The Elms (Newport, Rhode Island)

The Elms (Newport, Rhode Island) is a historic mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, built for Edith Wharton's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, and designed by Jules Allard and Horace Trumbauer. The estate is a prime example of French Renaissance architecture and features an impressive collection of European art and antiques, including works by Raphael, Rubens, and Velázquez. The Elms is one of the many Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, along with The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, which were built by wealthy families such as the Vanderbilt family and the Astor family. The estate's design and construction were influenced by the works of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones.

● History

The Elms was built in 1898 for Edward Julius Berwind, a coal mining magnate, and his wife, Herbert Berwind's sister, Julia Berwind. The estate was designed to resemble a French chateau, with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque elements, and was constructed using Indiana limestone and featuring a slate roof. The Berwind family was known for their philanthropy, and Edward Julius Berwind was a supporter of the Newport Art Association and the Redwood Library and Athenaeum. The estate's history is also connected to other notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dorothy Parker, who were frequent visitors to Newport, Rhode Island. The Elms is also associated with the Newport Jazz Festival, which was founded by George Wein and has featured performances by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis.

● Architecture

The Elms is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, with a design inspired by the Château d'Asnières in Asnières-sur-Seine, France. The estate features a symmetrical facade, with a central entrance hall and staircase, and is adorned with ornate plasterwork, carved wood, and gilded details. The interior design was influenced by the works of Owen Jones and Alessandro Vittoria, and features a collection of European art and antiques, including works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and El Greco. The estate's architecture is also notable for its use of innovative materials and techniques, including the use of steel framing and electrical lighting, which were designed by Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. The Elms is considered one of the finest examples of Gilded Age architecture in the United States, along with The Biltmore Estate and The Hearst Castle.

● Gardens

The Elms features a beautiful French garden, designed by Jacques Gréber and Beatrix Farrand, with a mix of formal and informal elements, including a sunken garden, a rose garden, and a conservatory. The gardens are adorned with statues and fountains, including works by Bernini and Rodin, and feature a variety of plant species, including roses, hydrangeas, and boxwood. The estate's gardens are also notable for their use of innovative gardening techniques, including the use of greenhouses and irrigation systems, which were designed by André Le Nôtre and Lancelot Brown. The Elms' gardens are considered some of the most beautiful in Newport, Rhode Island, along with those of The Breakers and Rosecliff, which were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

● Preservation

The Elms was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972, and is now owned and operated by The Preservation Society of Newport County, which also owns and operates other historic mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, including The Breakers and Marble House. The estate has undergone several restoration projects, including a major restoration in the 1990s, which was funded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Newport Restoration Foundation. The Elms is also a member of the Historic House Museums and the National Historic Landmark programs, and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The estate's preservation is also supported by the Newport County government and the Rhode Island Historical Society.

● Tourism

The Elms is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Newport, Rhode Island, attracting thousands of visitors each year, including fans of Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby. The estate offers guided tours, including a servant life tour and a behind-the-scenes tour, which provide a glimpse into the lives of the Berwind family and their servants. Visitors can also explore the estate's gardens and grounds, which feature a variety of plant species and statues. The Elms is also a popular venue for weddings and events, and has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey, which were produced by Martin Scorsese and Julian Fellowes. The estate's tourism industry is also supported by the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Rhode Island Tourism Division. Category:Historic houses in Rhode Island