Delve into the lavish realm of America's Gilded Age, a period characterized by immense wealth and extravagant displays of luxury, through an exploration of the magnificent estates that once housed its most prominent figures. These architectural marvels, far from being exclusive enclaves, now welcome visitors, offering a unique window into a bygone era of unparalleled affluence and social stratifications. Many of the grand residences prominently featured in HBO's historical drama "The Gilded Age" are, in fact, real-life museums, meticulously preserved and accessible to the public. These opulent dwellings provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing contemporary audiences to experience firsthand the splendor and scale of life among the elite at the turn of the 20th century. Prepare to be transported to a time when marble walls, soaring ceilings, and expansive ballrooms were the norm, reflecting the boundless ambitions and fortunes of industrial titans and socialites.
The hit television series "The Gilded Age" goes to great lengths to ensure historical authenticity, often filming on location within these actual grand houses. The show's commitment to using genuine period settings allows viewers to immerse themselves in the world of the characters, enhancing the storytelling with an undeniable sense of realism. From the sprawling summer "cottages" of Newport, Rhode Island, to the stately homes nestled in New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island, these properties collectively embody the architectural grandeur and societal aspirations of the Gilded Age. Their transformation into public institutions means that the intricate details of their design, the stories of their original inhabitants, and the sheer scale of their luxury are no longer just for the privileged few but are now educational and awe-inspiring experiences for everyone.
Among the featured properties, Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island, stands out, a 30-room mansion inspired by King Louis XIV's Grand Trianon palace. Constructed in 1902 for Theresa "Tessie" Fair Oelrichs, known as the "Bonanza Heiress" due to her family's silver fortune, this estate's 28,800 square feet include the largest private ballroom in Newport. Its iconic ceiling is instantly recognizable from the opening credits of "The Gilded Age," and its grandeur has also graced other cinematic productions such as "The Great Gatsby" and "27 Dresses." Tours are managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
Another jewel in Newport's crown is The Breakers, an astounding 138,300-square-foot mansion built in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the railroad magnate's heir. Named for the ocean waves crashing against its shores, The Breakers served as a summer retreat and boasts rooms like the Music Room and the Billiard Room, which were utilized as filming locations for "The Gilded Age." The Music Room, for instance, depicted the Russells' ballroom during Gladys's debutante ball. This magnificent property is also under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County, offering guided tours that illuminate its rich history and architectural splendor.
Marble House, also in Newport, was a lavish 39th birthday gift from William K. Vanderbilt to his then-wife, Alva, in 1892. True to its name, the mansion incorporates 500,000 cubic feet of marble. After her divorce, Alva Vanderbilt, a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement, used Marble House to host conventions, showcasing its historical significance beyond its initial purpose as a summer residence. Consuelo Vanderbilt's bedroom within Marble House even doubled as George Russell's bedroom in the HBO series. Like its counterparts, it is maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County, offering insightful tours.
Chateau-sur-Mer, another Newport highlight, was initially built in 1852 by merchant William Shepard Wetmore and later remodeled by his son, George Wetmore, a former Rhode Island governor and U.S. senator. This Italianate-style villa, with its biblical Tree of Life painted in the stair hall and Spanish leather-covered dining room walls, appeared in "The Gilded Age" as Mamie Fish's residence. Guided tours are available, providing a glimpse into its unique artistic and historical elements.
The Elms, built in Newport in 1901 by coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind, was designed to emulate the 18th-century French Château d'Asnières. Its opulent interiors, furnished in Louis XV style, and its 10-acre estate were sites of extravagant parties. Sarah Herminie Berwind's bedroom in The Elms was transformed into Gladys Russell's room in the series, and the mansion's main kitchen served as the bustling heart of the Russell family's domestic operations. Visitors can explore this magnificent estate through tours offered by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
Beyond Rhode Island, New York State hosts several cinematic Gilded Age mansions. Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, owned by influential families like the Pauldings, Merritts, and Goulds, expanded to 14,000 square feet over time. Featured as the home of Charles and Aurora Fane in "The Gilded Age," Lyndhurst's parlor, dining room, and art gallery provided exquisite backdrops. Even its carriage house transformed into the offices of The New York Globe, and its grounds served as Central Park. Tours of this historical landmark are available through its dedicated website.
Hempstead House, located within Sands Point Preserve on Long Island, was built in 1912 by financier Howard Gould, son of Jay Gould. This estate, later owned by Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, served as George Russell's office in the series, a pivotal location for his business dealings. Hempstead House also has a notable filmography, including "Malcolm X" and "Scent of a Woman." Guided tours offer visitors a chance to experience its grandeur.
Hunter House, dating back to 1748, predates the Gilded Age but was instrumental in the establishment of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Its sitting rooms were used as lawyer Tom Raikes's office in "The Gilded Age." Daily guided tours provide a fascinating look into its colonial history and its role in the Revolutionary War.
Belcourt, constructed in 1894 for socialite Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, is a 50,000-square-foot, 60-room summer home in Rhode Island, inspired by Versailles. Known for its extensive stables, it doubles as the Astors' summer residence in "The Gilded Age," showcasing the social intricacies of the time. Belcourt offers both historical tours and unique candlelight and ghost tours.
Finally, Westbrook, the Tudor Revival-style home of William Bayard Cutting in Oakdale, New York, completed in 1886, boasts 60 rooms and 20 fireplaces. While the Cutting family was part of New York's exclusive "Four Hundred," their estate's gardens are its primary allure, now part of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. Westbrook appeared in the first season of "The Gilded Age," highlighting its grandeur. Seasonal guided tours and a Victorian Tea experience are available, allowing visitors to step back in time.