The crowd moves towards a vintage car parked by the sea. "Jay Leno is here," someone says. I'm in the residence of an American billionaire tobacconist, meandering among priceless Cadillacs, Ferraris, and Porches, and I couldn't be in a better position to spot celebrities. I could watch the TV personality, maybe steel myself to ask for a selfie, but the bar offers free cocktails, there's fresh Napoletana pizza by the slice, clam chowder by the pot, and free Lamborghini hats. The lavish The Gathering at Rough Point garden party is a quintessential Newport, Rhode Island scene, and you can pay to attend and temporarily live as the one percent who call this place home. KEEP READING: Once a summer resort for the world's wealthiest families, this city in North America's smallest state is now known as the "new Hamptons," attracting the mega-rich and celebrities seeking a more affluent lifestyle. personal and private at some of the most exclusive properties in the Hamptons. in the country.
*Provincetown, Cape Cod: America's East Coast Fabulous Rainbow Party
*Boston: the American city full of unexpected surprises
*The real-life celebrities who inspired Julian Fellowes in The Gilded Age
Do you know the Cliff Walk that is right in front of your big property? It's literally one of the top tourist suggestions if you type "Newport" into Google.
The three-mile hike, which skirts the rugged Atlantic coastline overlooking Narragansett Bay, is one of the most popular ways for visitors to see Rhode Island's famous historic Golden Age mansions.
On this rainy October day, the conditions are too bad to walk the boardwalk or climb the rocks holding chain links to see how the other half lives. But luckily, there are several options for a snooper.
We got in a car to visit the private villas. As we drive along scenic Ocean Drive (Ten Mile Drive), we pass historic sites like the Fort Adams Defense Post and the Newport Country Club, home of the precursor to the US Open. Additionally, the beaches are blocked off by private clubs, where only the elite can be invited to join and have access to saltwater pools and ice cream parlors.
As we roll along a gooseneck connecting two peninsulas, our driver Mike points out Leno's rubble-and-slate Castle, inspired by Louis XIV. The comedian reportedly spent $13.5 million on the 15,000-square-foot mansion.
Elsewhere along the way, there's an estate owned by the Campbell's soup heiress, another with chimneys shaped like Worcestershire sauce bottles, and the Victorian Hammersmith farmhouse, where Jackie Kennedy grew up. None of the mass housing can compete with The Breakers.
This four-story, 70-room limestone palace at Ocher Point was once the summer home of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, whose history contains stories like a hit TV series: tragedy, scandal, wealth and excess. The HBO show The Gilded Age is said to be based on the family of philanthropists and celebrities.
The manicured grounds and mansion are of imperial proportions. We walked through the iron gates emblazoned with the Vanderbilt emblem, then directly entered the Renaissance-style building. The grand entrance, inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, rises over two floors with a marble and bronze interior. If you look up, you will see a rococo fresco. It seems a crime to walk around in dirty sneakers.
Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark and one of a dozen mansions open for tourist experiences. Some allow you to walk the grounds or, if your pocket allows, rent one for between $10,000 and 30,000 (NZ$15,000 to NZ$47,000) a week.
The house, situated on a small rocky island in the middle of Newport Harbor, is most unique. Visitors must arrange their own water transportation and have at least $10,000 on hand to stay at the 23-room Clingstone.
Or, like me, you can take a cruise on the Coastal Queen and imagine what it would be like to stay in the architectural marvel designed to withstand hurricane force winds.
As you cruise around Narragansett Harbor and Bay, commentaries point to Rhode Island's most photographed lighthouse, century-old mansions, the boathouse that inspired Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby, and James Taylor's humble summer home .
Newport's history is tied to the sea. The merchant ships are gone; Instead, the open-air upper deck offers spectacular views of candlelight headlights, multi-million dollar yachts, and tall ships moored from stem to stern. We pass under the Claiborne Pell suspension bridge that connects to the even more prosperous Jamestown. Money may be everything here, but sailing comes second.
Back ashore in downtown Newport, discover 400 years of boating history at the Boating Museum. The interactive exhibit allows visitors to design their own boat and participate in hands-on activities like portable windmills and flying over water in an immersive movie dome. Just don't ask why it's been 40 years since the city last hosted the America's Cup.
After creating the flagship of your own yacht club, there are plenty of other ways to pretend you have money in this city of entertainment.
There's no better place to end the day in Newport than the Vanderbilt Hotel, located two blocks from the Newport Harbor. The historic downtown mansion, once owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, is an elegant, old-world space where you can sneak into the secret bar or view the entire harbor and waterfront from the roof, cocktail in hand and a huge pretzel hanging by itself. specially designed metal hanger.
Where to eat in Newport
Bar Cino
Newport Restaurant Group's Bar' Cino is located in Brookline and Newport's historic Washington Square. The casual restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes to share, such as grilled pizzas, piadina sandwiches, and pastas. Taqueria La Vecina, by Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina, is located in the same building and offers take-out service. To see:barcino.com
The Brenton Hotel
Overlooking the superyachts and harbor, this hotel is one of the best lunch spots in Newport. Book ahead over the weekend for a cozy seat in The Living Room and choose from Avocado Toast, Pastrami-Style Smoked Salmon, or Cinnamon Oatmeal. At the other end of the day, head up to the rooftop terrace for cocktails and a mini golf course. To see:www.brentonhotel.es
The fifth element
From buffalo wings and loaded poutine to Sicilian bolognese and pork tacos, there's no shortage of options at this casual bar and grill. There's also plenty of space for large groups between the multi-section dining room, bar, and beer garden. To see:elquinto.com
newport vineyards
Ten minutes from downtown Newport, this winery brings a slice of Napa to Rhode Island. Sample the selection of wines produced in Aquidneck Island's microclimate or beers from Taproot Brewing Co. The hotel's restaurant offers casual sharing platters, inside or next to the vineyards. To see:newportvineyards.com
File Fact:
Get there:Air New Zealand operates three non-stop flights a week from Auckland to New York, with daily connecting flights to Boston. Newport is a 90-minute drive from Boston. To see:airnewzealand.co.nz
Play there:Tickets for The Breakers are $29 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. To see:newportmansions.org. Scenic cruises on the Coastal Queen start at $32 for 75 minutes. To see:coastqueencruises.com. Admission to the Sailing Museum is $18 for adults, $12 for children 11-18 and free for children 10 and under. To see:thesailingmuseum.org
The author was featured by Brand USA.
FAQs
What is the most famous mansion in Newport RI? ›
The Breakers, pictured above, is one of the most popular Mansions in Newport and is the most visited landmark in Newport, RI. It's considered the grandest of Newport's “summer cottages” and stands as a dramatic reminder of the social and financial prowess of the Vanderbilt family in turn-of-the-century America.
Who were the wealthy Newport families? ›By the dawn of the 1900s, many of the nation's wealthiest families were regularly spending their summers in Newport, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. Here they hosted lavish parties, hob-knobbed with other rich folks, played plenty of tennis, and enjoyed the stunning New England coastline.
Why does Newport have so many mansions? ›The mansions of Newport -- originally called "cottages" -- were built as summer homes in the 1850s to 1900 by wealthy tycoons of New York and Philadelphia.
What is Newport RI nickname? ›Nicknames: City by the Sea. Sailing Capital of the World. Queen of Summer Resort.
Where is Taylor Swift's house in RI? ›...
High Watch | |
---|---|
Location | 16 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, Rhode Island 02891 |
Coordinates | 41°18′28.8″N 71°51′19.08″W |
Construction started | 1929 |
Completed | 1930 |
With its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport, this elegant mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean recalls lost Gilded Age summers filled with extravagant parties like the one featured in 1974's The Great Gatsby, which filmed scenes at Rosecliff.
Who is the richest person in Newport RI? ›Forbes reports that Nelson's net worth is up from $2 Billion in 2021. Nelson is the only billionaire that calls Rhode Island home full-time.
What famous people live in Newport Rhode Island? ›- 1 – Mena Suvari. Photo via IMDB. ...
- 2 – Richard Hatch. Richard Hatch was born on April 8, 1961. ...
- 3 – Charlie Day. ...
- 4 – Brett Azar. ...
- 5 – Harry Anderson. ...
- 6 – Nadia Bjorlin. ...
- 7 – Joanna Going. ...
- 8 – Carolos Ragas.
There is, however, limited inventory and high demand from buyers moving to Newport. That, coupled with low interest rates, has led to some of the highest prices in the area in years.
Who owns the most expensive house in Newport Beach? ›According to property records, LoanDepot CEO Anthony Hsieh is the new owner of a $61 million Newport Coast mansion, the most expensive residential property ever sold in Orange County.
What is the most expensive house in Newport Beach? ›
In 2020, there was a $61 million deal for a mansion at 15 Del Mar, which is a neighbor of the mansion at 46 Deep Sea. Construction on 46 Deep Sea finished in 2021. Despite the street name, the house is located about half a mile from the shoreline.
What celebrities live in Newport Coast? ›- Larry Ellison. In 2019, Ellison, who founded the tech company Oracle, purchased Seacliff located on Bellevue Avenue, for $11 million. ...
- Judge Judy Sheindlin. ...
- Jay Leno.
Once used as a summer resort by the world's wealthiest families, this town in North America's smallest state is now plugged as the 'new Hamptons', luring the mega-wealthy and celebrities who are looking for a more personal and private lifestyle on some of the country's most exclusive real estate.
Why is Newport RI so popular? ›Newport is famous for its mansions, built as summer homes in the 1850s to 1900 by wealthy tycoons of New York and Philadelphia. These massive houses, including the spectacular Rosecliff, Marble House, the Breakers, the Elms, Rough Point, are open to the public, offering fascinating and informative tours.
Why is Newport Rhode Island famous? ›Newport is a beautiful seaside city in Rhode Island that is famous for its genteel mansions and a rich history of yachting, golf, and tennis. With a population of only 25,000 (2020), this scenic resort town punches well above its weight and was known as the "Summer White House" throughout the 1950s and 60s.
What celebrities own homes in Rhode Island? ›- Jay Leno's Gilded Age mansion on Ocean Drive in Newport. ...
- Judge Judy Sheindlin's Newport Mansion. ...
- Vanessa Carlton's Architectural Digest-worthy home in Warwick. ...
- James Woods' compound in Exeter. ...
- Christopher Walken's vacation home on Block Island.
A beachfront mansion on the market for $32.5 million is Rhode Island's most expensive home. Located in the town of Westerly, the home lovingly referred to as “Sandcastle” sits prominently in the exclusive coastal village of Watch Hill.
Can you drive by Taylor Swift's house in Rhode Island? ›No cars allowed. You will have to park and walk. It's a leisurely walk down the road past gorgeous homes. One of which is the Harkness House (now Taylor Swift's house).
Did the Rockefellers have a house in Newport? ›Rockefeller was one of the few great industrialists who did not have a presence in Newport because he preferred the hills of upstate New York. Son John D.
What is the biggest mansion in Newport Rhode Island? ›Location | 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island |
Coordinates | 41°28′11″N 71°17′55″W |
Built | 1895 |
Architect | Richard Morris Hunt |
Significant dates |
---|
Can you visit the Gatsby mansion? ›
The Gatsby home doesn't actually exist, but Long Island historians say Fitzgerald was renting a house in Great Neck, Long Island, when he was inspired to write The Great Gatsby. To get a taste of the Gatsby life and times, you can visit and stay in the Oheka Castle in Huntington, Long Island.
What celebrity got married in Newport RI? ›Five Things to Know About Jennifer Lawrence's Newport Wedding.
What is the most famous food in Rhode Island? ›Hot wieners, also known as New York System wieners, are what Rhode Islanders crave. Served at diners throughout the state, they are more than your average hot dog; in fact, you're better off not calling them hot dogs at all.
What's the poorest town in Rhode Island? ›Of the 19 towns in the state with available data, Central Falls ranks as the poorest. The typical Central Falls household earns just $40,235 a year, 46.0% less than the statewide median household income.
Where do the richest people in Rhode Island live? ›...
Rhode Island places ranked by per capita income.
Rank | 1 |
---|---|
Place Name | Barrington |
Type of Place | Town |
County | Bristol County |
Per Capita Income | $102,664 |
Newport's housing expenses are 123% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 25% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 9% higher than the national average. Newport has grocery prices that are 2% lower than the national average.
Where do millionaires live in Rhode Island? ›Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, is sometimes referred to as millionaire row for its 2-mile expanse of historic stately mansions tucked away safe behind wrought-iron gates.
Is Newport RI Democrat or Republican? ›City/Town | Democrat | Republican |
---|---|---|
Narragansett | 4,042 | 1,774 |
Newport | 6,749 | 2,001 |
New Shoreham | 568 | 224 |
North Kingstown | 6,514 | 3,748 |
The Breakers Plus package includes admission to The Breakers and any one other Preservation Society house. The Newport Mansions Experience package is $35; $12 (ages 6-17). The Breakers Plus package is $29; $9 (ages 6-17).
Who is the richest person in Newport Beach? ›No. 501: Igor Olenicoff, 74, of the Olen commercial real estate empire, based in Newport Beach. The Florida resident was valued at $3.7 billion and ranked 156th wealthiest American.
Do celebrities live in Newport Beach? ›
NEWPORT BEACH — For as long as locals can remember, Newport Beach has been known as an easy Hollywood getaway. Celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra were known to seek R&R in the coastal town. Lauren Bacall, former wife of Bogart and “Den Mother” of the Rat Pack, resides in Newport.
Who lived in the mansions in Newport RI? ›Newport Rhode Island was the summer playground of America's wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Astors and the Morgans.
What mansion did Jay Leno buy in Newport? ›Known as Seafair, the castle-like house caught the comedian's eye in 2017 while he was driving through the coastal Rhode Island city. He paid $15 million for the 16,000-square-foot property and its furnishings, 'towels on the racks, ketchup in the refrigerator.
Can you stay at the mansions in Newport RI? ›While there's much to experience in this harbor town (some of the best clam chowder in the country being one of them), it's really the iconic mansions that define Newport. Luckily, these days it's possible not just to tour a few of them but to stay overnight as well, as with the four shown here.
Is Newport Beach an affluent area? ›Newport Beach is home to some of the richest neighborhoods in Southern California, including Newport Coast with a current average sales price of $6,852,269. From quaint Balboa Island to the grand estates of Pelican Hill and Cameo Highlands, the city simply oozes wealth.
Where can I see celebrities in Newport Beach? ›- A Restaurant (Newport Beach, CA) ...
- Crystal Cove Shopping Center Restaurants (Newport Coast, CA) ...
- Gulfstream (Corona Del Mar Plaza/Newport Beach, CA)
- Kitchen in the Canyon (Laguna Beach, CA)
- Las Brisas (Laguna Beach, CA)
- Malibu Farm (Lido Marina Village/Newport Beach, CA)
- The O.C. The O.C. is a classic Newport Beach television series. ...
- Arrested Development. Arrested Development is a critically acclaimed sitcom primarily set in the Marina del Rey and Culver City areas of Newport Beach. ...
- Dirty John. ...
- To Have and Have Not.
Many of the Newport mansions call Bellevue Avenue home. You can walk or drive to see the view.
Which is the richest part of the Hamptons? ›Quogue's Dune Road is the #1 most expensive Hamptons street with an $11 million median sale price. The priciest sale of the 10 most expensive streets clocked in at $32 million.
What is so special about the Hamptons? ›The Hamptons is known for everything from beaches to art museums to hedges that grow higher than summertime temperatures. Geographically speaking, it spans from Southampton to Long Island's tip, Montauk—aka the end of the world, per Instagram.
Who owns the biggest house in the Hamptons? ›
It dwarfs the second-largest home in the country by 5,000 square feet and is twice the size of the White House. Known as Fair Field, the home is owned by businessman Ira Rennert. Reports differ, but it has somewhere between 21 and 29 bedrooms and between 18 and 39 bathrooms.
What is the best time of year to visit Newport Rhode Island? ›The best time to visit Newport is between March and May and from September to November. In May (the end of the spring season) and September (the start of the autumn season), mild temperatures and few rain showers mean you'll have ideal weather for exploring the city's famous mansions.
How many days do you need in Newport RI? ›I'd recommend at least two days for visiting the historic Newport, including a relaxing drive by the ocean. over a year ago. If you are pressed for time, you could see just one or two mansions. I would recommend The Breakers ( as the crowd favorite) the Marble House ( as the most over the top) and the Elms.
How long is the ferry ride from Providence to Newport? ›The ferry from Providence and Newport (and or the other way around) is one of the top 1000 crossings of the world in terms of interest from passengers. It takes about 1 hour to make this crossing. The Providence – Newport ferry crossing sails approximately Up to 5 Times p/day.
Was The Great Gatsby filmed in Newport RI? ›Robert Redford is hardly a stranger to Newport, Rhode Island. The 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, which starred Redford and Mia Farrow, was shot in Newport, making use of its Rosecliff and Marble House mansions.
Where was Great Gatsby filmed Newport RI? ›History. With its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport, this elegant mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean recalls lost Gilded Age summers filled with extravagant parties like the one featured in 1974's The Great Gatsby, which filmed scenes at Rosecliff.
What's the most expensive mansion in Newport Rhode Island? ›A beachfront mansion on the market for $32.5 million is Rhode Island's most expensive home. Located in the town of Westerly, the home lovingly referred to as “Sandcastle” sits prominently in the exclusive coastal village of Watch Hill.
What celebrities own homes in Newport RI? ›- Jay Leno's Gilded Age mansion on Ocean Drive in Newport. ...
- Judge Judy Sheindlin's Newport Mansion. ...
- Vanessa Carlton's Architectural Digest-worthy home in Warwick. ...
- James Woods' compound in Exeter. ...
- Christopher Walken's vacation home on Block Island.
In response to the pandemic, all of the Preservation Society's historic properties and house museums have been closed to the public since March 15. Because 70 percent of the nonprofit organization's revenue is derived from tour and events admissions, its annual budget has been cut dramatically.
What house did Jay Leno buy in Newport RI? ›Known as Seafair, the castle-like house caught the comedian's eye in 2017 while he was driving through the coastal Rhode Island city. He paid $15 million for the 16,000-square-foot property and its furnishings, 'towels on the racks, ketchup in the refrigerator.
Did the Rockefellers have a Newport mansion? ›
Rockefeller was one of the few great industrialists who did not have a presence in Newport because he preferred the hills of upstate New York. Son John D.
Who lives on Ocean Drive in Newport Rhode Island? ›Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno and his wife Mavis have bought Seafair, the iconic Ocean Drive Estate for $13.5 million. The Leno's purchased Seafair from Rick Bready, the former CEO of Nortek. Since 1936 Seafair has reigned over its gated oceanfront peninsula.
Does anyone famous live in Newport Beach? ›NEWPORT BEACH — For as long as locals can remember, Newport Beach has been known as an easy Hollywood getaway. Celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra were known to seek R&R in the coastal town. Lauren Bacall, former wife of Bogart and “Den Mother” of the Rat Pack, resides in Newport.
What happened to the cliff walk in Newport Rhode Island? ›The Cliff Walk faced a much larger collapse in a nearby area in March 2022, which led to the city shuttering that portion of the walk and hiring engineering services from GZA Geoenvironmental to study and design repairs to the area.