In Newport, located within the U.S. state of Rhode Island, stands an opulent estate that once belonged to the Vanderbilt family—a lavish symbol of industrial-era America towards the close of the 19th century. Join us as we explore this magnificent Gilded Age manor!
Upon reaching Newport Island, you will find New England In Rhode Island, the towering presence of The Breakers is hard to overlook. Perched atop a cliff with views of the Atlantic Ocean, this grand estate was constructed from 1893 to 1895. It stands as a prime illustration of the extravagance associated with the industrial elite during the Gilded Age, an era of significant economic prosperity towards the end of the 19th century. th century in the United States.
The Breakers, an enormous undertaking by Richard Morris Hunt,
Built in under two years, this sprawling mansion was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, grandson of the railway magnate. In 1893, the heir to the richest family in the United States Commissioned Richard Morris Hunt, renowned for designing the facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the base of the pedestal Statue of Liberty In New York, he aimed to construct his second home. The task was straightforward: to develop a dwelling on the petite island of Newport, situated between Boston and New York , which could compete with Europe’s finest estates. Back then, the island served as a summer retreat for America's elite socialites from the East Coast, including the Vanderbilt family, who sought to enjoy luxurious vacations there alongside other wealthy magnates. Reflecting their immense fortune, they embarked on constructing an opulent mansion spanning 1,200 square meters across five stories, featuring seventy chambers and architectural elements evocative of Italian Renaissance homes from Florence and Rome.
Inside The Breakers, experience absolute luxury
Primarily constructed using marble obtained from the finest quarries in Italy and France, the mansion was built without regard for cost. Renowned artisans were commissioned to carve, paint, and adorn every area within the home. Intricate frescoes grace the ceilings, complemented by mosaic flooring and silk-clad walls that enhance the dramatic ambiance of each chamber.
The entrance hall is already a veritable architectural tour de force. Three storeys high, it is adorned with marble Corinthian columns and a coffered ceiling with frescoes evoking Venetian palaces. Natural light floods in through wide windows overlooking the ocean, lighting up the magnificence of the space.
The other rooms are just as resplendent. In the ballroom, where the Vanderbilt family held sumptuous receptions, everything was built to impress: precious wood flooring, French crystal chandeliers, Italian marble fireplaces. As for the dining room, it can accommodate some forty guests around a huge table, under the golden light of gold chandeliers. One final room catches the eye: the library. The carved mahogany bookshelves house a collection of antique grimoires, and its hushed atmosphere provides a contrast with the grandeur of the other spaces in the house. This was where Cornelius Vanderbilt II spent much of his time, doing business and entertaining influential figures.
An exceptional natural setting facing the Atlantic Ocean
More than its flamboyant architecture, what really sets The Breakers apart from the other Newport mansions is the location: the mansion is situated on the southern tip of the island, at the top of a cliff offering uninterrupted views of the ocean. The surrounding gardens follow a geometric layout inspired by French gardens, with white gravel paths lined by manicured hedges. At the edge of the lawns, you can go down steps leading down to the rocks where waves crash endlessly, which is how The Breakers got its name.
Before you visit The Breakers, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Since opening to visitors in 1948, The Breakers has become a premier attraction in Newport. It offers several guided tours allowing you to delve into the Vanderbilt era. A traditional tour leads you through key areas such as the grand salon and billiards room. An additional exploration reveals hidden passageways used by staff who kept daily operations smooth beneath the surface. These subterranean spaces resemble an intricate network of tunnels crisscrossing underneath the estate, complete with advanced features for electricity, plumbing, and elevators that were revolutionary at the time. Lastly, guests have free rein to wander around the beautifully maintained grounds, enjoying manicured pathways and panoramic vistas overlooking Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Breakers 44 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
https://www.newportmansions.org/mansions-and-gardens/the-breakers/
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