On our trip back to Boston, I wanted to do things that I had not been able to do, such as going down to the mansions down in Newport, Rhode Island. Our first stop was the Breakers Mansion, the former home of the railroad family- the Vanderbilts. The first house burned down so the second house was completely made out of steel beams filled in with stone and brick in an Italian Renaissance style.
This is the front of the house with a covered entrance so that you could pull up your coach and not get wet.
I also loved the outdoor 2nd floor covered porch along the back where you can watch the ocean "break" along the cliffs.
I loved the vaulted arch ceilings and intricate carvings along the exterior of the house.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed on the inside which is MUCH more spectacular and elaborately detailed. 70 rooms containing art and other treasures from Italy and France, as well as several modern bathrooms where you could not only get hot and cold running water, but also SALT water from the ocean. They had a great audio tour that not only discussed the artifacts and furnishings in the house, but also what the life of a grand socialite was like. The house reminded me of the opulence of Versailles- completely over-the-top.
2 comments:
Wow, this is place is so beautiful. I think it's so cool that you have a great connection to the East Coast. I love Boston. I've been there about 3 or 4 times because I have family there.
It's interesting that you went to Rhode Island, specially to New Port Beach because this the 3rd time I hear about it this week. I saw pictures of New Port in a book and the next day one of my students was telling me about the time she went there.
I love reading your blog. You have amazing pictures, and I would love to see more pics of both of you. too.
oh my goodness! are you here!?!?! if so, i'd love to see you, even for just 10 minutes if you can spare the time. and ps you've inspired me, i've lived in new england my whole life and have never seen the mansions at newport, shame on me. now it's my goal to go!
Post a Comment