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 in my second book, Living Newport, to a wedding in that ballroom, and almost became an extra in 2 movies filmed in this Gilded Age mansion. But my most cherished memory was chairing the Newport Flower Show (for 8 years) which took place over a full weekend throughout Rosecliff. Exhibits are seen here in the dining room,
and the ballroom,
and the grounds.
It now seems a bit coincidental that we were completing our Woodland Garden at the same time that she, an adjoining neighbor, was going through a $7.4 million renovation. Built in 1899 for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles; the Preservation Society of Newport County was bequeathed the property in 1971.
Last Thursday, after it had just re-opened, I strolled over for a look at this major restoration effort. And she looks GORGEOUS, all sparkly and gleaming!! Reminding me that every Grand Dame deserves a lift. With her celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase
and the largest ballroom in Newport, this elegant mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean recalls lost Gilded Age summers filled with extravagant parties like the one featured in 1974’s “The Great Gatsby,” for which scenes were filmed here. Newport is also storied as a wedding destination and Rosecliff is the prime location, given its history and ocean views. In Living Newport, Houses, People, Style readers can enjoy a taste of one particular wedding ceremony.
Bridemaids descending the marble steps to the great lawn
and the reception in the ballroom, which itself looks like a wedding cake.
Rosecliff’s 8 month multi-faceted restoration was an extensive and complicated preservation effort. Some of the highlights include: replacement of the 5,000 square-foot roof and all 600 linear feet of the ornate balustrade that runs around the perimeter of the roof.
Steam-cleaning of all exterior marble and terra cotta surfaces.
And restoration of all the elaborate wrought iron doors, including gilded details.
Construction of a new 3,200 square-foot floor, composed of 305 white oak 3-foot-by-3-foot panels, for the famous ballroom.
And restoration of the courtyard garden at the front of the house.
Rosecliff is truly a fairy tale that happens every day of the year…and each of those seasons bring their own special charm…in the spring,
in the summer,
and in the winter, when the Nutcracker Ballet is performed within its rooms.
A big salute to Rosecliff, all set for the next 124 years!
Feature Image David Hansen/Courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County
On 1974, as a junior at Rogers High School, our class was incredibly fortunate to be the first (of very few classes) to have our prom at Rosecliff. It was the year after the filming of The Great Gatsby so of course I made myself a 20s-inspired gown. It is a magical place. The Preservation Society must be commended for such a thoughtful and thorough restoration. Great photos, Bettie!
How lucky for you…and what an experience at that age!!Xb
Oh, Bettie, my most favorite home in Newport. I had the great honor in 2017, of giving an afternoon tea talk in the ballroom. A gracious staff and group to welcome me made me feel as if I was home. Thank you for sharing the new photos. Every grand Dame needs a lift every now and then. I can’t wait to return.
LOve your wit…”Every grand Dame needs a lift”! May I quote you… B.
Yes, you may quote me. EE
What a luscious description of my favorite house in Newport. Rosecliff is a movie star!
Yes Tall R, shes is a movie star in SPADES! xxB
Such a beautiful and historic place. I loved seeing it when I was at the Newport Flower Show in 2018. The heart shaped staircase is beautiful and also made an appearance in the movie True Lies staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Yes, Rosecliff has well served Hollywood…and now the Newport mansions are to become more a part of the “Gilded Age” series filming.xB
LONG MAY SHE REIGN!!! FABULOUS!! franki
All ready for the next 124, may this Grand Dame reign supreme! xB
The staircase is stunning; I am always happy to learn a gorgeous piece of history remains that for all to see, thank you to ALL the historical societies that see the value in keeping these gorgeous pieces of history alive! Thank you, Bettie, for always sharing so those of us who may never walk the grounds are able to enjoy!
Living here makes me so aware of just what you are expressing. It’s a labor of love, and generous donors! xB
Rosecliff is truly one of the top crown jewels of all the Newport mansions. It’s absolutely magnificent what they did with the restoration and I salute the Newport preservation Society and all the architects, carpenters and all the master craftsmen that took part in the magnificent restoration. It’s breathtaking. It’s absolutely breathtaking and it’s so nice that homes like this are preserved for the next generation to see because so many of them were lost to the ravages of time and neglect.
Well said! Watching this on time, $7.4 million project which required serious craftsmen has been fascinating. And right next door…xB
Thanks to the Presavationist to keep History. Rosecliff is gorgeous. Thank you, Bettie for sharing restored beauty.
It’s my pleaseure to share these treasures! xB
Absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking.
ALLOW ME TO SHARE A MEMORY OF NEWPORT.
AT AGE 19 (c. 1966), I TOOK A SUMMER JOB (HOUSEMAN) FOR: MRS. RBT. R. YOUNG
AT HERE SUMMER RESIDENCE – ‘FAIRHOLME’. WHILE THERE, MRS. YOUNG CHOSE TO ‘INSTRUCT’ ME AS TO: ‘THE CORRECT TECH. FOR: WAITING TABLE’.
FROM ‘FAIRHOLME’ TO MRS. POST’S ‘MAR-A-LAGO’ WAS … THE OUTCOME OF THOSE ‘LESSONS’. (AT ‘MAR-A-LAGO’ I WAS A JR. BUTLER).
THE FACT THAT THIS LIFESTYLE IS STILL … ‘MAGICAL’ AND HAS A NEVER ENDING FOLLOWING IS EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE.
HOW LUCKY FOR ALL OF US THAT YOU CALL ‘NEWPORT’ … HOME.
I couldn’t agrre more, every day in Newport is a “pinch me” moment! xB
My favorite Newport house! Don and I were lucky enough to enjoy some ‘Gatsby Balls’ hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport and I so do miss my visits. Been reading the Guilded Mysteries by Alyssa Maxwell which sparkles my love of Newport while living in Kansas. Thanks Betty for sharing these beautiful pictures.
So good to hear from you…aaaah, the stories you and Don could tell me…xB
Oh what a treat is your Rosecliff piece with the gorgeous photos of her new grandeur after the restoration !! Thank you, Bettie, always for your refreshing posts which make us smile.
Be still my heart – What a skilled and sensitive restoration of this magnificent edifice…
May it always be preserved and shared for generations to come. Bless you, Bettie, for\
opening the curtain for us on so many grand sights in Newport. You are, indeed, a
fortunate and generous neighbor…lucky girl.
The staircase is the most romantic staircase EVER and being from England I’ve known quite a few gorgeous ones but this one take the top kudos. Thanks Bettie for sharing.
a great place with great memories. i’d like to be a silver heiress sometime.
I’ll see if I can work that out!!!In the meantime, hurry back and I’ll take you on a tour of the NEW Rosecliff. xxxB