'The Gilded Age' Features These Real-Life Mansions in New York and Rhode Island
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Prepare for another visual feast of historic houses—and especially opulent mansions—because The Gilded Age is back for its second season on Sunday, October 29. The show, which was created and written by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes, follows a bevy of affluent characters living in Manhattan—and summering in Newport, of course—during the late 1800s, a time period known as the Gilded Age (a phrase coined by Mark Twain). While it would be remiss of us to not mention the star-studded cast, which includes Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon, we're most excited for the many renowned mansions and more humble abodes that serve as a backdrop to this beloved series.
In true Gilded Age fashion, the show was filmed in Rhode Island and New York at recognizable jewels like The Breakers, Marble House, Lyndhurst Mansion, and many other grand properties. Below, we've laid out all 18 historic houses and museums that are featured throughout The Gilded Age—all of which can be visited and toured in person.
Rhode Island
The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island
In The Gilded Age, The Breakers' Great Hall and Music Room act as Bertha Russell's (played by Carrie Coon) ballroom. This work of Neo-Italian Renaissance architecture was built between 1893 and 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
Marble House: Newport, Rhode Island
Consuelo Vanderbilt’s bedroom at Marble House serves as George Russell's (played by Morgan Spector) bedroom in The Gilded Age. Richard Morris Hunt designed this Beaux Arts-style mansion, which was built between 1888 to 1892.
Rosecliff: Newport, Rhode Island
Rosecliff—a French Baroque Revival gem—acts as the exterior of Sylvia Chamberlain's (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn) house. Famed architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White designed this sprawling home.
The Elms: Newport, Rhode Island
Both the servant kitchens and Sarah Berwind’s bedroom at The Elms appear in The Gilded Age, acting as parts of the Russell residence. The Classical Revival dwelling was completed in 1901 and modeled after an 18th-century French chateau. Inside, the historic landmark features a collection of paintings, statuary, and tapestries. The landscape consists of formal gardens, terraces, pavilions, and fountains.
Chateau-sur-Mer: Newport, Rhode Island
Many parts of Chateau-sur-Mer—including its exterior, staircase, and numerous rooms on the first and second floors—can be seen in the series. Built in 1851 by architect Seth C. Bradford, this abode was later renovated by Richard Morris Hunt, while its interiors were done by Ogden Codman, Jr., who co-authored Edith Wharton's The Decoration of Houses.
Hunter House: Newport, Rhode Island
One of Hunter House's sitting rooms is on full display in The Gilded Age. Built in 1748 for Colonial Deputy Governor Jonathan Nichols Jr., this Georgian Colonial has been a National Historic Landmark since 1968.
Belcourt: Newport, Rhode Island
Built by Richard Morris Hunt for socialite and U.S. Representative Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, Belcourt is a Châteauesque structure that was completed in 1894. Belcourt even has some haunted history, which visitors can learn about through a chilling, nighttime ghost tour.
Newport Art Museum: Newport, Rhode Island
Although its name may deceive you, the Newport Art Museum was once home to John Noble Alsop Griswold, an industrialist, diplomat, and merchant. It is one of the first works of American Stick-style architecture, and it was designed by Richard Morris Hunt in 1864.
The Colony House: Newport, Rhode Island
The Colony House, which is managed by the Newport Historical Society, is a Georgian-style building that was completed in 1741. Today, it's the fourth oldest statehouse that's still standing in the United States. In-person tours are offered, but if you're not going to be in Newport anytime soon, you can browse a 360-degree virtual tour of the place here.
Clouds Hill Museum: Warwick, Rhode Island
Built between 1871 and 1877, the Clouds Hill Museum is situated on what was known as the Cedar Hill estate. The estate was a wedding present from William S. Slater to his daughter, Elizabeth Ives Slater Reed.
New York
Lyndhurst Mansion: Tarrytown, New York
A Gothic Revival-style structure, Lyndhurst Mansion was designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis. The mansion overlooking the Hudson River was commissioned by former New York City governor and U.S. congressman William Paulding and sits on 33 acres of land.
The Belvedere Estate: Tarrytown, New York
The Belvedere Estate was originally part of Philipsburg Manor, a 90,000-acre property built for Florence and Casper Whitney. It's situated on more than 25 acres of land and was once the center of operations for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Today, it operates as an event and meeting space for everything from wedding ceremonies to office parties as well as a filming location.
Glenview Mansion: Yonkers, New York
Now known as the Hudson River Museum, the Glenview Mansion is a Victorian dwelling designed by Charles W. Clinton in the 1870s. Clinton designed other notable buildings including the Seventh Regiment Armory, also known as the Park Avenue Armory, in Manhattan.
The Castle: Troy, New York
The Castle—aka the John Paine Mansion—was deemed the "grandest house" in Troy, New York when it was built in 1896. In its long history, the mansion has served as a private residence, a college administrative building, a movie set, and a fraternity house (yes, really!).
Hart Cluett Museum: Troy, New York
Built in 1827, the Hart Cluett Museum is a work of Federal architecture designed by Martin E. Thompson. With each guided tour ticket purchase, visitors get a copy of The Marble House, a book about the history of the Hart Cluett House, along with admission to the exhibit galleries.
Hempstead House: Sands Point, New York
Located on the North Shore of Long Island, Hempstead House is part of the Sands Point Preserve and was built for Howard Gould and completed in 1912, after Gould sold the estate to Daniel Guggenheim.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum: Great River, New York
Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a state park, or, as it's described on the website, a "museum of trees," that features an imposing Tudor-style abode surrounded by landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted. Located on Long Island, the arboretum's intent, per its website, is "to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest, and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting."
Rock Hall Museum: Lawrence, New York
Built in approximately 1767, the Rock Hall Museum is a 2.5-story, Georgian-style home that was restored to its original appearance in the 1950s.
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1 – The Ledges http://newportrhodeislandrealestate.com/the-ledges-an-iconic-newport-manse/2 – Indian Spring (AKA Wrentham House) http://wikimapia.org/5074382/Wrentham-House-Indian-Spring3 – Sleepy Hollow Country Club https://www.sleepyhollowcc.org/4 – Glenview Mansion in Hudson https://www.hrm.org/glenview/ 5 – Troy – The Castle / 49 2nd Street https://www.painecastle.com/6. The breakers Mrs. Russell's ballroom7. Marble house George Russell's bedroom8. Rosecliff the exterior of Mrs. Chamberlain's house9. The elms the Russell House kitchens = the servant kitchens here10. Lyndhurst Mansion—
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