What opulence! Back in the 19th century the rich and powerful of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, etc. came to Newport, Rhode Island to escape the summer heat in the cities. But they didn't stay in the local B&B! They stayed in their summer "cottages" near the sea so that they could feel the sea breeze. This was 120 years ago, and the Gilded Age. We are talking about the Vanderbilts, the Astors and many others. We tour The Breakers, the summer "cottage"of the Vanderbilts and now the show piece of the Newport Preservation Society.
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| The front door |
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| The entrance hall ceiling |
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| The grand staircase |
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| The music room |
It is a self guided audio tour and we are taken through opulent sitting rooms, music rooms, entertaining spaces, understated decorated bedrooms and well appointed bathrooms. When the house was built it had electricity and gas lighting, central heating, running hot and cold water and many other modern conveniences of the time. Built for $7 million back in 1895, it has 70 rooms spread over 5 floors.
We drive around a couple of blocks to look at the other mansions that are under the control of the Preservation Society. These houses are grand with grounds to match, though not so much the grand flower gardens but planted for the entry statement with tree lined drives.
After lunch, we walk the Cliff Walk which winds along the cliff between the mansions and the sea. We are looking at the back yards of some of the mansions, including the ones that are still private residences. These are very large houses and usually only occupied, maybe 3 months of the year.
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| Even the birds have a nice home |
We have had a history lesson today and glimpsed the life style of the rich and famous! What will be on the cards tomorrow??
Wow Jen those homes are massive and very opulent even the bird house. Loving the commentary. Xxx
ReplyDeleteLove the bird house! Glad the weather was kind enough for the cliff walk. The sizesof these cottages are pretty awe-inspiring. Wow!
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