The Vanderbilt House, better known as The Breakers, is an iconic mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island that has captivated visitors for over a century. Built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 19th century, The Breakers is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture and a testament to the family’s immense wealth and social standing.
From the moment you arrive at The Breakers, you’ll be struck by the sheer opulence and grandeur of the mansion. The exterior of the building is imposing, with its soaring columns and ornate details that hint at the luxury that awaits inside. The mansion is situated on a sprawling estate that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
As you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time to the late 1800s, a time when the Vanderbilt family and other wealthy elites ruled American society. The interior of The Breakers is a feast for the senses, with every room offering a glimpse into the family’s extravagant lifestyle. From the grand entrance hall with its soaring ceilings and marble floors, to the opulent ballroom with its gold leaf trim and crystal chandeliers, every inch of The Breakers is a work of art.
One of the highlights of The Breakers is the family’s extensive art collection, which includes works by some of the most renowned artists of the era. Visitors can admire stunning paintings, sculptures, and other works of art as they explore the mansion’s many rooms and hallways.
The gardens of The Breakers are just as impressive as the mansion itself, with fountains, statues, and a Japanese tea house adding to the beauty and tranquility of the estate. The gardens offer stunning views of the ocean and are the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable property.
Visiting The Breakers is truly an unforgettable experience, and one that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and luxury, The Breakers has something for everyone.
The Breakers history
The history of The Breakers begins with the Vanderbilt family, who were one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in the United States during the late 19th century. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a summer home for his family in Newport, Rhode Island, which was a popular destination for the wealthy during that time.
Construction on The Breakers began in 1893 and took two years to complete. The mansion was built on the same site as the previous family home, which had been destroyed in a fire in 1892. The design of The Breakers was heavily influenced by the French Renaissance style, which was popular among wealthy Americans at the time. Hunt incorporated many ornate details, such as gold leaf, marble columns, and elaborate frescoes, into the mansion’s design.
The Vanderbilt family used The Breakers as their summer residence for several decades, entertaining many notable guests there, including Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. During World War II, the mansion was briefly used as a military hospital, and then was returned to the Vanderbilt family after the war ended. However, the family decided to sell the property in 1948, and it was purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
The Preservation Society has since restored and maintained The Breakers, opening it to the public as a museum in 1950. The mansion is now a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its grand rooms, gardens, and ocean views. The Breakers is considered one of the most prominent examples of the Gilded Age architecture, and is a testament to the wealth and extravagance of the Vanderbilt family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
who is the Vanderbilt family
The Vanderbilt family is an American family of Dutch origin who gained prominence during the Gilded Age, a period of rapid economic growth and wealth accumulation in the United States during the late 19th century. The family was founded by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built a shipping and railroad empire in the early to mid-1800s.
Cornelius Vanderbilt’s wealth and business savvy allowed him to amass a fortune that was unprecedented at the time, making him one of the richest people in the world. After his death in 1877, his wealth was divided among his descendants, who continued to play prominent roles in American business and society.
One of the most famous members of the Vanderbilt family was Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who commissioned the construction of The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. Other prominent members of the family included William Henry Vanderbilt, who inherited a large portion of his father’s fortune and became one of the richest people in American history, and Gloria Vanderbilt, a fashion designer and socialite who was also known for her acting and writing.
Vanderbilt Houses
The Vanderbilt family is one of the most prominent families in American history, and their legacy is evident in the many grand mansions they built across the country. From the east coast to the west coast, the Vanderbilt family left an indelible mark on American architecture and society.
One of the most famous Vanderbilt Houses is The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. Built in the late 19th century, The Breakers is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture, and is considered one of the most opulent and luxurious mansions in America. The mansion features ornate details such as gold leaf, marble columns, and elaborate frescoes, and is situated on a sprawling estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Another famous Vanderbilt House is Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, Biltmore Estate is a sprawling property that includes a 250-room mansion, as well as extensive gardens and grounds. The mansion features stunning architecture and interior design, with highlights including a grand staircase, a winter garden, and a library with over 10,000 books.
In New York City, the Vanderbilt family built several grand mansions, including the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue, which is now the home of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. The mansion features stunning architecture and interiors, with highlights including a grand staircase, a drawing room with ornate moldings, and a dining room with a coffered ceiling.
The Vanderbilt family also built several mansions in the western United States, including the Filoli Estate in California and The Elms in Washington. These properties feature stunning architecture and design, and are open to the public as museums and event spaces.
Visiting these Vanderbilt Houses is a chance to step back in time and experience the opulence and grandeur of the Gilded Age. From the stunning architecture to the extensive art collections, these mansions are a testament to the wealth and influence of the Vanderbilt family, and are a must-see for anyone interested in American history and architecture.