Rosecliff

Rosecliff, a historic mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, was built in the late 19th century for Hermann Oelrichs and his wife Teresa Fair Oelrichs, a member of the Fair family of California. The estate was designed by Thompson, Starrett & Company, a prominent architectural firm that also worked on projects such as the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Rosecliff is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, which were inspired by the Château d'Asnières in France and the Villa Medici in Rome. The estate has been featured in several films, including The Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses, and has been visited by numerous notable individuals, including John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

● History

The history of Rosecliff dates back to the late 19th century, when Hermann Oelrichs and his wife Teresa Fair Oelrichs commissioned the construction of the estate. The couple was part of the Astor family's social circle and often attended events at The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family's summer home in Newport, Rhode Island. Rosecliff was built between 1898 and 1902, and its construction was overseen by Stanford White, a renowned architect who also worked on projects such as the Washington Square Arch in New York City and the Boston Public Library in Boston. The estate was designed to resemble a French châteaux, with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles, and was inspired by the works of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones. Rosecliff has been owned by several notable families, including the Oelrichs family and the Vanderbilt family, and has been visited by numerous famous individuals, including Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

● Architecture

The architecture of Rosecliff is a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles, with a grand staircase and a large ballroom that was designed for hosting lavish parties. The estate's design was influenced by the works of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones, and features a mix of French Renaissance and Italian Renaissance styles. The building's facade is made of limestone and features a large portico with Doric columns, while the interior features intricate woodwork and plasterwork designed by Jules Allard and Ogden Codman. Rosecliff's architecture has been compared to that of other notable estates, including The Breakers and The Elms, and has been praised for its beauty and elegance by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. The estate's design has also been influenced by the works of Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and features a mix of Classical and Gothic styles.

● Gardens

The gardens at Rosecliff are some of the most beautiful in Newport, Rhode Island, and feature a mix of French formal gardens and English landscape gardens. The gardens were designed by Olmsted Brothers, a prominent landscape architecture firm that also worked on projects such as Central Park in New York City and the White House in Washington, D.C.. The gardens feature a large lawn with a fountain and a statue of Diana, as well as a rose garden and a vegetable garden. The gardens have been praised for their beauty and elegance by landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and have been featured in several films and television shows, including The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey. The gardens are also home to a variety of plant species, including roses, hydrangeas, and daylilies, and feature a mix of native plants and exotic plants.

● Preservation

The preservation of Rosecliff has been a major effort in recent years, with the estate undergoing several restoration projects to maintain its historic integrity. The estate is owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit organization that also owns and operates several other historic estates in Newport, Rhode Island, including The Breakers and The Elms. The society has worked to restore the estate's original furnishings and decor, including the wallpaper and carpeting, and has also undertaken several projects to repair and maintain the estate's roof and façade. The preservation efforts have been supported by several notable individuals, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, and have been recognized by several organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute for Conservation. The estate has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

● Tourism

Rosecliff is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Newport, Rhode Island, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The estate is open to the public for tours, and visitors can explore the estate's grand staircase, ballroom, and gardens. The estate also hosts several events throughout the year, including weddings and corporate events, and has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey. Visitors to the estate can also explore the nearby Cliff Walk, a scenic walking trail that runs along the edge of the cliff and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The estate is also close to several other notable attractions, including The Breakers and The Elms, and is within walking distance of Downtown Newport and the Newport Harbor. The estate has been visited by numerous famous individuals, including John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and has been praised for its beauty and elegance by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

Category:Historic houses in Rhode Island