| MEET THE VANDERBILTS |
Bring on the (affordable) drama in Newport, Rhode Island
Along the granite and cobalt-colored New England coastline, a batch of small cities quintessentially capture the American entrepreneurial spirit. It was here where the country’s most moneyed tycoons in the late 19th century escaped to Gilded Age mansions in places like the Bellevue Avenue Historic District in Newport, Rhode Island. This was one of the area’s most well-heeled enclaves, lined with summer homes built by leading architects of the day for the Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts. These magnificent Beaux-Arts homes were designed for entertaining high society with lavish soirees, and they’re still a really nice place to throw a party. "Using a national historic landmark for your event makes a statement,” says Ivan S. Colon, corporate sales manager for the Preservation Society of Newport County. “They represent the Golden Era of industrial barons, bluebloods and aristocracy, and guests really enjoy these rentals because monies go back into the restorations, so companies are giving back. That’s an important part of our mission.” The largest ballroom is at Rosecliff mansion built in 1902 for Theresa Fair Oelrichs, heir to the Comstock silver lode. It looks like a big fancy white wedding cake, modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, and it photographs well having been used in Robert Redford’s The Great Gatsby and Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. Dinner capacity is 350. Also look at The Marble House, which when it was built for William Vanderbilt in 1892 was considered the most elegant residence in America. The Terrace seats 200; the Gold Ballroom with 24 carat gold leaf seats 120. “They’re less expensive than large venues in other big cities,” advises Colon, saying the $5,000-$10,000 price tag “for a one-of-a-kind facility is very favorable.” He adds, “What is so special is the element of accessibility so close to New York, Providence and Boston.” Among the properties maintained by the Preservation Society, The Breakers is the largest and most opulent. “If you only have time to visit one mansion, this is the one,” says Laurie Stroll, CMP/DMCP, president of DMC Newport Hospitality. The property just introduced an audio tour that required nearly 10 years to collect all the interviews. “The Newport area also has a number of private clubs that offer a very exclusive atmosphere and gorgeous water views, like the New York Yacht Club,” she says. “One of the most unique teambuilding activities Newport offers is the ability to charter 12-meter America’s Cup boats for informal races and your own America’s Cup-style regatta. We are very fortunate to have 10 of the boats, for groups of all sizes.” NEW ENGLAND CLAMBAKE “Everyone oohs and aahs when the rush of steam comes out. It’s a great meal and a great experience.” You can create an elegant rooftop clambake and book smaller groups at the 209-room Hotel Viking, located right on Bellevue Avenue. John Harrison, SMP, director of national accounts, says, “The mansion owners were having such elaborate parties they didn’t have enough space for all of their guests to stay, so they sold shares and built the hotel.” He says Viking’s chefs often put together rooftop meals and sunset cocktails—the clambake being one of the most popular—as well as Iron Chef-style competitions pairing local wines with fine cheese and wild game. written by Cemile Kavountzis |
