Castle on the Sea

The Chateau-Sur-Mer is one of the summer "cottages" in Newport that offers a peek at the Second Empire French style, which is also known as the Napoleon III style and is known for its eclectic presentation of design and decorative arts. As a fan of maximalist design,  I couldn't wait to tour this Newport Mansion's property!  

This was my first visit to this home once owned by the Wetmore family who built it as their year-round family home.  I learned that it was one of the biggest homes before the Vanderbilts built their summer homes in Newport. The grounds are expansive and to imagine 2000+ guests for a country picnic on the lawns is quite something. The home was one that ignited the Gilded Age. 

One of my favorite rooms in the mansion is the dining room and apparently, others agree!  The table can seat 24 guests. The fireplace was carved from a single pice of walnut and the ceiling offers a beautiful painting that took me right back to Italy.

The Great Hall with the absolutely stunning staircase was another favorite part of the house for me. The George Wetmore, son of William Wetmore, hired architect, Richard Morris Hunt to update the house in 1870. Many parts of the original structure were moved to accommodate the changes. The architect also designed The Breakers and the Marble House in Newport.

Chateau-Sur-Mer one of two cottages that opened up for tours in August and September. Chepstow, is also open with limited access on weekends during the same time period. Learn more and purchase your tickets at NewportMansions.org.