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When we visited the Breakers on our third morning in Newport and bought our tickets for entry, we purchased the multi pack which allowed us to tour three of the Preservation Society’s properties.

So that afternoon we parked off Bellevue Avenue and walked to number two.

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Past ornate wrought iron gates….

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Past houses with extra large lawn ornaments….

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Along giant slabs of slate sidewalks…

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To our destination.

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Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 as a 39th birthday present for Alva Vanderbilt from her husband, William. At a total cost of $11 million, ($384 million today) it consists of 500,000 cubic ft. of marble that cost $7 million alone. Considered the most lavish house in America, this 50-room summer residence was still called a “cottage” in the Newport tradition.

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And yes, there was a whole lotta marble.

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On the floor, the walls and the ceiling.

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Gold?

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The dining room has that in spades. Even the chairs are covered in it.

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The library/morning room.

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Alva loved France, French art and French architecture.

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And because she acquired a collection of Medieval and Renaissance art she had a gothic room built to display them.

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As one does.

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It’s a charming little space.

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Understated and plain.

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Not!

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Heck, it even has a dragon.

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🐉 😊🐉

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