The Breakers - Newport - Things To Do Reviews

Supposedly costing over $10 million dollars to build (and that’s in 1890’s terms), the Breakers is an amazing example of what wealth can build. The tour takes you through two levels of opulently-decorated rooms. Rising those two stories,the Great Hall is just that in size (50’ by 50’, throw in the windows looking out onto a terrace for an increase in the sense of openness) as well as design (marble columns, wide stairwell with a fountain on its backside, huge chandeliers, elaborate gilded ceiling). The dining room continues the elegance with its own set of twelve marble columns, glittering chandeliers, wall designs in gilded bronze, and a table that could seat thirty-four. The family actually took more of their meals in the lighter-toned morning room with a ceiling mural of the four seasons. Recreation—at least for the men—occurred in the billiard room. Circular designs of semi-precious stones break up the gray-green marble walls of the room. A unique lighting fixture extends from a ceiling mosaic; hiding above is a steel support to combat the light's weight. A jockey’s weighing chair adds character. Another room of repose the music room was built in France and then shipped to the United States in parts to be reconstructed in the Breakers. Another European import is the large, white fireplace in the library; in an earlier time, it warmed the rooms of a French chateau. The richness continues upstairs in large bedrooms—for the women these rooms served as their sitting rooms to receive guests as well—filled with fine furniture and decorations. The upper loggia provides a gorgeous view out to the Atlantic, in to the Great Hall, and above to a magnificent mosaic reminiscent of ancient Italy. Behind the scenes the scale of the décor drops but not that of size. Both the kitchen and the butler’s pantry had two floors, all the better to accommodate parties for 200.

To visit just the Breakers is $25; however, a variety of combination tickets can be purchased that result in a lower individual cost.