Breakers house
Breakers House!
The Breakers House is a stunning mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. It was built in 1895 for the Vanderbilt family, specifically for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandson of the wealthy railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Here are some fascinating facts about the Breakers House:
- Architectural style: The Breakers House is an example of French Renaissance architecture, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, a prominent architect of the time.
- Size: The mansion has 70,000 square feet of living space, making it one of the largest and most opulent homes in the United States.
- Decorations: The interior features an impressive collection of artwork, including paintings by famous artists like Whistler and Sargent. The mansion also boasts intricate woodwork, marble floors, and ornate furnishings.
- History: The Breakers House was built as a summer "cottage" for the Vanderbilt family, who would spend their summers in Newport. The mansion was designed to accommodate large gatherings and parties.
- Preservation: Today, the Breakers House is part of the Newport Mansions, a collection of historic properties owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The mansion is open to the public for tours and is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhode Island.
- Interesting fact: The Breakers House has a secret passageway, known as the "hidden staircase," which connects the main floor to the second floor. This passageway was used by the Vanderbilt family to move between floors without being seen.
The Breakers House is an iconic symbol of Gilded Age opulence and excess, offering a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.