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The HBO series "The Gilded Age" has sparked renewed interest in the extravagant Newport, Rhode Island, mansions that served as its backdrop. These historic properties, built by America's industrial titans during the late 19th century, are not only key filming locations but also open to the public for tours. Visiting these estates offers a tangible connection to one of the most opulent eras in American history.
In the context of the Gilded Age—a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization from the 1870s to about 1900—the term "cottage" was a misnomer for the palatial summer homes built by New York's elite. These were not small, rustic dwellings but monumental estates designed to showcase immense wealth and secure social standing. Families like the Vanderbilts and Astors competed to build the most extravagant homes, using them for a few summer weeks to escape the city heat. Unlike many New York City mansions from the same era that have been modernized, Newport's cottages remain remarkably preserved, acting as time capsules that made them ideal for the show's production.
Several properties managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County are featured prominently. Since the show's premiere, these homes have experienced a significant surge in tourism, providing crucial revenue for their upkeep.
The Breakers: The grandest of the cottages, The Breakers was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895. This 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo features a 50-foot Great Hall and sweeping ocean views. In the series, it appears in several scenes, including one where George Russell plays billiards on the Vanderbilt family's original table.
The Marble House: Commissioned by William K. Vanderbilt as a birthday present for his wife, Alva, this mansion cost an estimated $11 million at the time, with $7 million spent on imported marble. It serves as the exterior for the fictional Russell family's Newport home. Its dining room was the setting for Bertha Russell's pivotal dinner for the Duke of Buckingham, a storyline inspired by the real wedding of Consuelo Vanderbilt.
The Elms: Constructed in 1901 for coal magnate Edward J. Berwind, The Elms was modeled after an 18th-century French château. It was technologically advanced for its time, featuring elevators and central heating. The mansion's drawing room and servants' kitchen appear in the show, and it is the setting for a lavish ball hosted by the Russells in Season 3.
Château-sur-Mer: One of the earliest grand mansions in Newport, built in 1852, this estate represents a transition in architectural style. On the show, its exterior stands in for Caroline Astor’s Beechwood House, while its interiors host various social gatherings.
Rosecliff: Built for silver heiress and legendary hostess Theresa Fair Oelrichs and completed in 1902, Rosecliff was designed for large-scale entertainment. Its ballroom is one of the largest in Newport. In "The Gilded Age," it serves as the exterior of Sylvia Chamberlain’s house.
Yes, all the mansions featured in the series are open to the public. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers self-guided tours, specialty tours, and an "Inside The Gilded Age" tour specifically for fans. This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to filming locations, costumes, and set design inspiration. Based on our experience assessment, planning a visit during the week or in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can provide a less crowded experience.
The HBO series has had a tangible effect on the preservation of these national treasures. According to reports, the revenue generated from location rentals and the subsequent increase in visitor numbers helped the Preservation Society navigate a difficult period, ensuring these historic properties remained open to the public. The show has effectively returned these homes to the cultural spotlight, much like they were in their heyday.
For any history or architecture enthusiast, a tour of these Newport mansions is a highly recommended experience. The estates provide a clear window into the ambitions and lifestyles of America's industrial aristocracy. Booking a specialty tour can offer deeper insights into the servant life or the specific design inspirations behind these incredible buildings, making for a truly memorable visit.
