The Marble House, Newport Mansions

#usatravel #rhodeisland #100waysoftravel We were truly impressed by this historic and luxurious place in Newport, Rhode Island. The Marble House is another stunning Gilded Age mansion, renowned for its opulence and architectural grandeur. Like The Breakers, Marble House was built for a member of the Vanderbilt family and is now part of the Newport Mansions. Commissioned by William K. Vanderbilt, grandson of shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, the house was built as a summer home for his wife, Alva Vanderbilt. Constructed between 1888 and 1892, it cost approximately $11 million at the time, with $7 million spent on marble alone. Richard Morris Hunt, who also designed The Breakers, was the architect behind this masterpiece, which is considered one of his finest works. The mansion is designed in the Beaux-Arts style, with strong classical influences drawn from French châteaux and palaces. True to its name, Marble House features 500,000 cubic feet of marble, especially in its interior. This extensive use of marble creates an atmosphere of grandeur and timeless beauty. Inside, visitors can explore lavish rooms, such as the Grand Salon, Dining Room, and Gothic Room, all showcasing intricate details, rich gilding, and luxurious tapestries. One of the unique features of Marble House is the Chinese Tea House, situated on the back lawn with a view of the ocean. Today, Marble House is open to the public as part of the Newport Mansions, managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Visitors can tour its grand interiors and beautiful grounds, which provide a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Gilded Age, with its emphasis on elegance, art, and architectural magnificence.