Take A Virtual Tour Of Rhode Island’s Most Famous Mansions

If you’ve lived in Rhode Island for any amount of time, you know that the historic Newport Mansions are one of our greatest sources of pride. Regal, refined, and downright majestic, these structures are fantastic to tour, especially during the holiday season.

At this time, the mansions are closed to the public in an effort to comply with current laws. The good news is that they’ll be open again before we know it… and the better news is that you can tour a few of the mansions without leaving your home. Check out these exciting virtual tours!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Newport Mansions are a small group of Gilded Age mansions that cropped up all over the country between 1870 and the early 1900s. Clara S. / Flickr They were built by some of the richest families in the country, and most of them are still standing today. And thanks to the efforts of the Preservation Society of Newport County, we can tour three of the mansions virtually. The first virtual tour is of The Elms, which was built in 1901. Ravindra V / TripAdvisor It was designed for the coal baron Edward Julius Berwind by architect Horace Trumbauer. Like most of the mansions from the Gilded Age, the house was built with non-combustible materials. Swedishtomcat / TripAdvisor This one also happens to be inspired by the Château d'Asnières, an 18th century house in Hauts-de-Seine, France. And while it's not a replica, there are definite similarities. Next, take a grand virtual tour of Marble House. Ekaterina / TripAdvisor This enormous mansion, which cost $11 million to build (equivalent to $313 million today) was used as a summer house by Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt. That's right... this was a vacation home. Marble House was used by the Vanderbilt family between 1888 and 1892. Susie1028 / TripAdvisor The mansion, which has 50 rooms, required 36 servants to run it. When Alva Vanderbilt divorced William in 1895, she already owned Marble House outright, as it was her 39th birthday present. We're not quite sure how you'd top such a gift for a 40th birthday. Last but not least, check out the lovely Hunter House. James S / TripAdvisor The original house was built in 1748 for Colonial Deputy Governor Jonathan Nichols Jr. In 1756, the property was sold to Colonel Joseph Wanton Jr., who was imprisoned during the Revolutionary War for being a loyalist. The interior is so full of historic art and furniture, no photography is allowed... but you can still tour it virtually.

Ready for a tour or two? Check out these beautiful homes without leaving your couch here.