Stretching just two and a half miles, Bellevue Avenue in Newport, is more than a road; it is a living museum, a physical chronicle of American ambition, artistry, and social evolution. What began as a lightly traveled farm path in the early 19th century was spectacularly transformed into the summer playground for the nation’s burgeoning industrial aristocracy. Here, families with names like Vanderbilt, Astor, and Belmont—the titans of the Gilded Age and members of New York’s elite “Four Hundred”—built their opulent “summer cottages,” turning the seaside town into the epicenter of high society.
The avenue’s unparalleled collection of Gilded Age architecture, a testament to this era, has been formally recognized through its designation as a National Historic Landmark District, cementing its status as one of America’s most significant streets.
Part I: The Rise of an American Aristocracy – The History of Bellevue Avenue
From Farm Path to Fashionable Resort (Early to Mid-19th Century)
In the early 1800s, Bellevue Avenue was little more than a farm path, traversing land appreciated by summer visitors for its panoramic ocean views and moderating sea breezes. These early visitors began constructing modest cottages, but a pivotal moment occurred in 1839 when George Noble Jones, a Southern plantation owner, commissioned the construction of Kingscote. This Carpenter Gothic building is considered the first of Newport’s true mansions, a grand statement that signaled the area’s potential and initiated what would become a “cottage boom”. The development of the area slowed during the American Civil War, a brief pause that preceded an era of unprecedented and explosive growth.
The Gilded Age: An Architectural Arms Race (c. 1870-1910)
The post-Civil War era, known as the Gilded Age (c. 1870-1910), was a period of extraordinary economic expansion. Fueled by industry and transportation and unburdened by an income tax, a new class of millionaires amassed massive fortunes with astonishing speed. These families, seeking to solidify their social standing, chose Newport as their primary stage. Bellevue Avenue became a social theater, where the “summer cottages” were not quiet retreats but elaborate sets for a highly ritualized and competitive performance of wealth. Life was a glittering succession of balls, banquets, and carriage parades, with each family vying to “outshine each other”.
This social competition manifested as an architectural arms race. The houses grew larger and more experimental. Chateau-sur-Mer, completed in 1852, was extensively remodeled in the 1870s in the lavish French Second-Empire style, setting a new precedent for scale. The watershed moment, however, arrived with the completion of Marble House in 1892. Commissioned by William K. and Alva Vanderbilt, it “sparked the transformation of Newport with stone as a building material, Beaux Arts as a style, and set a new standard for size”. This single act ignited a furious competition. A few years later, William’s brother, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, spent a record $7 million (over $265 million in 2024 dollars) on The Breakers, an Italian Renaissance palace on Ochre Point, cementing Newport’s international reputation for limitless opulence. This era of intense patronage created a unique symbiosis between wealthy clients and a small circle of elite architects, including Richard Morris Hunt and the firm of McKim, Mead & White. Given nearly unlimited budgets and creative freedom, these architects were able to experiment with styles and materials on a scale previously unimaginable, allowing them to produce a portfolio of work that would define American architecture for a generation.
Preservation: From Private Enclave to Public Treasure
The social and economic structures that sustained this lavish lifestyle began to dissolve in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. The immense cost of maintaining these estates became untenable for many families. As the Gilded Age faded, a new era of preservation began. The Preservation Society of Newport County played a crucial role in this transition, making its first major Gilded Age acquisition in 1962 when it purchased The Elms, saving the French-style chateau from demolition. This act signaled a shift in the avenue’s identity from a private enclave to a public treasure.
The avenue’s historical and architectural significance received formal recognition over the following years. In 1972, the city consolidated three smaller historic areas into a single, expanded district, and in 1976, the Bellevue Avenue Historic District was officially designated a National Historic Landmark. This protected district encompasses 606 acres, stretching from Memorial Boulevard south to Bailey’s Beach, and is overseen by the Newport Historic District Commission, which ensures its unique character is maintained. The very extravagance of the Gilded Age, with its competitive one-upmanship and obsession with European aristocracy, inadvertently created a priceless cultural asset. The avenue’s enduring legacy is a direct, if unintentional, consequence of the vanity of its creators.
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Part II: The “Summer Cottages” – A Portfolio of Architectural Masterpieces
The mansions of Bellevue Avenue are not isolated objects but participants in an ongoing architectural dialogue, each a statement of taste, wealth, and ambition. They trace the evolution of American elite architecture from the romanticism of the Gothic Revival to the imperial grandeur of the Beaux-Arts. The following table provides a snapshot of the avenue’s most iconic homes before a more detailed exploration.
Table: The Great Houses of Bellevue Avenue – A Snapshot
| Mansion Name | Address | Year Completed | Original Owner | Architect(s) | Architectural Style | Key Feature |
| Kingscote | 253 Bellevue Ave | 1841 | George Noble Jones | Richard Upjohn; McKim, Mead & White (addition) | Gothic Revival | The first “cottage,” initiated the mansion boom |
| Chateau-sur-Mer | 474 Bellevue Ave | 1852 | William S. Wetmore | Seth Bradford; Richard Morris Hunt (remodel) | Italianate; Second Empire | Ushered in the Gilded Age with its scale and lavish parties |
| Isaac Bell House | 70 Perry St | 1883 | Isaac Bell | McKim, Mead & White | Shingle Style | A pioneering example of a uniquely American architectural style |
| Marble House | 596 Bellevue Ave | 1892 | William K. & Alva Vanderbilt | Richard Morris Hunt | Beaux-Arts | Set the new standard for opulence with its use of stone |
| The Elms | 367 Bellevue Ave | 1901 | Edward Julius Berwind | Horace Trumbauer | French Chateau (Classical Revival) | Showcased the latest technology, including full electrification |
| Rosecliff | 548 Bellevue Ave | 1902 | Theresa Fair Oelrichs | McKim, Mead & White (Stanford White) | French Baroque Revival | Built for entertainment; features Newport’s largest ballroom |
| Beechwood | 580 Bellevue Ave | 1853 (rebuilt 1856) | Daniel Parish (Astor home) | Downing & Vaux; Richard Morris Hunt (remodel) | Italianate | Home of “the Mrs. Astor” and her exclusive “Four Hundred” |
| Belcourt of Newport | 657 Bellevue Ave | 1894 | Oliver H.P. Belmont | Richard Morris Hunt | Eclectic (multiple styles) | Designed as a lavish bachelor pad and stables |
| Rough Point | 680 Bellevue Ave | 1891 | Frederick W. Vanderbilt | Peabody & Stearns | English Manorial | The final Newport home of heiress Doris Duke |
1. Marble House (596 Bellevue Ave): The Palace of Stone that Set the Standard
Commissioned by William Kissam Vanderbilt for his wife, Alva, as a 39th birthday present, Marble House was a statement of unrivaled wealth upon its completion in 1892. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the Beaux-Arts palace was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Its reported cost was a staggering $11 million, of which $7 million was spent on 500,000 cubic feet of American, Italian, and African marble. Marble House was the “social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces”. Its lavish gold ballroom and soaring columns became the new benchmark for Gilded Age excess. The grounds feature a picturesque Chinese Tea House perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Today, Marble House is operated by the Preservation Society and is open for tours.
2. The Elms (367 Bellevue Ave): A French Chateau with Modern Marvels
Built in 1901 for Philadelphia coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind, The Elms is a masterful interpretation of a mid-18th-century French chateau, the Château d’Asnières, designed by architect Horace Trumbauer. While its design looked to European aristocracy for inspiration, the mansion was a technological marvel of its time. It was one of the first houses in Newport to be fully electrified and incorporated the era’s most advanced systems for heating and plumbing. This juxtaposition of historicist style and modern convenience is a defining characteristic of the great Newport cottages; they were machines for living luxuriously, wrapped in the aesthetic of a bygone era. The estate, a National Historic Landmark, features a 10-acre park with formal gardens, terraces, and fountains. The Preservation Society now offers daily tours of the home.
3. Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Ave): The Ultimate Gilded Age Party Palace
Commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, Rosecliff was completed in 1902 at a cost of $2.5 million with one primary purpose: to host the most fabulous parties in Newport. Architect Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White modeled the French Baroque Revival mansion after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. To fulfill its social mission, the house features a celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport. Rosecliff’s enduring fame has been amplified by its frequent appearances in popular culture; it served as a primary filming location for the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby and also appeared in True Lies and 27 Dresses. Rosecliff is open for tours and hosts the annual Newport Flower Show.
4. Chateau-sur-Mer (474 Bellevue Ave): The Victorian Grande Dame
Chateau-sur-Mer holds the distinction of being the most palatial residence in Newport from its completion in 1852 until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s. It is considered the mansion that “ushered in the Gilded Age”. Originally constructed as an Italianate-style villa for China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore by architect Seth C. Bradford, it was extensively remodeled and expanded in the 1870s by Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt transformed the house into a landmark of High Victorian architecture, adding a new wing and tower in the French Second Empire style. The interior showcases a range of 19th-century design trends, from an Eastlake-style billiard room to a library that was crafted in Italy and reassembled on-site. Now a National Historic Landmark, it is open for self-guided tours.
5. Kingscote (253 Bellevue Ave): The Gothic Revival Pioneer
Built between 1839 and 1841, Kingscote is a landmark of the Gothic Revival style and one of the very first summer “cottages” to be built on what was then a country road. Designed by architect Richard Upjohn for Georgia planter George Noble Jones, its appearance marked the beginning of the “cottage boom” that would define Newport for the next century. When the Jones family left Newport at the start of the Civil War, the house was sold to the King family, who owned it until 1972. In 1881, the firm of McKim, Mead & White was engaged to design an addition, including a new dining room that features the earliest known installation of Tiffany glass. A National Historic Landmark, Kingscote provides a fascinating contrast to the later, larger mansions.
6. Isaac Bell House (70 Perry St, at Bellevue Ave): The Birth of the American Shingle Style
While many Gilded Age patrons looked to Europe for architectural inspiration, the Isaac Bell House represents a distinctly American expression. Built from 1881-1883 for cotton broker Isaac Bell, it is an early and seminal work by McKim, Mead & White and one of the nation’s finest surviving examples of the Shingle Style. The style, pioneered in Newport, is characterized by its complex composition, extensive use of wood shingles, and an open, flowing floor plan that was a radical departure from the rigid, compartmentalized layouts of traditional Victorian homes. The design masterfully combines Old English and colonial American elements with exotic details, such as Japanese-inspired bamboo-style porch columns, reflecting the Aesthetic Movement’s global influences. This National Historic Landmark is open for tours on select days.
7. A Glimpse of Other Legends: Concise Profiles
- Beechwood (580 Bellevue Ave): Famously the home of Caroline “the Mrs. Astor,” whose ballroom, remodeled by Richard Morris Hunt, was the exclusive domain of New York’s “Four Hundred” social elite. After years as a popular living history museum, the estate is now privately owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and is closed to the public.
- Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Ave): An eclectic chateau designed by Richard Morris Hunt for banking heir and socialite Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont. The mansion is currently undergoing an extensive restoration and is open to the public for guided tours on a limited basis, featuring an on-site museum.
- Rough Point (End of Bellevue Ave): The English Manorial-style mansion built for a Vanderbilt was the final Newport home of the reclusive tobacco heiress Doris Duke. It is now operated as a museum, preserved much as she left it.
Part III: Beyond the Gates – Culture, Recreation, and Shopping on The Avenue
The Gilded Age elite created not just a collection of magnificent homes on Bellevue Avenue, but a complete, self-contained ecosystem for their leisure and social lives. This world included exclusive venues for sport, culture, and commerce, many of which remain vital attractions today, often through adaptive reuse that has become a cornerstone of the avenue’s preservation strategy.
The Newport Casino and International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Ave)
Contrary to its name, the Newport Casino was never a gambling establishment. It was commissioned as one of America’s first social clubs to integrate recreational facilities, a hub for the Gilded Age summer colony. Designed in 1879-81 by the prestigious firm of McKim, Mead & White, the building is a masterpiece of the Shingle Style and a National Historic Landmark in its own right. Here, society members would gather for lunch, afternoon tea, theatrical performances, and lawn tennis. The Casino’s grass courts hosted the first U.S. National Championships (the precursor to the US Open) in 1881.
In 1954, the historic building was saved from demolition when Jimmy and Candy Van Alen established the National Tennis Hall of Fame—today’s International Tennis Hall of Fame. Today, it functions as a modern museum preserving the global history of tennis, with nearly 2,000 artifacts on display drawn from a permanent collection of more than 30,000 objects. The venue continues its sporting legacy, hosting the annual ATP Tour Hall of Fame Open on its 13 historic grass courts each July. The ITHF is open to the public and offers museum tours and a calendar of events, including the annual induction ceremony for tennis legends.
Newport Art Museum (76 Bellevue Ave)
Founded in 1912 as the Art Association of Newport, the Newport Art Museum is another prime example of adaptive reuse preserving a historic landmark. The museum is housed in the John N. A. Griswold House, an 1864 mansion designed by Richard Morris Hunt. The building is a National Historic Landmark and one of the earliest and finest examples of the American Stick Style of architecture. The museum’s collection focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present, with a special emphasis on works by Rhode Island and New England artists, including celebrated figures like Gilbert Stuart and John La Farge, alongside contemporary artists. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday and hosts a variety of guided tours, lectures, and artist talks throughout the year.
Other Cultural and Commercial Hubs
- Redwood Library and Athenaeum (50 Bellevue Ave): Standing as a testament to Newport’s colonial intellectual roots, the Redwood Library, established in 1747, is the oldest lending library in the United States.
- Audrain Automobile Museum (222 Bellevue Ave): Located in the historic Audrain Building (1902), this modern museum celebrates automotive history and design, showcasing a remarkable collection of over 350 rare and significant automobiles and motorcycles.
Part IV: The Bellevue Experience – Where to Stay and Dine
The modern economy of Bellevue Avenue exists in a symbiotic relationship with its Gilded Age past. The mansions and museums draw visitors from around the world, who in turn support the hotels, inns, and restaurants that make the area a full-service destination. This section provides a curated guide to the establishments located directly on Bellevue Avenue, offering an authentic and convenient base for exploration.
Bellevue Avenue Accommodations at a Glance
| Property Name | Address | Type | Key Feature/Vibe | Price Point |
| Hotel Viking | 1 Bellevue Ave | Luxury Hotel | Historic grandeur, full-service amenities, spa, rooftop bar | Luxury |
| The Inns on Bellevue | 10 & 30 Bellevue Ave | B&B Collection | Intimate, historic, cozy; includes three distinct properties | Upscale/Mid-range |
Accommodations on The Avenue
- Hotel Viking (1 Bellevue Ave): An iconic Newport landmark, the Hotel Viking opened in 1926 specifically to accommodate the many guests attending the lavish parties at the nearby mansions. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, it masterfully blends its Gilded Age romance with modern luxury. The full-service hotel features 208 guest rooms and suites, the Spa Fjor, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining venues, including the popular One Bellevue restaurant and the Top of Newport rooftop bar.
- Inns: Offering a more intimate alternative to the grand hotel, this collection of historic bed & breakfasts is located directly across the street from the Hotel Viking. The collection includes:
- Bellevue Manor (10 Bellevue Ave): A historic inn offering deluxe rooms, junior suites, and two-bedroom suites. Guests receive a full breakfast and, for a nominal fee, can access the pool at the Hotel Viking.
- Inn on Bellevue (30 Bellevue Ave): A classic inn with a European flair, featuring individually decorated rooms. It is praised for its central location, free breakfast, and charming atmosphere.
- Bellevue House: Part of the same collection, this inn provides a more economical option while still offering private baths, modern amenities, and a prime location.
A Taste of Bellevue Avenue
| Restaurant Name | Address | Cuisine | Vibe/Setting |
| One Bellevue | 1 Bellevue Ave | American Bistro | Sophisticated, upscale hotel dining |
| La Forge Casino Restaurant | 186 Bellevue Ave | American, Seafood | Historic, casual, view of tennis courts |
| Pasta Beach | 138 Bellevue Ave | Italian, Pizza | Casual, lively, patio dining |
| Picnic Cafe | 28 Bellevue Ave | Cafe, Bakery | Cozy, gourmet take-out |
Dining on The Avenue
- One Bellevue (1 Bellevue Ave): The signature restaurant of the Hotel Viking, One Bellevue is a sophisticated American bistro focused on modern and traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a traditional afternoon tea service.
- La Forge Casino Restaurant (186 Bellevue Ave): A famous local establishment situated within the historic Newport Casino building, La Forge offers a classic Newport dining experience. Serving American fare and fresh seafood, its porch seating provides unparalleled views of the grass tennis courts of the Hall of Fame.
- Pasta Beach (138 Bellevue Ave): A popular and lively spot founded in 2002, Pasta Beach serves authentic Italian cuisine, specializing in pasta and thin-crust pizzas. In warmer months, its patio is a prime spot for casual dining and people-watching.
- Picnic Cafe (28 Bellevue Ave): This charming gourmet bakery and cafe is the perfect stop for a high-quality coffee, a freshly baked treat, or a curated meal designed to be taken away for a picnic at a nearby park or beach.
Preserving an Enduring Legacy
Bellevue Avenue is far more than a street lined with beautiful houses; it is a physical monument to a pivotal chapter in the American story. Its evolution from a simple farm path to the nation’s most opulent summer colony was fueled by the unprecedented wealth and ambition of the Gilded Age. This era fostered an architectural dialogue of immense creativity and competition, resulting in a landscape so unique it demanded preservation. Today, the avenue’s vitality is a testament to the foresight of preservationists and a model of how historic structures can be adapted for modern cultural life.
