Private Newport - with Bettie Bearden Pardee

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Initial Thoughts


The Borromeo Gardens on Isola Bella

6 / 27 / 246 / 27 / 24

Once a rocky island, home only to fishermen, two small churches, and a few vegetable gardens, Isola Belle (beautiful island) began its transformation in the 17th century. The gardens that… Read More

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Autumn In Paris

11 / 9 / 2311 / 9 / 23

I have been very fortunate to have visited Paris in almost every month of the year…and she never disappoints!! But this trip was charmed in ways that I could not… Read More

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Entertaining in the Orangerie

10 / 5 / 2310 / 5 / 23

Well, by the enthusiastic response to last week’s post on our Orangerie, I bet you’ll love seeing this whimsical “folly” in her main role –party central. For, once finished with… Read More

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The Orangerie at Parterre

9 / 28 / 239 / 28 / 23

The Parterre Bench and the Orangerie are the two most important non-floral entities in the garden. But at times I realize the Orangerie can be more of an unsung hero,… Read More

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The Daily Joys of my Garden

9 / 21 / 239 / 21 / 23

It’s about this time of year when I have a sec to catch my breath and pen my “oops in the garden.” But 2023 has been a very different year,… Read More

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Saluting Rosecliff!

9 / 14 / 239 / 14 / 23

Rosecliff to me is like a BFF with whom you’ve shared 24 years of incredibale memories. I’ve danced in her ballroom more times than I can count, dedicated a chapter… Read More

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Designing a Woodland Garden Part 2

9 / 7 / 239 / 6 / 23

When writing the first post on our new Woodland Garden I began to ennumerate (in my head) the different steps we went through over the years…very slowly at first but… Read More

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Parterre’s New Woodland Garden Part 1

8 / 31 / 238 / 30 / 23

There’s nothing like completing a years-in-the-making-garden to give one a new lease on life! While each of Parterre’s existing gardens are tweaked each year, the Woodland Garden didn’t truly deserve… Read More

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My Summer ’23 Ode to Newport

8 / 24 / 238 / 24 / 23

Summer of ’23 was like no other, by many measures. The town was busier, and more crowded. Parties and events took off with a bang earlier in “the season”, and… Read More

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11 Ideas to Steal from British Gardens… Part II

8 / 17 / 238 / 16 / 23

Old gardens have a lot to teach us…especially we young ones whose garden may be only 24 years old. Many lessons in design as well as patience are available to… Read More

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About Bettie

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, designer of the Parterre Bench, national lecturer, and entertaining expert.
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privatenewport

Most Newport cottages became museums, condominiums, or campus buildings.

A select few remained exactly what they were always intended to be: private homes.

Built in 1873, The Orchard is one of those rare survivors. Set on nearly five acres, this restored Gilded Age estate features 11 bedrooms, marble fireplaces, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, handcrafted mahogany doors, and some of the finest craftsmanship Newport has to offer.

The details are remarkable. The fact that it’s still privately owned may be even more remarkable.

Follow @privatenewport for more of the homes, gardens, and stories most visitors never see

📸: Vanderbilt International Properties Ltd.

#privatenewport #newportri #gildedage #historichomes #luxuryrealestates

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 28

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Open post by privatenewport with ID 17892719469354471
Most Newport cottages became museums, condominiums, or campus buildings.

A select few remained exactly what they were always intended to be: private homes.

Built in 1873, The Orchard is one of those rare survivors. Set on nearly five acres, this restored Gilded Age estate features 11 bedrooms, marble fireplaces, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, handcrafted mahogany doors, and some of the finest craftsmanship Newport has to offer.

The details are remarkable. The fact that it’s still privately owned may be even more remarkable.

Follow @privatenewport for more of the homes, gardens, and stories most visitors never see

📸: Vanderbilt International Properties Ltd. 

#privatenewport #newportri #gildedage #historichomes #luxuryrealestates

privatenewport

Tucked quietly beside Bellevue Avenue, Parterre feels less like a garden and more like a hidden world waiting behind the gates.

One of Newport’s most enchanting private estates, where old-world beauty, manicured paths, and timeless details still quietly exist beyond the hedges🌿

Save this for your future Newport walk👟

#privatenewport #newportri #parterre #privateliving #gildedage

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 26

300 11
Open post by privatenewport with ID 17888567688519843
Tucked quietly beside Bellevue Avenue, Parterre feels less like a garden and more like a hidden world waiting behind the gates.

One of Newport’s most enchanting private estates, where old-world beauty, manicured paths, and timeless details still quietly exist beyond the hedges🌿

Save this for your future Newport walk👟

#privatenewport #newportri #parterre #privateliving #gildedage

privatenewport

Before the Newport season fully begins, Memorial Day reminds us what truly matters🇺🇸

Today we honor and remember the men and women who served, sacrificed, and made moments like these possible for generations to come❤️🤍💙

From the cliffs of Newport to the flags flying above The Breakers, this weekend is about remembrance as much as tradition🌊
#privatenewport #newportmansions #memorialday #thebreakersmansion #gildedage

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 25

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Open post by privatenewport with ID 18164331271431742
Before the Newport season fully begins, Memorial Day reminds us what truly matters🇺🇸

Today we honor and remember the men and women who served, sacrificed, and made moments like these possible for generations to come❤️🤍💙

From the cliffs of Newport to the flags flying above The Breakers, this weekend is about remembrance as much as tradition🌊
#privatenewport #newportmansions #memorialday #thebreakersmansion #gildedage

privatenewport

Summer in Newport means the estates come alive again…

Just around the corner from Parterre sits The Orchard, a storied home long admired for its welcoming celadon gates, gold leaf detailing, and gardens that feel frozen in another era. Now beautifully readied for the season, and awaiting its owner’s arrival.

Swipe for a peek inside one of Newport’s most quietly remarkable properties…

📸: Vanderbilt international properties

#newportri #privatenewport #newportmansion #gildedage #luxuryrealestate

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 24

372 13
Open post by privatenewport with ID 17889400878376158
Summer in Newport means the estates come alive again…

Just around the corner from Parterre sits The Orchard, a storied home long admired for its welcoming celadon gates, gold leaf detailing, and gardens that feel frozen in another era. Now beautifully readied for the season, and awaiting its owner’s arrival.

Swipe for a peek inside one of Newport’s most quietly remarkable properties…

📸: Vanderbilt international properties 

#newportri #privatenewport #newportmansion #gildedage #luxuryrealestate

privatenewport

The Breakers wasn’t built to blend in… it was built to leave an impression. From the limestone façade to the oceanfront setting, every detail feels larger than life even a century later.

And honestly? Newport still carries that same energy✨

Follow for more iconic Newport estates, hidden details, and Gilded Age beauty☁️🤍
#privatenewport #newportri #newportmansions #thebreakersnewport #privateliving

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 21

801 17
Open post by privatenewport with ID 17987760002811565
The Breakers wasn’t built to blend in… it was built to leave an impression. From the limestone façade to the oceanfront setting, every detail feels larger than life even a century later.

And honestly? Newport still carries that same energy✨

Follow for more iconic Newport estates, hidden details, and Gilded Age beauty☁️🤍
#privatenewport #newportri #newportmansions #thebreakersnewport #privateliving

privatenewport

Everyone knows The Breakers.

But Bois Doré is the kind of Newport estate people whisper about✨

Elegant without trying. Hidden behind gates and gravel drives. Timeless in a way trends could never replicate☁️

Follow @privatenewport for more hidden Newport history, estates, and gardens🤍
#privatenewport #newportri #privateliving #boisdoré #newportestates

View Instagram post by privatenewport

May 19

499 18
Open post by privatenewport with ID 18400480072159789
Everyone knows The Breakers.

But Bois Doré is the kind of Newport estate people whisper about✨

Elegant without trying. Hidden behind gates and gravel drives. Timeless in a way trends could never replicate☁️

Follow @privatenewport for more hidden Newport history, estates, and gardens🤍
#privatenewport #newportri #privateliving #boisdoré #newportestates
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Bettie's Faves

  • Charlotte Moss
  • La Dolce Vita
  • My Beautiful Paris
  • The Enchanted Home
  • The Glam Pad
  • The Lush List
  • The Potted Boxwood
  • Vicki Archer
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