A Gilded Age Christmas, Part 2
As I begin this post, I realize that there’s a fact about Christmas in the Gilded Age of which many are probably not aware…the Vanderbilts, and others in their “set,”… Read More
Gilded Age
A Gilded Age Christmas , Part 1
It is glorious in Newport any time of the year, but especially at Christmas! And with all the attention “The Gilded Age” series has garnered I thought I’d begin my… Read More
The Gates of Newport
Inspiration seems truly “around every corner” when you live in a setting as beautiful and historic as Newport. Just the other night, I attended a lecture on Frederick Law Olmsted… Read More
A Newport Tradition: Coaching Weekend
As though scripted by Julian Fellowes, Coaching Weekend returned to Newport August 18-21 after a four year hiatus, just as the first season of his “The Gilded Age” TV series… Read More
Newport’s Clarendon Court
Clarendon Court (1904) represents everything the words elegant, classical and sublime bring to mind. In this important Newport residence, there is the added distinction of a noted Gilded Age architect,… Read More
Champ Soleil, a 17th Century-Style French Chateau
By any measure, 1929 was not an auspicious year…except, perhaps, in Newport. For that was the year that an exquisite version of the hunting lodge at Versailles, La Lanterne, was designed… Read More
The Orchard, A Notable Newport Estate
Summer is just around the corner, when friends return from all parts of the country and houses are “opened for the season.” One of those homes has been beautifully readied… Read More
Inspiring Architectural Design: Berkeley House
It is difficult to overstate the fame and influence of the architectural firm McKim, Mead and White–their Newport treasures include Rosecliff as well as Berkeley House, our subject for today.… Read More
Inspiring Architectural Design: Bois Doré
My last book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style (2014), was a response to the latest evolution in our town’s 381 year history…the ability to work remotely that was accommodated by… Read More
A Gilded Christmas, Newport Style
Newport’s 375 year history comes gloriously alive at Christmas. From the early Colonial days to the extravagant Gilded Age, our “City by the Sea” is in a most celebratory mood.… Read More