Many cruises that sail along the Atlantic coast make a stop in Newport, Rhode Island. This coastal community is the picturesque New England town with quaint shops and gorgeous views of the ocean. The city is best known for its summer “cottages” that were built during the Gilded Age. Beginning in the mid-19th century, many of America’s wealthiest families built grand mansions along the coast to reside in for the social season.
While some of these homes continue to be private residences, many were donated to the Preservation Society of Newport County or the Newport Restoration Foundation and are open to the public. If you will be in Newport this summer, be sure to visit some of the following homes:
It’s likely that you’ve heard of The Breakers even if you’re not familiar with any other Newport mansion.
The Breakers Photo courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County
Renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt was commissioned to design the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace at the behest of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. The cottage was completed in 1885 and almost all of its furnishings are unique, made expressly for The Breakers.
The dining room in The Breakers Photo courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County
If you have time, be sure to make a stop at The Breakers’ Stable & Carriage House. It is now a museum of the Vanderbilt family and provides an interesting look at the lives of 19th-century American aristocracy.
Designed by Horace Trumbauer in 1901, the Elms was the summer residence of New York and Philadelphia’s Berwind family who made their fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. The home is modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d’Asnieres located outside of Paris.
The Elms Photo courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County
A tour of The Elms consists of a “behind the scenes” look at how this home was run. You’ll learn about the architectural devices that kept servants hidden while the Berwinds were entertaining their guests. This type of experience is not available at many of the other mansions.
The Elms Photo courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County
Although it was built in 1889 by Fredrick W. Vanderbilt, Rough Point is best known as the summer home of socialite and philanthropist Doris Duke, who inherited it from her father when she was 12. Upon her death in 1993, she donated the house to the Newport Restoration Foundation (which she founded).
Photo courtesy of the Newport Restoration Foundation
Visitors to the home will see Duke’s impressive art and antique furniture collections along with Ming dynasty ceramics.
Photo courtesy of the Newport Restoration Foundation
During the summer months, the Newport mansions are popular destinations for many visitors. It may be necessary to reserve a spot in advance to ensure that you can get a tour.
Interested in taking an New England/Canada cruise this summer? Let the agents at CruiseExperts.com do the planning! Contact us by calling 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visiting our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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