THE BREAKERS

It was the wealthy Vanderbilt family who sponsored this huge Renaissance-style mansion. The first owner was Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1843-1899), director of the New York Central Railroad. He was the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), known as the Commodore, a business magnate who became one of the richest men in the country, an American self-made man par excellence who built his fortune in the railroad and shipbuilding industries. Upon his death, he bequeathed $5 million to his grandson who, in addition to a family empire, inherited his first name. The Breakers is an edifying testimony to the flamboyant lifestyle led by this extraordinary family, whose modest origins did not prevent its meteoric rise. A total of 70 pieces that bear witness to the splendour of yesteryear. Among the most remarkable pieces, let us mention the immense marble music room. One can also admire the magnificent Second Empire style mahogany piano on which Mrs. Vanderbilt played. Her husband played the violin. Also worth seeing is the Billiards Room, a magnificent room dedicated to billiards, the walls of which were built from blocks of marble imported from Italy. Finally, admire the library, whose sumptuous fireplace comes from a castle in Burgundy. There is a marble bust of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. The Breakers is Newport's most famous and most visited home. Its location on the cliff, facing the ocean, is unique.