25 Most Unbelievable NEWPORT MANSIONS

Newport! A place known as the sailing capital of the world, a destination for lavish iconic estates, and one that has always played host to some pretty big money!

Today, we are taking you to Newport, RI. A city which may well belong to the tiniest state in the country, but don’t ever let that fool you!

Located on the southern tip of Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island, this seaside escape played a major role in past ages as the place where American aristocracy would spend their summers.

Recognized as America’s first resort, it was a massive haven for all types of mansions and “summer cottages” from the Victorian era, to the Gilded Age, well into the roaring twenties.

Today, you will find much of Newport’s historic mansions still standing. And if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, you can come along with us on our tour of the most memorable, most outstanding mansions in this most opulent city.

Our tour will take you down its iconic Cliff Walk, then up its posh Bellevue Ave, and to a few random spots we bet you didn’t even know about.

So without further ado, here are the 25 most unbelievable Newport mansions!

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SCHMANCY merch is finally here! Click on the links below to shop all of our new designs!

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So you plan on visiting some of these house museums, do you? Awesome!
But before you head out that door, do make it a point to visit each venue’s website for more specific information on how and when you can visit.

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25 Most Unbelievable NEWPORT MANSIONS

[schmancy]

So you plan on visiting some of these house museums, do you? Awesome!
But before you head out that door, do make it a point to visit each venue’s website for more specific information on how and when you can visit.

[bonniewalker]

Doris Duke began preserving all the Colonial homes in Newport after the tragic incident with her car. I work for the Preservation Society of Newport County County at The Breaker’s in the 1980’s. I also worked at the Astor Estate Beachwood as an actress who gave tours through the lovely estate. I portrayed The Countess Inverness. Newport, Rhode Island is the most magical place that I have ever lived. Newport has never left me.

[DWilliams-cenb]

Many, many of these mansions had been completely abandoned by the 1960's. We used to walk freely through them in the late 1960's. Nice to see many have been restored and preserved.

[sandrabergquist]

Showing the locations of these beautiful homes on the map was very helpful. Lovely tour - thank you.

[nicholascisneros]

I spent two weeks at Salve University for a mathematics project funded by the Chicago Mathematics Institute. It was magical. We had classes in these mansions. The walk to class was a beautiful journey within itself along the scenic Cliff Walk. Our dormitory was in one the mansions as well. As an educator, I must say it was the most unbelievable experience I've ever had! We were fed at student cafeteria and the food was delicious every single day. They even attempted to make us grits on the last day for breakfast since many of the teachers were Southern. So thoughtful. We also had a final dinner together at one the mansions....the one where True Lies was filmed! We stood on the outside deck...I know there is a fancy name for it other than deck...we had chefs cooking on grills as we viewed the cliffs and as the ocean splashed on the rocks below. Non in attendance didn't know that we were in a unbelievable moment in time for simple educators....it was the conference of a lifetime!!!
Melinda Lawley

[phoenixrising]

When I toured Newport, my favorites were The Elms, The Breakers and Marble House. Yep, I like over the top 😊

[WaM]

For me, the Elms exemplifies the most refined elegance and graceful beauty of all the Newport mansions and my favorite.

[elirien]

I lived in Newport, RI when I was a kid. We lived on a small Navy base surrounded by these amazing mansions. I always wanted to be able to go back and afford one.

[LSTEdD]

Great information! I’m a former guide at The Breakers!

[KandeShack]

My Son received the National Sportsmanship Award at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. We went to a dinner at The Breakers. All the tennis greats were there…Edberg, McEnroe, Agassi, Graf, and even Price Albert of Monaco! It was an evening never to forget!!

[Mateo-etwl]

I visited Newport last fall and i have to say it's the most surreal town in America. The Salve Regina campus is jaw-dropping, especially for an unheard of college.

[AK]

I was only 9 or 10 back in the early 60's when my parents took me on the tour of The Breakers. I remember it to this day. 🤪

[presspound]

Thank you for the tour. Well shot, nimbly edited and loaded with historic references.
Excellent!👍🇨🇦

[JamesBrown-ijpx]

I enjoyed this immensely! Thank you! My favorite, without question, is 'Rosecliff'! I am so glad that the Preservation Society of Newport County has acquired so many of these historic and legendary properties. Hopefully, the Society will be able to acquire even more properties as they become available.

[jimhertwig]

I enjoy your YouTube videos. You mention that several of these “cottages” are available for tours year round. We were there in Oct. 2022 and a number of them were closed for the season. Marble House for one. Tourists should be advised to check online or by phone before making definite plans.

[jelsner]

I can't believe you didn't mention that Seaview Terrace was used as the spooky Collinswood mansion in the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows.

[AndyyWithAY]

I never knew how amazing Newport was. Will absolutely have to plan a visit to see as many of these houses as possible

[brianotoole]

Too bad you couldn’t include Hammersmith Farm, the home of Jacquline Bouvier, wife of John F Kennedy in your survey.

[matthewmastrobuono]

I toured the breakers a few years ago. Also toured one with my elementary school but I have vague memories of my childhood. Rhode Island has such rich history for such a tiny state.

[samanthab]

Always wondered what happened to Sunny Von Bulow’s manse Clarendon Court. Doris Duke’s place, Rough Point & Sea View Terrace aka Collingswood. The Dark Shadows manse. Belcourt too. Thanks 👋