visited The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House, and Chateau-sur-Mer in one day. The following day I visited Chepstow (just a walk-by), Kingscote, Isaac Bell House (just a walk-by), and The Elms. And then on my third day, I visited Belcourt and Rough Point. I also planned my itinerary around where I wanted to eat:)

If you need any help planning your trip or booking travel arrangements, please feel free to Contact Me!

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