It’s been a long time since I’ve posted (more on that later)…
So I’m easing back in with photos from my trip to Newport, Rhode Island this past week, to see the mansions in full holiday attire. I’ve been to the Newport Mansions many times, and am always blown away by their grandeur! What makes these homes even more remarkable is the fact that they were summer “cottages”…they were only used for about six weeks a year! They are examples of pure Gilded Age excess, and stepping through their doors feels like you’ve gone through a time warp.
The pictures below are from The Breakers and Marble House, both originally properties of the Vanderbilt family. The Breakers was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II after a fire destroyed the properties original home in 1892. His brother, William Kissam Vanderbilt, is responsible for Marble House, commissioned in 1888. Both homes were designed by William Morris Hunt.
In the spirit of the season I’ve focused mostly on the Christmas décor. In the Spring I’ll be doing a post on My History Fix that will give more information about the Newport Mansions. For now, take a moment to imagine Christmas in another time…
Welcome to The Breakers! 
Poinsettia tree in the Great Hall 
Why not have a life-sized Santa and horse? Plenty of room! 
The view from upstairs 
Even the kitchen is grand 
Local bakers created Gingerbread houses of some of the mansions. Here is The Breakers. 
Rosecliff. This house was used in The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. 
Marble House 
Welcome to Marble House! 
Note the warm honey-colored marble. It’s used throughout the foyer and first floor halls. 
The Gold Room is covered in 22ct gold! 
The Gothic Room was designed to hold an entire collection of gothic materials purchased en masse by the Vanderbilts. 
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