Newport Gilded Age

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Newport mansions featured in the HBO series “The Gilded Age” and come away with an insider’s understanding of this extraordinary time period. The guide will describe many of the fabulously wealthy people who lived in Newport in the late 1800s as you walk through their opulent “cottages.” While visiting The Elms – the summer residence of coal baron Edward Julius Berwind – you will notice that it was modeled after an 18th-century French château and decorated accordingly. Now a National Historic Landmark, it was constructed with non-combustible materials and featured the very latest technology. You will also browse The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. It too is a National Historic Landmark. As money was no object in its construction, Thomas Edison was hired to build its power station. The home also has more than 300 windows, many with commanding ocean views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two National Historic Landmark mansions from “The Gilded Age” HBO series.
• Hear fascinating stories about the wealthy families that built these Newport mansions.
• Get an insider’s look at the lavish lifestyles of the Gilded Age millionaires.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.