The Elms, Newport (must see)

The Elms is not just a mansion; it's a grand testament to the Gilded Age's architectural opulence. Completed in 1901, this colossal "summer cottage," as they are sometimes whimsically called, is an embodiment of splendor and French-inspired design. Horace Trumbauer, the renowned architect of the time, created this masterpiece for Edward Julius Berwind, a prominent coal baron. Drawing inspiration from the 18th-century Château d'Asnières in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, Trumbauer designed The Elms as a palatial retreat.

Berwind's vision extended beyond the mansion itself. Collaborating with landscape architects C. H. Miller and E. W. Bowditch, working closely with Trumbauer, the estate's gardens and landscapes were meticulously planned to complement the mansion's grandeur.

The Preservation Society of Newport County recognized the historical significance of The Elms, and in 1962, they acquired the property, opening it to the public for all to admire. In 1971, The Elms earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and its status was further elevated in 1996 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

The estate is a testament to French elegance, from the architecture of the house to the splendid grounds. The house's architecture represents a reinterpretation of the Château d'Asnières, an 18th-century French estate in Asnières-sur-Seine, France. While The Elms draws significant inspiration from this French masterpiece, it's not an exact replication, and there are notable differences. For instance, the flanking sections of the Château d'Asnières have five bays, while Trumbauer's design features four bays, marking it with a unique charm.

The gardens, a vital part of The Elms' allure, echo the taste of the eighteenth-century French landscape. They boast a sunken garden, which adds to the estate's appeal, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

Notably, the original American elms that once graced the property fell victim to Dutch elm disease. In their stead, weeping beeches now provide the mansion's striking shade and reinforce the sense of elegance that The Elms exudes.