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Among the illustrious summer homes and grand palaces dotting Newport, Marble House stands out as a beacon of opulence, as noted in the preservation society’s publication, Newport Mansions. This architectural marvel took nearly four years to complete and was said to cost around $11 million. True to its name, Marble House features 500,000 cubic feet of exquisite white marble and houses an impressive array of priceless artifacts, including an 18th-century French Gobelins tapestry. Upon its completion, this residence, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, was hailed as a classical masterpiece, paving the way for future Gilded Age estates. The craftsmanship is unrivaled, featuring murals styled after Pietro da Cortona, a Rococo-inspired library, and a dining room adorned with intricately carved allegorical panels finished in gold leaf.
From the heyday of the Gilded Age to contemporary times, Marble House has hosted numerous grand events, suffragette meetings, and various families, before it was acquired by the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1963, thanks to funding from Harold S. Vanderbilt. Since then, it has served as a stunning backdrop for multiple scenes in Julian Fellowes’ HBO series The Gilded Age.
The Breakers
The morning room at The Breakers.
If any residence encapsulated the essence of luxury, it would undoubtedly be The Breakers. This opulent four-story mansion graces Bellevue Avenue and was built over a span of two years from 1893 to 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a figure renowned for his immense wealth. Vanderbilt spared no expense, enlisting architect Richard Morris Hunt to craft a stunning Italian palazzo-style estate that featured superb American and European artistry alongside breathtaking sea views. To ensure its durability and heritage, Hunt opted for steel, brick, and limestone in place of wooden structures.
The Breakers’ exterior reflects classical Roman influence, drawing inspiration from the grand palaces of Turin and Genoa, as detailed in Newport Mansions. The home’s design is reminiscent of Tuscany, replete with columns and arches. Inside, visitors are greeted by an astonishing Great Hall, reminiscent of Italy’s open-air courtyards. The mansion boasts 48 bedrooms, 27 fireplaces, and state-of-the-art amenities for the time, such as electricity and gas lines. As one explores the residence, they will encounter Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI wall coverings, 17th-century Flemish tapestries, and an elaborate music room that was intricately crafted by Allard & Sons in France, carefully shipped, and then reconstructed in the United States.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com