$50M #Mansion Almost Destroyed for A StripMall #history “The Elms”

Nestled in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, The Elms stands as a testament to the opulence and ambition of America’s Gilded Age. Built as a summer residence for coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind and his wife, Herminie, this architectural marvel embodies luxury and innovation.
Construction began in 1899 and concluded in 1901, at a cost of $1.4 million—equivalent to approximately $49.7 million today. Designed by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer, The Elms was inspired by the mid-18th-century French Château d’Asnières. Its Beaux-Arts style seamlessly combines the elegance of European aristocracy with the technological advancements of the early 20th century.

This opulent mansion, an enlarged replica of the original French château built in 1752, spans an impressive 31,401 square feet, making it the 19th largest historic house in the United States and the third-largest "cottage" in Newport. The estate's lavish interior was crafted by Jules Allard, who also worked on other iconic Newport mansions, such as Marble House and The Breakers. Stepping inside The Elms is like stepping into another world. The grand entrance hall, adorned with marble columns, intricate moldings, and glittering chandeliers, sets the tone for the entire experience. Every detail was meticulously designed to dazzle and reflect the Berwinds' esteemed status among America's elite.

🕯️ Follow along as my partner Sean and I explore this magnificent property! ✨
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Step beyond the gates of history’s grandest estates and uncover the stories that linger in their halls. From forbidden romances and secret passageways to scandals that shaped empires, each episode peels back the gilded layers of opulence to reveal the triumphs, tragedies, and mysteries that echo through time. Let the creak of old floorboards and the rustle of forgotten letters guide you through the captivating tales hidden within the walls of these architectural masterpieces.

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[seanm]

Amazing video! Can’t believe they were going to tear it down- so glad it was able to be saved 😊. This and your rosecliff videos are soo good! Can’t wait for the next one!

[MarianOBrian-ep]

Thank you for the tour! I toured The Elms years ago and the servants’ quarters weren’t on the tour, and for some reason I don’t recall the paintings-I don’t think many were there. I do recall the conservatory, the marble table, and one tour guide remarking that Mr Berwind commuted most of the summer from NYC in his yacht.
It looks much more as I imagine it was when the Berwinds built it. It is an incredibly well-planned house.

[LJB]

This was the first Newport "cottage" that I toured back in 1969. It is still my favorite. The marble table on the second floor was brought in before the roof was finished and was slated to be left and destroyed when the house was demolished (according to a later tour guide). You do need to go in the summer and take the backstairs tour to see the basement rooms and the servants' quarters under the roof. Excellent video.

[nans]

I toured this cottage in the mid 80s. Its more impressive in person. I Grew up in Rhode Island and never toured the mansions untill i was an adult. They used to have tour guides. I loved the stories. Now its self guided with an audio reciever with headphones( at least Marble house and the Breakers have them).

[johnvonundzu]

Very nice stroll through The Elms! Amazing that the place survived as a private home as late as 1961. So few of these places have original or at least appropriate furnishings left - greatl to see this place presented so much as it was once looked.

There was one slip: the marble is Rouge Royal, not Rogue Royal.

[markbrautigam]

Beautiful home, if it had sufficient servants quarters it would work for me .
One of my favorite Newport cottages.

[global]

Stunning property. Glad it was saved. Horrendous the nephew was prepared to destroy it. I’ll never understand that mindset.

[loumcast]

Had the nephew that inherited the mansion kept it and turned it into a museum like the Vanderbilt heirs did with the Biltmore state in Ashville, NC, today his heirs would be making a ton of money, since the Newport Historical Society charges $29.00 admission and hosts over 1 million tours yearly.

[KimShibinski]

Great story and appreciate the historical perspective provided! 👍

[ellemoeeni]

I just come from the other channel 😁😁😁 some one told us to go to "My partner's channel" to see more😍
Enjoyed alot as always man! Much love 💘