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Day four Newport, Rhode Island trip, part two… morning balcony selfie.

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First thing on the agenda that day was Chateau Sur Mer.

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Meaning Castle By The Sea, the home is a landmark of High Victorian architecture, furniture, wallpapers, ceramics and stenciling. It was the most palatial residence in Newport from its completion in 1852 until the appearance of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s.

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One of the first grand “cottages” on Bellevue Avenue, its lavish and extravagant parties ushered in the Gilded Age of Newport.

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From the outside it felt almost gothic.

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And beside the front door?

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One of those marvelous ancient weeping birches I keep admiring.

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This one had a canopy that delivered you into another world when you ducked under it.

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It was fabulous.

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During a conversation with a docent on our previous trip, we asked him which of the mansions was his favorite.

Being a woodworker, he said Chateau Sur Mer.

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Just a few steps inside revealed why.

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A three story 45 foot ceiling with broad balconies draws your eyes up.

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The Italianate library was designed and built in Italy, disassembled and rebuilt here for the owner, William Shepard Wetmore, whose portrait is in the foreground.

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The owl was shocked.

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The home is one of only a few year round residences and I cringe to think what it cost to heat.

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The marble hall served as an exhibition space and gallery for art and sculpture.

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The ballroom was also known as the Gold Salon.

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As the walls and moulding are highlighted with gold leaf.

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Elaborate entertaining was done here.

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With some guest lists exceeding 2,500 people.

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