Newport Cliff Walk

The largest of the Newport mansions was built in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, president of the New York Central Railroad. Architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the four-story, 70-room residence after the palaces of the Italian Renaissance. From the outside, beginning with your walk through the Ivy League–like gate, you can see that this mansion is not only big but grand—be sure to look for the sculpted figures tucked above the pillars. A few of the marvels within are a blue marble fireplace, rose alabaster pillars in the dining room, and a porch with a mosaic ceiling that took Italian artisans six months, lying on their backs, to install.

Address: Ochre Point Ave.
Phone: 401/847–1000
Admission: $18
Hours: Jan.–Mar., daily 10–4; Apr.–Dec., daily 9–5.

Newport’s most romantic mansion was built in 1902, commissioned by Tessie Hermann Oelrichs, who inherited a Nevada silver fortune from her father. Stanford White modeled the palace after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Rosecliff has a heart-shaped staircase and Newport’s largest private ballroom. Some scenes from The Great Gatsby and True Lies were filmed here.

Address: Bellevue Ave.
Phone: 401/847–1000
Admision: $12
Hours: Mid-Apr.–mid–Nov., daily 10–5

The original mistress of this oceanfront mansion, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, was the queen of American society in the late 19th century. Her husband, William Backhouse Astor, was a member of one of the wealthiest families in the nation. As you’re guided through the 1857 mansion, actors in period costume play the family, servants, and household guests. Murder mysteries and musical events are performed July through October; Victorian holiday events are held in November and December.

Address: 580 Bellevue Ave.
Phone: 401/846–3772
Admission: $15-$30
Hours: Mid-May–Dec., tour times vary

One of the most opulent of the Newport mansions, the Richard Hunt Morris–designed home is known for its extravagant gold ballroom. The house was completed in 1892 by William Vanderbilt, who gave it as a gift to his wife, Alva. Alva divorced William in 1895 and married Oliver Perry Belmont, becoming the lady of Belcourt Castle. When Oliver died in 1908, she returned to Marble House and spent much of her time campaigning for women’s rights. Don’t miss the intriguing Chinese teahouse, built behind the estate in 1914.

Address: Bellevue Ave., near Ruggles St.
Phone: 401/847–1000
Admission: $12
Hours: Mid-Apr.–Dec., daily 10–5; Jan.–Mar., weekends 10–4

The late tobacco heiress and preservationist Doris Duke hosted such celebs as Elizabeth Taylor at her Newport mansion. The 105-room home was built in the English manor style in 1889. Miss Duke filled Rough Point with works by such masters as Renoir and Reynolds (of all the Newport mansions, Duke’s has the best art collection). Furnishings range from the elaborate to the peculiar and reflect the look of the mansion during Duke’s final days here. Tours include an annual changing exhibit.

To tour the mansion, you must make an online reservation or take the Rough Point shuttle from the Newport Visitors’ Information Center (23 America’s Cup Ave.).

Address: Bellevue Ave. and Ocean Dr.
Phone: 401/845–9130
Admission: $25
Hours: Mid-Apr.–mid-May, Thurs.–Sat. 9:45–1:45; mid-May–early Nov., Tues.–Sat. 9:45–3:45