Newport Mansions, Sheer Glitz

Very close to the city of Boston and about three hours from New York we find the exquisite coastal town of Newport. Thousands of tourists come here, attracted by the impressive mansions built by millionaires as summer residences.  Authentic architectural jewels made by well-known construction artists with a refined and elegant taste that will not go unnoticed by anyone. In fact, they are the main attraction of this city.

In addition to tours of Newport to see the exteriors of such famous homes, some also open their doors revealing their interior. It is there where the tourist is captivated not only by the greatness and spectacularity of its dimensions, but by its distinguished and stately interior decoration.

Newport’s impressive mansions

Marble house

The traveler should begin their walk on Bellevue Avenue. Already here you will begin to glimpse some of the beautiful mansions that plague the place. One of the most famous is the Marble House. Luckily, this is one of the few houses that allow access to its interior. The tour of its rooms lasts approximately two hours.

Its construction began in 1888 and ended four years later. It belongs to the Vanderbilt family, whose members became millionaires thanks to rail lines and steamships.

Its architecture is based on the Petit Trianon of Versailles. They say it was a gift from the owner to his wife when he turned 39. It is surrounded by gardens and in the back a teahouse was built that is located on the edge of impressive cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A space that is currently used for celebrations.

The breakers

The Breakers was owned by the same Vanderbilt family. At first it was a wooden house. However, it caught fire and was replaced by the splendid house we see today, the most impressive of which we will find in Newport for style and dimensions.

This mansion was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. In his task he was helped by some of the best craftsmen of the time, who decorated the interior with marbles brought from Italy and Africa and elements, such as a fireplace, acquired in French castles.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Another mansion to consider is Chateau-sur-Mer, built in 1852. This belonged to the Wetmore family, who got rich off the trade from China. It is an Italian-style villa made entirely of stone, which gives it a certain air of coldness. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens with beautiful well-kept trees.

It was the first large mansion to be built in Newport (it was completed in the mid-19th century), and until the Vanderbilts’ arrival it held the title of most ostentatious. In 2006 it was declared a historical monument.

Other mansions

If the visitor has more time, they can see other nearby mansions such as The Elms, the summer home of the Berwind family, coal magnates. A mansion that is very reminiscent of French castles.

You should also not miss the Isacc de Bell House, a totally revolutionary house for its design with exotic and colonial elements and whose interior is lined with wood.

A walk through Newport, the maritime city par excellence

In Newport, in addition to knowing its mansions, you can also take a tour that has been called by locals as the Cliff Walk. This is a path that stretches between the magnificent mansions and the blue sea. It is worth enjoying this pleasant walk and the sea breeze brushing our faces.

Afterwards, it is advisable to make a stop at Brenton Point Park,  from where you can admire some wonderful views. If the traveler is tired, he can lie down on the grass or sit there to rest.

Those who feel strong to continue can head over to the city docks, Bowen’s wharf and Bannisterś wharf, where they can enjoy a boat ride. Another option is to go to the center of the town, the Brick Market. In its stores it is possible to buy all kinds of souvenirs.

The curious will not want to leave without visiting the Roman church of Santa María, founded in 1848. It was here that Jackeline Bouvier met with the then US Senator John F. Kennedy, who would later be elected president. . For this reason, in 2008 it was named a historic place.