Monday, September 7, 2009

Mansions of Glory

Yesterday we headed into Newport, RI with my mom and dad to tour some of the historic mansions. Newport was a favorite summer retreat of the Gilded Age millionaires such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors. These "summer houses" look like museums - recessed ceilings, moldings and marble everywhere, gold leaf and platinum on the walls...they have to be seen to be believed. France - Versailles in particular - was pretty popular with this set: lots of busts of Louis XIV; reliefs of Marie Antionette. Even more amazing than the decor is that in some cases the families that built these mansions only spent 1-3 summers there before succumbing to poor health or perhaps bigger mansions by way of divorce.

Photography was not permitted inside, but here are some exterior photos of the Breakers, Rosecliff, and Marble House.

I think Noe and I need some statuary at our house


I sort of feel like we should be marching in a circle
singing "Doe, a Deer"
at Rosecliff


Marble House exterior


Chilling in the backyard at the Breakers

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