5 Essential Facts About the Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI

What do you do if you’re one of the richest families in America? Build a mansion worthy of your opulent lifestyle. Known fondly as the Breakers, this 70-room house was completed in 1895. The cost? Over $12 million.

1. Whimsical Architecture

Cornelius Vanderbilt II built the mansion as a summer home for his family. After seeing the original burned down, he insisted that the new one must be fireproof. Therefore he built it using steel, and he buried the furnace underneath the street! The design must have worked because the house still stands today.

Cornelius’ wife Alice made a few requests as well. Her bedroom featured a unique oval shape. Even the doors were specially made to fit the curved walls. She also required four closets in order to fit all her beautiful clothes.

2. Still In The Family

After the original owner Cornelius died, his wife Alice lived on the property until her death in 1934. The mansion then passed on to her daughter, the Countess Gladys Szechenyi. It was Gladys who allowed the Preservation Society of Newport to lease the mansion: on one condition. The third floor must always be left intact for the family to stay in.

When Gladys passed away in 1965, her daughter Sylvia became the owner. Sylvia sold the mansion to the Society with the original deal in place. The family would always be allowed to live on the third floor.

3. The Mansion Is Rumoured to Have a Ghost

The mansion contains a secret. The ghost of Alice Vanderbilt has been sighted by family, servants, and visitors. She is a charming and quiet ghost, content to stay mostly on the second floor where her bedroom was. Why does she linger? We don’t know, and the family doesn’t wish to disturb her with any investigations.

4. Extensive Grounds

Covering 14 acres of gorgeous seafront property, the gardens at the mansion are not to be missed. The grounds boast many examples of rare trees, including blue atlas cedar and copper beeches.

The landscape architect spared no expense, and the gardens and trees serve to insulate the mansion from both street noise and nosy neighbors.

5. Museum Tours

The mansion is one of the most popular attractions in Rhode Island, receiving nearly 300,000 visitors each year. It has received the status of a National Historic Landmark.

Tours are available daily to the public and include access to most of the first floor. The great hall, dining room, music room, and kitchen are must-sees. Be sure to take in the fresh ocean air on the loggia and witness stunning views. Occasionally special tours are available. These allow visitors access to previously closed off areas like the underground tunnel and basement.

You don’t have to be a billionaire like Cornelius Vanderbilt to feel like a king. Come to Flood Mazda and browse our inventory of new and used cars. You are sure to find a stylish, yet affordable, car to cruise the Newport Coast in.

Image via SteadyContent

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