Let's begin our Newport Tour 2022 with the Gilded Age mansions. We visited Marble House, Rosecliff, The Elms and The Breakers, considered to be the most impressive of all. They are all breathtaking.
The design at all of them was over-the-top ostentatious, dripping with gold, luxurious fabrics, the best furnishings in the world, all combined to be showy in what some might even consider a vulgar display of wealth. That seems to have been the point. Subtle was not a theme.
Yet, it is absolutely fascinating to witness the indulgence up close. We tried to show some of the smaller details here but, of course, it's impossible to capture it all.
Aside from the rich furnishings and priceless art and decor are the sweeping views, the dramatic landscaping and wonder of what life must have been like for these people simply attending one social event after another, day and night, all summer long.
These are costumes used in the original film version of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which was filmed at Rosecliff. We have been lucky enough to attend glittering social events ourselves at both Rosecliff and Marble House and the elegance of these has been most impressive. Yet, we really never had the chance to explore all the nooks and crannies of these places from the stunning bedrooms and parlors to the servant's quarters and kitchens.
It's well worth a visit to even one of them. You can learn much more (even where people are allowed to picnic on the grounds) at The Preservation Society of Newport County website. And please check out our social media for some really fun and stunning videos and many more photographs:
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Enjoy!
Cheers,
William
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