Travel back in time at The Breakers, one of Newport's Gilded Age mansions

Rachael Perrotta
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

As a Vanderbilt student, the Breakers in Newport are a natural favorite of mine. Businessman and “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt built the mansion as a summer home for him and his family in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Vanderbilt was one of the richest men in America at the time, as is clearly reflected by the house’s elaborate nature.

Much of the mansion was designed with Italian and Renaissance styles in mind. It features many classic arches and wide columns on the outside, with open halls on the inside meant to mimic Italian courtyards and European mosaic art. Its chandeliers and other electrical appliances show off the family’s wealth, as electricity was a new and expensive commodity at the time.

TV show: How Newport's mansions, and more, have been reimagined for 'The Gilded Age' Season 2

The interior of the mansion is intricately designed with fine detail wall and ceiling carvings as well as elegant furniture. Each room seems to be specially designed for its purpose, with distinct color combinations, drapes, and layouts. At Christmas time, the house is magnificently decorated with deep red poinsettias, pastel-colored trees, and garland gracing the marble walls, highlighting the stunning paintings and designs of the interior. Overall, the mansion includes 70 rooms and occupies one acre of the 13-acre property.

Much of the Breakers was designed with Italian and Renaissance styles in mind.
Much of the Breakers was designed with Italian and Renaissance styles in mind.

The Breakers and its sprawling porch and lawn overlook the Atlantic and the Cliff Walk. It also features an upstairs balcony with a magnificent view of the ocean.

You can tour the Breakers yourself or pick up an audio tour at its entrance. Or, you can buy a special tour package that includes access to the underground basement, boiler room, quarters, and tunnel of the mansion.

usinessman and “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt built the Breakers as a summer home for him and his family in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
usinessman and “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt built the Breakers as a summer home for him and his family in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Whenever touring the Breakers, I’m struck at its timeless nature. You are easily transported to a long-ago lifestyle and gain an insider’s view into the daily activities and customs of the Vanderbilts. Make sure to check out the gift shop at the end of your visit for some more insight on Vanderbilt women’s contributions to the women’s suffrage movement.

"What's Great Off 138" features the places, foods, celebrations and more that make the Newport area unique. Send us your favorite things at newsroom@newportri.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What's Great Off 138: The Breakers mansion in Newport