Estate of The Breakers

Estate of The Breakers, a National Historic Landmark, is a grand Gilded Age mansion built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, in Newport, Rhode Island. The estate was designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt and features an impressive collection of art and furnishings from Europe and Asia, including works by Raphael, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The Breakers is part of the Newport Mansions collection, which also includes The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff, all of which were built for wealthy families such as the Astor family and the Morgan family.

● History of

The Breakers The construction of The Breakers began in 1893 and was completed in 1895, with a total cost of approximately $12 million, a staggering amount at the time, equivalent to over $300 million today, adjusted for inflation. The estate was built on a 13-acre parcel of land overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which was previously owned by Pierre Lorillard IV, a member of the wealthy Lorillard family. The Breakers was designed to be a summer "cottage" for the Vanderbilt family, who also owned other notable estates, such as Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's The Whitney Studio in New York City. The estate's construction involved many skilled craftsmen, including woodcarvers from Germany and stonecarvers from Italy, who worked under the supervision of Richard Morris Hunt and his team, including assistant architect Ogden Codman Jr..

● Architecture and Design

The Breakers is an exemplary example of French Renaissance architecture, with a blend of Baroque and Rococo styles, featuring a grand staircase designed by Honoré Lannuier, a French-born cabinetmaker. The estate's interior design was influenced by the works of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones, and features an impressive collection of antique furniture, including pieces by Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. The Breakers' design also reflects the influence of other notable architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany, who were known for their innovative and eclectic styles. The estate's interior decoration was overseen by Jules Allard and Ogden Codman Jr., who worked with decorative artists such as John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany to create a unique and opulent atmosphere.

● Gardens and Grounds

The Breakers' gardens and grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect who also designed Central Park in New York City and the Biltmore Estate grounds. The estate's gardens feature a variety of plant species, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses, as well as a greenhouse designed by Lord & Burnham. The Breakers' grounds also include a private beach and a cliff walk with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, similar to those found at The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. The estate's gardens and grounds have been beautifully maintained and restored by the Preservation Society of Newport County, which also oversees the maintenance of other historic estates, such as The Elms and Marble House.

● Preservation and Tourism

The Breakers is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Newport, Rhode Island, with over 400,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited historic houses in the United States. The estate is owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic architecture and landscapes of Newport County. The Breakers has been the subject of numerous restoration projects, including a major restoration of the estate's roof and facade in the 1990s, which was overseen by architects and preservationists from New York City and Boston. The estate has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey, and has been visited by notable figures, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

● Family History and Ownership

The Breakers was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the founder of the Vanderbilt family fortune. The estate remained in the Vanderbilt family for over 70 years, until it was sold to the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1972. The Vanderbilt family has a long and storied history, with notable members including Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a sculptor and art patron, and Gloria Vanderbilt, a fashion designer and socialite. The Breakers is also connected to other notable families, such as the Astor family and the Morgan family, who built other historic estates in Newport, Rhode Island, including The Elms and Rosecliff. The estate's history and ownership are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Gilded Age and the wealthy families who shaped American history.