God I love hearing people refer to the lavish Rhode Island Newport Mansions as “summer cottages.” A smile crosses my face every time. Vanderbilt-owned mansion The Breakers is anything but a cottage. Here’s a look inside.
Newport is divided into two neighborhoods. One is small and local–The Point neighborhood. The other is where all the Newport Mansions are located along Bellevue Ave and Ocean Drive, also known as millionaire row. It’s where all the wealthy New Yorkers would escape for the weekend and build there million dollar houses. They were attracted to the beautiful woods and dramatic coastline of Rhode Island. So many wealthy entrepreneurs and merchants followed, that by the early 1800s Bellevue Ave and Ocean Drive had the highest concentration of summer ‘cottages’ – aka mansions in the US. Today, 11 remain built by notable names such as Vanderbilt, Astor, and Belmont. The best way to see them is by bike. Bike down the Avenue, whiz in and out of the streets, and stare in awe at the mansion-like houses lining the streets. You can tour each of these homes throughout the week…and I highly recommend you do.
Of the 11 Newport Mansions or “summer cottages” available to tour, Patrick I toured the most famous, The Breakers, owned by the Vanderbilt. For those not familiar with American history, the Vanderbilt family was one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in the United States. They rose to prominence during the Gilded Age thanks to their shipping and railroad empire. The Newport Mansion is built in an Italian renaissance palazzo style inspired by 16th century palaces of Genova and Torino. More than Italy, the place reminded me of France. Stepping into the dining room area with glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling reminded me of Versailles.
Fun Fact (Although I guess not so fun…)
It started with the third generation, but the Vanderbilt family became a bit of a big spender. Eventually, when the $200MM+ fortune was distributed among the Vanderbilt descendants all of them used up all the money till there was nothing left. Today, no Vanderbilt ranks on the list of wealthiest people in America. Many of them don’t even have a million in fortune left. It was Cornelius Vanderbilt who once said “Any fool can make a fortune; It takes a man of brains to hold onto it after it is made.”
The details in the house were lavish. Everything was made with intention. The great hall’s ceiling for instance, is painted like the sky to evoke the feeling of being outside. There is gold embedded in the walls to show off the family’s wealth. Acorns are found throughout the house in paintings, in moldings, and even on the floor tiles since they are the symbol of the Vanderbilt family crest. Once we were done touring the house, we proceeded to the enormous gardens outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. When you’re done touring, take a long 4 mile stroll down Cliff Walk. A trail that winds along the edge of the sea wall with mansions on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
If you’re looking for an alternative to touring Newport Mansions like Vanderbilt’s The Breakers, One Bellevue is very different yet quintessentially Newport. Inside Hotel Viking you can chit chat over a proper Victorian tea service on weekends complete with sandwiches, scones and truffles. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury to enjoy this since I wanted to try and see as much of Newport as possible, but something to consider for everyone else!
>> Next: Mohegan Bluffs: About & How to Get There On Block Island
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