Chateau-sur-Mer Mansion, Newport

Chateau-sur-Mer stands as one of the earliest and most magnificent mansions of the Gilded Age. Today, this splendid residence is under the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County and welcomes visitors as a captivating museum. Chateau-sur-Mer played a pivotal role in ushering in the Gilded Age of Newport, serving as the epitome of grandeur in its time, a title it held until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s.

Constructed in 1852, Chateau-sur-Mer was envisioned as an Italianate villa for William Shepard Wetmore. Hailing from St. Albans, Vermont, Wetmore was a merchant with ties to the Old China Trade. The mansion's design and construction were overseen by Seth C. Bradford, and it was meticulously crafted using Fall River Granite, adding to its architectural allure. It now holds the esteemed status of a landmark in Victorian architecture and design, showcasing a stunning array of period furniture, wallpapers, ceramics, and intricate stenciling.

Upon Wetmore's passing in 1862 at Chateau-sur-Mer, the legacy and ownership were passed on to his son, George Peabody Wetmore. During the 1870s, the Wetmores embarked on an extensive European sojourn, entrusting renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt to oversee the remodeling and redecoration of the mansion. Hunt's work transformed Chateau-sur-Mer into a stunning example of the French Second Empire style and incorporated a multitude of design trends from the latter half of the 19th century.

The mansion's interior boasts a breathtaking great hall, a towering three-story space crowned by a 45-foot ceiling and expansive balconies. The billiard room exudes the Eastlake style, with oak timbers elegantly arranged diagonally across the ceiling and herringbone-patterned flooring. The library, designed and constructed in Italy, then transported to Newport, showcases a rich Italianate influence.

Chateau-sur-Mer's historical significance is immense. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1968 and acquired by the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1969. In 2006, it achieved the prestigious status of a National Historic Landmark, securing its place as a celebrated icon of the Gilded Age.