[US] Newport Mansions, Gilded Age and Vanderbilts (2)

The Breaker
The Break had its Italian Renaissance influence and the entrance room is largely inspired by the French Opera House. When it was completed in 1895, it was considered as one of the most opulent summer "cottage" in Newport.

Porte-cochère. A covered entrance to carriages or cars from the weather.

The Breaker has one of the most advanced technologies implemented: centralized heating system and electricity. The main hall is inspired by 16th century palaces of Turin, and hence took the form of an Italian Renaissance style.

The walls are made of Caen stone, a creamy yellow type of limestone that are found in France.
The room has huge pilasters that are decorated with oak leaves and acorns, which symbolizes strength and longevity. You will be able to find these symbols throughout the house. The children are allowed to dance, ride bicycles or slide down the stairs in this hall!

Morning Room
At first historians couldn't quite understand what made the wall panels look "shimmering", and they thought it was plated with silver. In fact, this room was varnished with platinum, the most expensive metal ever. The ceiling resembles the four seasons, and the wall panels are painted with muses that represents music and poetry.

Muses

Music Room
The music room is where the Vanderbilts played the piano, and invite friends over for dance. The room is covered with gold leafs, chandeliers, and exotic oak furnitures.

Study Room
The study room used wood panels from Turkey and the side panels were made of leather. There are symbols of Dolphins throughout the room. The Vanderbilts usually read or drink tea in this room.
The fireplace was taken from the 16th century chateau d’Arnay le Duc in Burgundy, France.

Study room where they drink tea

Gertrude's Bedroom
Gertrude preferred to be a poor girl rather than the heiress of great wealth. She became an artist and a sculptor, and on the chest is one of her art piece. She is also the founder of the Whitney museum.

Mrs. Vanderbilt's room

The stairs are designed to be a little shorter than usual, for women to glide down the stairs without tripping.

17th century tapestry about Alexander the Great

The breaker was originally a wooden house and destroyed by fire, so in the re-design, Mr. Vanderbilt specifically requested the kitchen was designed on a different wing to prevent catching from fire. Tables in the kitchen are also covered in zinc, which is kind of like the modern day stainless steel.

This is the view from their Loggia, an indoor porch covered with mosaic tiles where they can sit, chill and watch the sea. The house is called "The Breaker" for a good reason -- you can see the waves crashing against the cliffs and the rocks are called breakers.

Both the Breaker and the Marble House gave us a glimpse of the upper class in the early 19th century. They may lack the noble pedigree, but the industrial revolution gave these people an enormous growth in wealth to splurge on impeccable grandeur and over-the-top designs.

To previous Newport Mansions, Gilded Age and Vanderbilts (1)