15 Mansions in Newport, RI You Have to See to Believe
Newport, Rhode Island was the summer playground of America’s wealthiest during the Gilded Age, and it has plenty of still-standing mansions that live to tell the tale.
The preservation and restoration of the Gilded Age mansions give visitors a glimpse of the opulence, artistry, and complicated culture that went into these time capsules.
If nothing else, the beautiful architecture and cliffside views of the ocean should be enough to inspire you to visit this area.
Today, this article lists down the best Newport mansions to tour, as well as the lesser-known mansions in the area.
History of Newport Rhode Island Mansions
The mansions of Newport, Rhode island are remnants of the fancy Gilded Era. Built between late 19th century and early 20th century, these luxury residents were not even the primary homes of their owners. In fact, the rich of that time built these RI mansions as their “summer cottages.”
When the Gilded Age ended around the 1910s due to the start of the federal income tax, followed by the First World War, parties at the mansions declined.
The Great Depression eventually put a stop to the rich vacationing at their mansions, which in turn resulted in the properties falling to demolition or abandoned completely.
A group of residents founded The Preservation Society of Newport County in hopes of saving the 200-year-old Georgian Colonial home – the Hunter House – located on the harbor waterfront.
In doing so, they were able to save several other mansions at Newport Rhode Island, starting with Marble House, then Chateau-sur-Mer, The Breakers, Kingscote, and Rosecliff. Today, the organization remains steward of 11 historic properties in the area.
Best Preserved Newport, RI Mansions To Tour
The Preservation Society of Newport County is a cultural organization aiming to protect and preserve Newport County’s rich cultural heritage. Here are the Newport Mansions
1. The Breakers
By far the most popular Newport mansion, The Breakers is the Italian Renaissance-style Vanderbilt estate widely acknowledged to be the grandest, most extravagant mansion in Newport and is thus the signature symbol of the Gilded Age.
The mansion features 70 rooms, a 45-foot high Great Hall, gold- and platinum-covered walls, and intricate panels with mythological beings. All these sit on a 13-acre estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
It is recommended to visit this mansion first, as this is also the site of the Welcome Center of the Preservation Society, where you can get information about all the other mansions they’re in charge of and make your visit to the Newport mansions easier to plan.
Essential Information
- Address: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
- Phone : 401-847-1000
- Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit
- Cost: $29 per head for adults; discounts available for children
- Website: The Breakers
2. Marble House
One of the first stone mansions in the area, Marble House is another extravagant mansion. Alva Vanderbilt, the original owner of the house, is said to have spent $7 million then (equivalent to almost $128 million today) on the marble used to construct it.
With 50 rooms spread over four levels decorated in various styles, as well as a Chinese Tea House that was a later addition, the Marble House is an elegant structure and one of the earliest done in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture.
- Address: 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
- Phone: 401-847-1000
- Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children
- Website: Marble House
3. The Elms
The Elms mansion was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It isn’t as extravagant as the previous two mentioned, but its beautiful architecture modeled after the French chateau d’Asnieres is remarkable and well worth studying and appreciating.
The interior is designed to show off Berwind’s Renaissance ceramics, 18th-century paintings, and jades from Asia.
Fun fact: It is one of the first houses wired for electricity in this area.
Address: 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI | 401-847-1000 Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children Website: The Elms
4. Rosecliff
Rosecliff was home to Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs of Nevada.
Inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, which was the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, the architectural style is Baroque and Baroque Revival, producing clean lines and perfect symmetry.
If this house looks familiar, it may be because it has been used as a set location in movies such as The Great Gatsby , Amistad , and True Lies .
- Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
- Website: Rosecliff
5. Chateau-sur-Mer
Considered the first of the great Newport mansions, Chateau-sur-Mer was recognized as the most palatial in Newport from its completion in 1852 until The Breakers and the Marble House were built.
This mansion was built for William Shepard Wetmore in High Victorian architecture and was subsequently remodeled in the Second Empire French style. Unlike many of the other mansions in the area, Chateau-sur-Mer was not built as a summer residence but as a year-round residence.
- Address: 474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
- Website: Chateau-sur-Mer
6. Kingscote
Kingscote is one of the earliest mansions designed in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Originally owned by George Noble Jones, the property was acquired by William Henry King when the Civil War broke out.
The dining room features the earliest known installation of Tiffany glass, which is a type of glass produced between 1878 and 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York.
- Address: 253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
- Phone: 401-847-1000
- Website: Kingscote
7. Isaac Bell House
The Isaac Bell House, also known as Edna Villa, is acknowledged as the first Shingle-style house in the area and the best example of its kind.
The architects and designers of this house drew inspiration from a mix of international styles, such as Japanese, European, and Old English elements.
- Address: 70 Perry Street
- Website: Isaac Bell House
8. Hunter House
Away from the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, where most of the other mansions are located, the Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture.
It originally belonged to Jonathon Nichols, Jr., and the subsequent owners of the house added or renovated parts of the house. The most prominent owner of the mansion was William Hunter, a US senator after whom the house is named.
- Address: 54 Washington Street, Newport, RI
- Cost: $18 per head for adults; discounts available for children
- Website: Hunter House
9. Chepstow
Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa that is a prime example of a Victorian summer cottage.
Originally owned by Edmund Schermerhorn, it contained various valuable paintings, including the Morris family’s collections, as well as 19th-century landscape paintings by the Hudson River school of Artists.
- Address: 120 Narragansett Avenue
- Website: Chepstow
10. Green Animals Topiary Garden
Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the US, but when Thomas Brayton bought this property in 1872, it consisted of seven acres of land, a white clapboard summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture, and a vegetable garden.
The superintendents of the property were responsible for creating the topiaries, sculpting more than 80 pieces in different shapes from yew, California privet, and English boxwood.
Today, Green Animals is a rare example of a self-sufficient estate with a Victorian house, topiaries, vegetable gardens, and orchards.
While not technically in Newport, it’s still considered one of the Newport Mansions.
- Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI
- Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden
Other Newport Mansions Worth Visiting
As I’ve mentioned, not all of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport are managed by the Preservation Society. Here are other Newport mansions you should consider visiting.
11. Ochre Court
Ochre Point was commissioned by Ogden Goelet in 1892 in a châteauesque architectural style and is second only to The Breakers in size.
Nowadays, it serves as the main administration building for Salve Regina University and is used for occasional social functions.
- Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
- Phone: 401-847-6650
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
- Website: Ochre Court
12. Belcourt of Newport
Oliver Belmont commissioned this mansion in 1891 to have a summer cottage for him as well as his many horses.
With this vision, the architect, Richard Morris Hunt designed the ground floor around an enormous carriage room and stables, with only a single bedroom where Belmont can live with his horses in privacy.
However, when Alva Vanderbilt (yes, the same Alva Vanderbilt who owned the Marble House) moved in with him, she had the ground floor transformed to be more suitable for humans than for horses.
Ownership then changed hands many times before Carolyn Rafaelian bought it in 2012. Currently, Carolyn Rafaelian is in the process of restoring Belcourt to its former glory.
- Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
- Hours: Fri–Sun 11am–2pm
- Cost: $20 per head for adults; discounts available for children ( Book Tickets Here )
- Website: Belcourt of Newport
13. Rough Point Museum
Commissioned by yet another member of the Vanderbilt clan, Rough Point is at the south end of Bellevue Avenue and is built in the style of a stately English manor.
After a few more transfers of ownership, the last owner of the house was Doris Duke before it got turned over to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which Doris Duke herself founded in 1968.
Nowadays, Rough Point looks more or less the same as it looked when Doris Duke lived here. It’s not by accident; the house is carefully maintained to get a lived-in look. The result is that when you tour the house, it feels less like a museum and more like a visit to your distant aunt’s house.
That is, if your distant aunt were a billionaire who owned plenty of expensive art and furnishings, as well as a couple of camels.
- Address: 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
- Phone : 401-847-8344
- Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
- Cost: $20 per head for adults; discount available for students with ID
- Website: Rough Point Museum
14. Vernon Court
Vernon Court was commissioned by Anna Van Nest Gambrill and was built in 1900 in French classical style, loosely based on the French mansion Château d’Haroué.
At some point, it was considered one of the ten most beautiful mansions in America.
It remained in the Gambrill family until 1956, after which ownership changed hands a number of times.
At present, Vernon Court houses the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) and is temporarily closed for renovation.
- Address: 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI |
- Phone : 401-851-8949
- Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military
- Website: National Museum of American Illustrators
Unique Newport Rhode Island Mansions Tours
15. the breakers stable & carriage house.
- Address: 53 Coggeshall Ave, Newport, RI 02840
- Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military. Admission is free with any Newport Mansions ticket or Preservation Society membership.
The Breakers Stable & Carriage House was originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II with architect Richard Morris Hunt from 1894 to 1895. It is located about 2/3rds of a mile from The Breakers.
When the place was completed in 1895, the stable wasn’t just any humble stable. It had 26 stalls, 2 box stalls, and ample space for about 20 carriages, a five-room apartment for the head coachman, bedrooms for 20 grooms who operate the stables, an office, kitchen, dining room, workroom, office and harness room.
The Breakers Stable & Carriage House is open seasonally.
Newport Mansions Visitor Guidelines and Rules
Note that these rules and general guidelines apply to those mansions maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Other mansions may have their own set of rules that you should still follow so that you and other visitors all have a great time.
- It is recommended to start your mansion tour in The Breakers so you can also visit the Welcome Center to get information about the mansions.
- Exterior photography through handheld cameras for social media and non-commercial purposes is allowed.
- Exterior photography through drones is strictly prohibited.
- Interior photography is allowed only for social media and personal, non-commercial purposes. No selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography are allowed.
- Allot a minimum of one and a half hours for touring each mansion.
- With very few exceptions, mansions have free parking.
- Kids are welcome, but strollers and carriages are not.
- Mansions normally have a dress code. Shirts (except those that have offensive language printed) and shoes are mandatory.
- No large bags and luggage are allowed.
Newport Mansion Tour Tickets
If you plan to visit the mansions multiple times a year, membership to the Preservation Society is the most expensive option upfront but will work out to be the least expensive per visit as long as you visit frequently.
For one time visits to multiple mansions, various packages are also available for a wide range of mansions, with some packages even including popular activities aside from touring the mansions.
However, membership and packaged tickets will only cover the 10 mansions that the Preservation Society is maintaining.
The simplest, most straightforward way to get tickets is to just get it in the mansion you’re visiting. This is the most convenient and allows for spontaneity.
Tips For First-Timers to Newport, RI
Getting to newport.
If you’re flying into Newport, it’s almost 100% certain that you’ll arrive via the TF Green Airport.
From here, you can rent a car, ride the bus (via RIPTA or Peter Pan Bus Lines), or book an Uber to go to Newport.
Getting Around
Renting a car is by far the easiest and most convenient option for getting around, especially considering most mansions do not allow large bags and luggage inside.
Where To Stay
The magic of Newport is that wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions.
If you want oceanfront views, Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf, or The Chanler at Cliff Walk are solid choices.
However, if downtown Newport is more your style, Hotel Viking, Courtyard by Marriott Newport Middletown, or Mill Street Inn are also great places to stay.
What To Wear
Rhode Island weather is notoriously variable. From early June to mid-September, average highs reach above 70°F; mid-September to October is known for its Indian summers, with warm, dry weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
November is characterized by rainfall, and December to March sees average highs of around 44°F, with more than 20 inches of snowfall yearly.
It’s wise to dress according to the weather but plan for sudden changes. Layers are encouraged, as well as weatherproof footwear.
Best Time Of Year To Visit
The end of spring (around May) and the start of autumn (around September) are generally considered the best times of the year to visit Newport, weather-wise. Not too hot, not too cold, and a few drops of rain make it the ideal weather for walking around.
What To Eat
Your trip to Newport would be a waste if you don’t at least try some of Newport’s signature dishes and drinks.
Coffee milk has been the official state drink since 1993. Coffee is simmered with pure cane sugar to create a syrup, which is then mixed with ice-cold milk.
Del’s frozen lemonade started out as a mix of snow, lemons, and sugar in the 1840s and is now prepared by machine, producing a frozen product with a texture between a Slurpee and an Italian ice.
As a coastal city, Newport had plenty of ways to prepare various seafood. Clams casino is a dish made of littleneck clams stuffed with bacon, peppers, and breadcrumbs and then broiled.
They also like putting their unique twist on already-known dishes. For instance, johnnycakes are pancakes made of cornmeal, and their version of zeppoles aren’t fried donuts but creampuff-like pastries filled with custard-type cream and topped with more cream and a cherry.
Plan Your Newport Mansion Tour Today!
Exploring Newport mansions gives you a glimpse of how the rich lived in the Gilded Age, which is part of our history.
In fact, it’s one of the stops in a New England road trip itinerary that we’ve previously described.
Don’t forget to check out nearby Rhode Island wineries .
Start organizing and scheduling your trip to Newport today!
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Visitor Info
Q: do i need to reserve a date and time for my visit − +.
Our regular house-tour tickets – The Breakers, One-Property, Duo and Trio – are not for any specific date or time. They can be used any time the mansions are open for tours, and they do not expire. You may purchase them in advance or in person when you arrive.
For specialty tours such as The Elms Servant Life Tour and Beneath The Breakers , tickets are for a specific date and time and we suggest advance purchase.
Q: Do you give guide-led tours? − +
The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer offer engaging self-guided audio tours. The Breakers and Marble House offer both adult and family self-guided tours. Bring your own smart device with earbuds/headsets and download the free Newport Mansions tour app before you visit.
Green Animals Topiary Garden, Isaac Bell House and Kingscote are self-guided, non-audio tours. The Hunter House, Chepstow, Beneath The Breakers and The Elms Servant Life tours are guide-led at certain times throughout the day.
Printed scripts are available at most mansions and staff appreciate your questions.
Q: What languages are available for the audio tours? − +
International visitors are always welcome. On our mobile app, audio tours of The Breakers, The Elms & Marble House are available in English, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Audio tours of Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer are in English only.
The Breakers and Marble House also offer family tours in English.
Q: How do I buy tickets? − +
You can purchase tickets through our website or in person at The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff or Green Animals Topiary Garden. Ticket sales are not available at any other Newport Mansions property.
Q: Can multi-house tickets be used on different days? − +
Yes, you may visit different houses and properties on different days. Our tickets never expire and are non-refundable.
Q: I cannot print my tickets. How do I use them? − +
When you purchase tickets online at NewportMansions.org, you receive a confirmation email that contains a link, “Print Tickets Now.” Click or touch the link to download and display the tickets on your mobile device. Then they can be scanned upon entry to the mansion.
Q: Are the mansions accessible? − +
The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff are partially accessible for mobility devices. At these three houses, the first floor can be directly accessed by visitors who use a wheelchair; the second floor is accessible via the elevator, which must be operated by a staff member. None of our other houses are currently accessible.
We do not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Q: Do you have dress code for visitors? − +
Proper attire must be worn on the properties at all times, including shirts and footwear. Swimwear and clothing with rude, vulgar or offensive language or graphics are not permitted. Admission may be denied if clothing is deemed inappropriate.
Q: Do City of Newport residents receive free admission? − +
Residents of the City of Newport can enjoy free admission to our houses in Newport whenever they are open for tours. Proof of Newport residence is required. Also includes Naval Station Newport personnel and Salve Regina University students (Naval Station or student ID required).
Newport residents must obtain timed tickets for Chepstow or Hunter House in person at either The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms or Rosecliff.
Excludes special events and specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers, The Elms Servant Life, Inside “The Gilded Age” and Sparkling Lights at The Breakers.
Residents of Portsmouth, R.I., can enjoy free admission to Green Animals Topiary Garden whenever it is open for tours.
Q: Do Newport County residents receive free admission? − +
On select days during the year, we offer free admission for residents of Jamestown, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. Visit the Events Calendar for these dates.
Q: Can I take photographs in the mansions? − +
Yes. The Preservation Society permits non-flash interior photography in all of its mansions except Hunter House, and outdoor photos at all properties, for personal, non-commercial use only. Selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted. Read the detailed photography policy .
Q: How much time should I allow to visit each house? − +
We suggest one and a half hours for each mansion, allowing time to enjoy the tour, explore the grounds and visit the Newport Mansions Stores.
Q: Is parking available? − +
Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.
Q: Is there transportation between the houses? − +
The Newport Mansions does not provide transportation. Visitors can drive, walk or take public transportation between houses.
Average house-to-house walking times:
- Kingscote to The Elms: 12 minutes
- The Elms to Chateau-sur-Mer: 12 minutes
- Chateau-sur-Mer to The Breakers: 12 minutes
- Chateau-sur-Mer to Rosecliff: 16 minutes
- Rosecliff to Marble House: 7 minutes
Public transportation is provided by the R.I. Public Transit Authority’s Route 67 trolley, which operates from the Gateway Transportation Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue.
Q: Must children be accompanied by an adult? − +
Yes. All children must be always accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver inside the mansions and on the grounds.
Q: Are strollers allowed inside the mansions? − +
Young children are always welcome; however, we cannot allow strollers or carriages inside the mansions because of the damage that such vehicles can cause to historic surfaces and furnishings. Stroller parking areas are available near the entrance of each mansion. Strollers are allowed on the grounds.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to tour the mansions? − +
No. Only certified service animals are permitted on any of the Preservation Society properties. No other animals are permitted in the mansions or on the grounds. Please do not leave pets in your vehicle while you take your tour, as temperatures inside a locked car will quickly become unsafe and even deadly.
Q: Can I check my bag or suitcase while I tour the mansions? − +
No. There are no lockers or storage facilities. Personal items may not be left at the front desk. Visitors are welcome to carry personal items such as purses, camera bags and knapsacks with them during their tour. But suitcases, carry-on luggage, duffel bags or oversized bags of any kind that could cause potential damage to historic surfaces and furnishings are not permitted. Please leave such items in your car prior to entering the property. Please plan your visit with this in mind.
Q: Do the Newport Mansions close on holidays? − +
The Newport Mansions are open 363 days a year. The only holidays for which we close are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Q: When I purchase a ticket, what do I agree to? − +
1) Security systems are in use. 2) Please do not touch objects in the houses. 3) An authorized photographer or videographer may record your image for Preservation Society purposes. 4) Sale or commercial use of any images taken at any Preservation Society property is prohibited. Exceptions can only be made by prior written agreement.
Q: Do you have vaccination requirements for visitors? − +
No. We no longer require proof of COVID vaccination or face coverings.
Q: Where I can find information on accommodations and activities in Newport? − +
Visit www.discovernewport.org .
Accessibility
Contact us for details
Map & Parking
Parking lots for The Breakers and Marble House are across the street from the entrance gates. Parking at the other houses is on the grounds.
Photography
The Preservation Society allows interior photography at all of the Newport Mansions, with the exception of Hunter House, for non-commercial and social media uses by visitors. Photography is only allowed when it does not disrupt the enjoyment of the properties by other visitors. For everyone’s safety, selfie sticks, tripods, flash and stairway photography are prohibited.
No commercial use or sale of images is permitted without prior written agreement from the Preservation Society.
During guided and group tours, stops for brief photo ops will be allowed as time permits. Guests taking the self-guided tour may take photographs or video as long as they do not delay other guests. Visitors may not record guides giving their presentations. At no time may visitors step beyond the roped boundaries of the tour route. Photo ops may be limited when there is high-volume visitation. In all cases, visitors must follow the direction of house staff about photography.
Photography during programs, lectures and receptions will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
The use of drones over Preservation Society properties is prohibited, regardless of whether the controller is on or off Preservation Society property.
Stroller Policy
Pet/service animal policy.
Only certified service animals are permitted on any of the Preservation Society properties. No other pets are permitted in the houses or on the grounds. Please do not leave pets in your vehicle while you take your tour, as temperatures inside a locked car will quickly become unsafe and even deadly.
Restrooms are available for visitors at all Newport Mansions. At The Breakers, additional restrooms are in the Welcome Center.
Additional Information
Where to eat.
There are several dining options at the Newport Mansions.
Learn about the various tours offered at the Newport Mansions.
We welcome adult and student groups to visit the Newport Mansions. Your group visit helps preserve these great houses.
Get the Newport Mansions app
Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.
Additional Visitor Info
Map & parking info.
Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Mansions & Gardens
Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.
Partners in Preservation
Newport Mansion Tours
Which should i see and how do i get tickets.
The Breakers - The Ocean State's most popular attraction
Front entrance of The Breakers
The Elms - modeled after the French Château d'Asnières
Marble House - Over 500,000 cubic feet of marble!
Rosecliff - based on the French Grand Trianon at Versailles
Doris Duke's Rough Point - view from Newport Cliff Walk
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