Top 5 ABANDONED Mansions of NEWPORT, Rhode Island (Restored?)

Once the veritable vacation headquarters for America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age - Newport, Rhode Island, is now notably a city of over 100 empty and haunting mansions.

These majestic modern palaces aren't merely remnants of a bygone era—they're repositories of untold stories that could alter our understanding of history.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:59 1. The Carey Mansion (Seaview Terrace)
3:12 2. The Bells Mansion (The Reef Estate)
5:36 3. Belcourt Castle
8:42 4. Wildacre
11:35 5. The Astor’s Beechwood Mansion

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Today's video from Old Money Mansions is a compelling tour of Newport, Rhode Island's top 5 abandoned mansions, each brimming with rich history and captivating stories. 🏰

First, we explore Seaview Terrace, also known as the Carey Mansion, a marvel of 16th-century French architecture. This grand home was originally in Washington, D.C., before millionaire Edson Bradley moved it to Newport in the 1920s. If it looks familiar, that's because it appeared on the TV show "Dark Shadows"!

Next, we visit The Bells Mansion, set in Brenton Point State Park. Once called The Reefs, this estate has been around since 1876 and was the retreat of lawyer and copper magnate Theodore M. Davis. Now, it stands as a canvas for local graffiti artists.

Third on our list is Belcourt Castle, a palace conceived by Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Over the years, this colossal mansion has been a private residence, a music venue, and a museum.

Fourth, we delve into the world of Wildacre, originally owned by Albert H. Olmsted. This historic estate underwent a meticulous restoration, honoring its original design while incorporating modern amenities.

Lastly, we explore the opulent Beechwood Mansion, previously owned by the Astor family and currently owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation. Ellison has ambitious plans to restore the mansion to its Gilded Age glory.

Join us as we delve into these majestic, forgotten homes and reveal their extraordinary legacies! 🗝️✨

[oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: Have you been to Newport, Rhode Island and visited one of these lovely estates?

[DanLapierre]

I work mostly everyday at the Carey mansion. Also known as seaview terrace. It's far from abandoned. It's a private residence that we're trying to make great again.

[DanRothenfeld]

I have delightful Disco era memory, spring 1977, dancing the night away in a spectacular Newport Mansion. The glamorous setting reflected our youthful flair and the world was our oyster!

[noteman]

I grew up in Newport, Rhode Island and during the early 1960's studied Classical and Church Music. I had the magnificent opportunity of playing the piano during the summer every weekend at the Elms, The Marble House and the Breakers for the tourists. During the early 70's I had the honor of playing the newly relocated organ in Belcourt Castle.

[marklauzon]

I dreaded to see BEECHWOOD. I worked there as a Theatrical Tour Guide in 1983. We lived there on the 3rd floor. My lofe was, indeed, perfect. Mr Madden did, indeed create a Theatre Company and we were grateful. He had numerous Parties...including the Goodbye for THE VICTORY. That was the British Ship that had lost early in the America Cup Races. I actually met Prince Andrew! Von Bulow was on trial but his Son in Law was there a lot. Ot was both a pleasure and an honor to be there! He even let my Mom stay in Mrs Astors Bedroom when She visited!!! Such happy times and lots of stories!!!!❤

[LSTEdD]

Lovely video! I have seen all, been inside Belcourt and had a grounds tour of Wildacre. I am a former guide at The Vanderbilt’s Breakers and Alva Vanderbilt’s Marble House.😊 Being in the buildings is magical.

[blahdeblaaah]

I took myself to Newport to tour the mansions a few years ago during Fall and loved spending hours in the mansions that gave tours.

[Everything_All_In_One_Place]

Top 5 Abandoned Mansions: only one of which is actually abandoned.

[evanrain]

One of the best places I’ve visited was John Ringling’s mansion in Florida. He was a circus and real estate tycoon, and his house is so quirky and personalized, but with a strong gilded age feel. Definitely recommend!

[PotsandPansWhatsPotsandPans]

I went to college in nearby Bristol and my first apartment ever was in the Bel Air mansion that had been divided. I had the old dining room and living room with amazing wood paneling and incredibly high ceilings. The bathroom door in the bedroom blended in seamlessly into the wood paneling and other details I loved.

[stacychace-field]

I’ve been to all the Mansions that you can tour many times. I even went to Beechwood when it was a museum in the 80’s. Newport RI is one of my favorite places.

[LJB]

The graffiti at The Bells is in what is left of the carriage house/stables. The mansion is long gone. It was commandeered by the government because the estate is right at the point where the Atlantic enters Narragansett Bay. I've been in this derelict building as well as Belcourt (the Tinney family added Castle) and Beechwood when they were museums. At Beechwood you were treated as Mrs. Astor's guests during the summer and as applicants for a position in service at other times when a "cottage" would not have been open. Some rules from the Astor time were observed: no children were allowed up the main stairs (unless titled) and had to use the servants' stairs. Men went up the stairs before women (no chance of accidentally seeing an ankle!!). Except for The Bells, these estates are all owned, not abandoned.

[karenlehn]

Recently visited Newport, RI. Oct. 2023 . We absolutely loved our 5 day stay. We took in 4 mansions, wish now we would of taken in more. It was such a fantastic experience, even though, we had visited Biltmore, in NC, these marvelous Castles, added even more glamor, and sophistication.❤

[cathleenstarvish]

My daughter lives there, and it’s absolutely beautiful💕

[deniseparker]

Got married in Newport on a cliff overlooking Narragansett Bay in 1995. We spent our honeymoon touring many of the mansions on Bellevue Avenue. I remember how odd I thought it was that they were called cottages. Great memories!

[castlebee]

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time at Seaview. I love that old place. People actually live there so, it’s not actually abandoned.

[helenhern]

I have been to Newport many times, but not since 2003. I love Newport and it’s wonderful mansions. I was so sad to hear that the Astor’s Beechwood is no longer open to the public. I loved going there - for murder mystery night, a Victorian ball, and a “plain” tour - which was always interesting and full of actors. It was really wonderful

[kevinchaffee]

Very nice video, but a bit offputting as several of the houses are far from “abandoned.”

[AsktheJudge-xmty]

Yes I have been on a tour of several of them and enjoyed every minute of it!

[biggerock]

"Graffiti Artists"; aka "vandals"