 The mansions in Newport, Rhode Island are impressive at any time of year, but the Newport mansions really come to life at Christmas. The Most Popular Newport MansionsThe Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are the most popular of the Newport mansions:
These 3 mansions are decorated for Christmas from late November to January 1. (Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). During the holidays, the interiors of these grand houses take on a warmth they might lack in any other season. The vast rooms are filled with greenery and light. Christmas at The BreakersThe Breakers is the biggest Newport mansion with 70 rooms and nearly 140,000 square feet.  The Breakers mansion in Newport. These “Stone Palaces” can look cold and imposing behind their wrought iron gates.  Wrought iron gate at The Breakers. In the winter, the houses come alive with fresh flowers and lavish decorations. The Poinsettia Tree at The Breakers. At The Breakers, the 15-foot “Poinsettia Tree” stands in The Great Hall. Each year, the “tree” is created from approximately 150 red poinsettia plants.  At The Breakers, the Grand Staircase decorated with red and white poinsettias.  The Music Room at The Breakers. Christmas at Marble HouseMarble House has 50 rooms and covers nearly 140,000 square feet. Marble House is the Newport mansion with a tea house. After the death of her second husband, the former Alva Vanderbilt added the Chinese Tea House on the seaside cliff of Marble House and hosted rallies for women’s suffrage at the tea house.  Outside Marble House on a winter day.  The Entry Hall and grand staircase at Marble House. The Entry Hall at Marble House features a large wreath, white poinsettias, and a festive tree to highlight the marble staircase.  The Dining Room at Marble House.  The Gothic Room at Marble House.  The Music Room at Marble House. From 1888-1892, Marble House was built as a summer cottage and 39th birthday present for Alva Vanderbilt. In 1895, Alva’s daughter, Consuelo, married the Duke of Marlborough, and lived in a real palace in England. See inside Blenheim Palace. Christmas at The ElmsWhich Newport Mansion is the best? Oh, this answer is a tricky one. The “best” depends on your personal taste. Just like ice cream or pizza. I can say that my favorite is The Elms. This 48-room mansion with a total of 60,000 square feet is in the style of a French chateau.  The front entrance at The Elms. For Christmas, The Elms limestone-clad exterior is decorated with greenery.  Late afternoon in the Library at The Elms. You might consider visiting the mansions in late afternoon when the rooms take on a soft glow.  The Grand Ballroom at The Elms. The Grand Ballroom at The Elms glimmers with light from a crystal chandelier. The ballroom can accommodate 400 guests.  A Christmas tree surrounded by white poinsettias in The Elms ballroom.  The Conservatory at The Elms with a view of the back lawn.  The rear façade at The Elms opens to the back lawn. The Elms has a 10-acre park with marble and bronze statues, impressive trees, a fountain, and a sunken garden.  A statue overlooks the landscaped lawn at The Elms. The park at The Elms is a breath of fresh air (even on a winter day) and a lovely end to the self-guided tour. Gingerbread Mansions of Newport At The Breakers, the loggia is open to the air and sea view. In a previous visit to The Breakers, a gingerbread house competition was held in the loggia, a second-floor gallery overlooking the sea. Local bakers were invited to select a favorite Newport Mansion and create a gingerbread house version of the historic property. The gingerbread entries were made entirely of edible materials, including the interior decorations. Gingerbread House WinnerThe Hunter House designed by Just Gerry's, displayed the confection on a rotating plate for a 360-degree view. Very clever. Put a twist on the Christmas classic with Soft Gingerbread Cookies. See more Places to Go: Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride Millicent Rogers Museum Authentic Native American Jewelry Jane Austen House Lacock Abbey England Cape Cod Lavender Farm Harwich  Comments are closed.
|
