The mansions of Newport are known around the world for their grand displays of historic
luxury, but before the Astors and the Vanderbilts arrived, one mansion in particular stood out
above the rest.
Hi everyone, Ken here, welcome to "ThisHouse"! Today we are exploring Chateau-sur-Mer along
Newport, Rhode Island’s Bellevue Avenue.
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Originally built for William Wetmore, a successful Old China Trade merchant in 1852, the elegant
Italian Villa style house would grow into a Second Empire style palace when his son
George inherited it.
He commissioned renowned Gilded Age architect Richard Morris Hunt to reimagine his home
through a series of renovations and additions, changing the entrance from one side to the
other, adding a 3 story great hall, and creating a grand stair case.
George and his wife, Edith, set sail for Europe, entrusting Hunt with a lot of creative freedom
in their absence.
The result was a seamless blending of the old with the new.
Approaching the house from the street, you would pass through a gate reminiscent offering
nods to both the Greek and Egyptian Revival Styles.
You would then wind your way up the driveway, catching sculptural views of the house, before
dismounting your carriage below the port cochere nestled to the side of a steeply pitched tower.
If you watched the hit show The Gilded Age, you might recall a scene where the fictional
Mrs. Russell steps off her carriage here to be greeted by Ward McAllister.
From this spot you would have an up close look at the building’s construction with
blocks of Fall River Granite composing the walls.
Skirting the base of the house, a dry moat was separated from the lawn by granite balustrade.
And up at the roof line, ornate floral details met with traditional trim, curving to flair
over the house.
Going inside, the bifurcated staircase was decorated murals on its underside as well
as the walls which surround it.
The duel master newel posts acted as pedestals for maidens lighting the way.
The Library, complete with fully stocked bookcases was designed and built in Italy before being
dismantled, shipped, and reassembled inside the house.
On the south wall, one of the bookcases, decorated with elaborate relief work, could be opened
along its lower face, folding out into a writing desk.
The level of detailing in the wood panels provided by master Italian wood workers can
be seen up close in this picture as individual hairs, pores, and veins can be appear on the
face.
The dining room, just like the Library, was also completed in Italy before being assembled
inside the house.
Finished out in the Renaissance Revival Style, the heavy wooden furniture was paired with
colorful floral wallpaper set below an ecclesiastical ceiling mural.
In a whimsical expression of merriment, the fireplace’s overmantel once again demonstrates
the masterful artistry of the Italian wood workers.
The Green Room, as it was called, served as a ladies reception room, decorated in the
Louis the 15th style by esteemed designer Ogden Codman
Before we head upstairs, we will take a moment to look up at a skylight set 45 feet above
us allowing natural light to reflect from a giant mirror located on a fireplace below
it, flooding the first floor with natural light.
Upstairs we will see one of the bedrooms complete with wood paneled walls and fine furnishings
paired with floral textiles.
Uncommon for the time period, the house even boasted an indoor bathroom with a toilet,
sink, and bathtub all set above a checkered floor.
Thankfully, the house has been preserved since its purchase in 1968 by the Preservation Society
of Newport County and is open for tours.
Which room was your favorite?
Let me know down below in the comments section.
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exciting episode.
I’ll see you next time on "ThisHouse"