The Elms

Built in the early 1900s for coal tycoon Edward Julius Berwind and his wife Herminie, The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island, was styled after Parisian château Château d’Asnieres. Designed by Parisian Jules Allard, who also designed The Breakers and Marble House, the home was privately owned until 1962, when it was threatened by foreclosure. The Preservation Society of Newport purchased it and opened it to the public so that the historical significance of this “summer cottage” could be preserved for future generations. Not only a National Historic Landmark, but this stunning example of Parisian architecture also contains countless works of art, from paintings to statues, rare books, and Louis XV-style furniture, some of which were once owned by Marie Antoinette.

The Elms Mansion Summer Cottage in Newport Rhode Island New England East Coast Written and Photographed by Luxury Travel Writer Annie Fairfax

Location: Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Address: 367 Bellevue Ave Newport, RI 02840
Hours: Seasonal; see hours here
Admission Price: $25 per Adult or Free with NARM Membership
Built: 1899 – 1901
Designation: National Historic Landmark

About The Elms

In the early 20th century, the 18th-century French style was all the rage. Anyone with wealth was trying to keep up with the grandeur of French nobility of the past, perhaps none more so than newly moneyed Americans like the Berwinds, whose summer home cost the modern equivalent of $50 million USD. This period in the United States was aptly called “The Gilded Age” by novelist Mark Twain because something gilded looks lovely on the surface but is something else entirely beneath. The unfettered growth of the upper echelons was the hallmark of this period. At the same time, the rest of society struggled with pollution, an absence of worker’s rights, rampant racism, a lack of women’s rights, and many other glaring issues that still persist to this day.

Edward Berwind, at one point, held the distinction of owning more coal mines than anyone else in the world. His wealth was staggering, but allegations of worker abuse and exploitation marred his reputation and haunt his memory. He ruled his company with brutality, vehemently opposing unionization and contributing to the rise of exploitative company towns that practically enslaved his workers. His insatiable greed led to numerous worker deaths due to unsafe mining conditions and explosions. The dark side of his legacy adds a layer of intrigue to the history of The Elms. While his home is an incredibly well-preserved glimpse into the fascinating and elegant past, it’s also a sobering reminder that one’s reputation and actions are far more important and enduring than money.

At the time of his death, he and his late wife had no children, so he left his money and beautiful home to his sister, Julia. When she died in 1961, no one in their family was interested in maintaining the 48-room, 60,000-square-foot home with an entourage of 40 household staff. So, this historic home was nearly demolished until the Newport Preservation Society stepped in to purchase it and turn it into a museum. It’s horrible that, in the end, all of those lives were lost just so a museum could be built. While preserving the history of places like The Elms is important, it’s even more vital to remember the human cost and the lives unnecessarily lost so that this place could exist.

What to Know Before Visiting The Elms

I recommend getting a membership if you plan to visit more than one of the Newport Preservation Society’s properties. Not only will you save money and support their non-profit preservation efforts, but you’ll also gain access to NARM, the North American Reciprocal Museum Association. This network of nearly 1,400 museums, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions is an incredible, tax-deductible pass that allows unfettered exploration and learning. If you visit more than a museum or two each year, it’s well worth the investment.

When visiting The Elms, consider popping into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, too. It’s only an 8-minute walk away.

Why I Enjoyed Visiting

I love learning about history. Though the original owner of The Elms was, objectively speaking, a pretty terrible person who saw his employees more as tools than human beings, the home itself is breathtaking. It’s evident that so much love and care has gone into preserving it, thanks to the Newport Preservation Society and the people who tirelessly work and volunteer there. The staff we’ve encountered are friendly, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions if you have any during your visit or self-guided tour.

Whenever I visit a place with a dark or lurid past, like plantations or countries that were on the wrong side of history, I focus on learning about the victims of such places and modern people who keep their memories alive. So, visit, enjoy the incredible architecture, and remember the people who made all of this possible.