Historic Newport mansions featured in The Gilded Age on HBO

NEWPORT, R.I. — Did you know multiple Newport Mansions are featured in The Gilded Age on HBO?

The Gilded Age is an American historical television drama series created and written drama Julian Fellowes. The series portrays the lives of New York’s high society in the 1880s. While much of the series is set in Manhattan, many episodes since season 1 (now on season 3) have been filmed in Newport, taking advantage of the state’s well-preserved Gilded Age architecture.

The Preservation Society of Newport County opened its historic properties to the production in 2022, allowing the series to showcase the architectural splendor of the era.

Notable filming locations in Newport include:

• The Breakers: This Italian Renaissance-style mansion, built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Its Music Room serves as the backdrop for the Russell family’s ballroom scenes. The Billiard Room at The Breakers serves as the Russells’ billiard room in their New York mansion.

• Marble House: Designed by Richard Morris Hunt for William K. Vanderbilt as a birthday gift to his wife, Alva, Consuelo Vanderbilt’s bedroom in Marble House is depicted as George Russell’s bedroom.

• The Elms: This mansions kitchen is often shown as the Russells’ bustling household hub, where their chef, butler, and other servants cook, work, and share gossip. This gives a glimpse into the lives of the household staff in this era as well. The Elms’ ballroom was featured as well.

• Rosecliff: Modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, Rosecliff’s exterior stands in as Sylvia Chamberlain’s house in Manhattan.

• Chateau-sur-Mer: This was one of the first grand Bellevue Avenue mansions of the Gilded Age. Built for merchant William Shepard Wetmore in 1852. The stairwell in this mansion is portrayed as being part of Mamie Fish’s New York house, as well as the dining room, and the Butternut Bedroom. The facade of this building serves as Mrs. Astor’s summer home in Newport.

In addition to these mansions, scenes were filmed at Kingscote, and Hunter House, further enriching the show’s visual authenticity. The series’ use of Newport locations not only added to the historical accuracy but also highlighted the state’s rich architectural heritage.

For fans of the series and history enthusiasts alike, many of these properties are open to the public. Visitors can tour the mansions to experience firsthand the grandeur that was captured on screen. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers guided tours, providing insights into both the real and fictional histories of these magnificent homes.

Each winter, Newport’s historic mansions transform into a festive wonderland, drawing visitors from across the world. The grand estates are elaborately decorated with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and ornate wreaths.

Visitors can stroll through rooms adorned with garlands, ribbons, and antique ornaments, experiencing a holiday atmosphere that blends history with seasonal charm. The mansions are beautifully illuminated at night, allowing visitors to stroll the grounds and enjoy the festive displays. Special events, guided tours, and holiday concerts are held throughout December, making the Newport mansions a beloved destination for families and tourists looking to soak in classic Christmas splendor.

Newport mansions featured in The Gilded Age.