The Breakers is a 70-room mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, built by railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895. Spanning nearly an acre of a 13-acre estate, the residence was designed as a summer getaway for the Vanderbilt family, though its scale and opulence were far beyond that of a typical cottage. The property is now a National Historic Landmark and a primary tourist attraction in Newport.
Architectural Design and Construction
Following the destruction of a previous wooden mansion on the site in 1892, Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a fire-resistant structure. To prevent future losses, the mansion was constructed using steel, limestone, and brick. As the Preservation Society of Newport County reports, the boilers were installed underground to further reduce fire risks.
Italian Renaissance Influence
The mansion’s exterior and interior design reflect the Italian Renaissance style, incorporating Roman arches and columns. The Great Hall features ceilings reaching 50 feet in height, designed to mimic the open-air courtyards of Italy. Key interior features include:
- The Billiard Room: Contains intricate, hand-set tile mosaics created by European artisans.
- The Music Room: Pre-fabricated in France by decorators Allard & Sons and then shipped to the United States for assembly.
- The Dining Room: Adorned with two Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
- The Library: Features a ceiling with dolphin motifs, symbolizing hospitality and the sea.
Operational Costs and Maintenance
The construction cost of The Breakers was approximately $7 million. However, the ongoing expenses to maintain the residence were substantial. The mansion required dozens of servants to operate and over 150 tons of coal annually to provide heat and power. By the mid-1920s, property taxes alone had risen to $83,000 per year.
Who Owned The Breakers Mansion?
The property was initially owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who died of a stroke in 1899 at age 55. He left a life interest in the home to his wife, Alice Claypoole Gwynne, who managed the estate until her death in 1934. The home then passed to their youngest daughter, Countess Gladys Széchenyi. Gladys eventually found the maintenance of the mansion to be a burden, leading her to open the property to the public in 1948.
Does Anyone Still Live in the Breakers Mansion?
No one lives in The Breakers today. The property was purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1972 for $365,000 (approximately $2.81 million today). The society now manages the property as a museum, offering The Breakers tours and tickets for visitors to explore the first floor and specific rooms, such as Cornelius Vanderbilt’s bedroom, designed by architect Ogden Codman.
What Was Filmed at the Breakers Mansion?
The mansion’s opulent rooms, specifically the Music Room, have been used as filming locations for various productions, including the HBO series The Gilded Age, due to its authentic representation of late 19th-century luxury.
Visiting The Breakers Newport
For those planning a visit, The Breakers hours and The Breakers tickets can be found through the Preservation Society of Newport County. The property is 13 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and ocean-facing cliffs, providing a detailed look at the
The residence was an early adopter of technology, featuring electricity and gas lighting, which were novelties during the Gilded Age. It also contained 27 fireplaces to ensure comfort across its 70 rooms, including 48 bedrooms for family and staff. The estate is protected by 30-foot-high iron gates and extends to the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
