Newport, RI: The Breakers

As we drove into Newport, we ended up along the waterfront, which was very busy. Lots of shops and cafes and restaurants. We looked up where one of the Newport mansions was located and headed down Belleview Avenue. Shortly, we found a sign to The Breakers, probably the most famous of the mansions, so we found street parking about 2 blocks away (although there was free parking right across from the entrance, but we saw it too late).

Admission was $26 per person (no senior discount) and you could download your own tour on an app that's free. So that's what we did.

When you first enter the mansion, you walk into the Great Hall.

Parties and balls were held here. (This is one end)

This is the other end.

The grand staircase. Apparently President and

Mrs. Kennedy once ate at a table next to

the grand staircase at a party.

Under the grand staircase there is a

small fountain and a place for contemplation.

Double crystal chandeliers, electric. But check the bulbs

below the chandeliers. They could be used with gas if

the electric went off.

The ceiling is that of Aurora.

The dining room panoramic.

Decor is in country French style for the most part.

Billiards room.

Looking up at the balconies that surround the great hall.

Another great fireplace.

More of the French country style

This fireplace was brought over from France. It's about 500 years old.

These types of panels were set around the room.

That's not silver -- it's platinum!!

Another ornate ceiling.

The music room.

For the ladies.

The card room.

The library. Bookshelves on either side

of the fireplace.

Up the staircase

One of the daughter's bedrooms. 

Much simpler decor.

The bath tub. There are four faucets. Two for hot and cold water.

Two for hot and cold SALT water!

Mr. Vanderbilt's room

A beautiful marble fireplace.

His bed.

Another restroom. The small tub on the right is a

sitz bath.

Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedroom.

Mrs. Vanderbilt's call buttons are next to her bed.

A guest bedroom.

The loggia.

The original home. It burnt down in 1892.

Mr. Vanderbilt did not use wood at all in the current house.

Interesting lounger.

Looking down on the grand staircase.

The skylight above the staircase.

The servants' staircase.

The servants could be summoned or could answer

calls using these speaking tubes at the

bottom of the staircase.

The kitchen. There are no burners on the stove.

The entire thing heats up like a big hot plate.

The butler's pantry. It was huge!

Keeping an eye on who is in need of service.

Outside on the grounds.

Nice lawn for croquet!

The lawn ends at the Cliff Walk (which we plan to do tomorrow). There are many other mansions you can tour, but we picked this one.

The tour stated that Mr. Vanderbilt was really a "down to earth" guy who taught Sunday school, but also referred to him as one of the most powerful men in the nation. 

I have to say that walking through the house did put me in mind of the several chateaus we visited in France, although the French were, overall, much more elaborate. 

The tour was definitely worth it.