The Elms | Newport RI

Information

Landmark: The Elms
City: Newport RI
Country: USA Rhode Island
Continent: North America

The Elms, Newport RI, USA Rhode Island, North America

The Elms is a historic mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

This Gilded Age estate was constructed between 1899 and 1901.

Visual Characteristics

The Elms is a large, three-story mansion constructed primarily of Indiana limestone. It features a French Renaissance architectural style, with a mansard roof, dormer windows, and elaborate ornamentation. The exterior walls are a pale, cream-colored stone. The building measures approximately 25,000 square feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The Elms is situated at 370 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the city center. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot. Public transport options include the Newport Area Transit District (NAT) bus line 66, which stops directly in front of the property.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Elms was designed by architect Horace Trumbauer for coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind. It was built as a summer residence and completed in 1901. The original purpose was to serve as a display of wealth and a place for social gatherings during the Gilded Age.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the first and second floors of the mansion, which are furnished with period pieces. The grounds include formal gardens, a greenhouse, and a carriage house. Guided tours focus on the architecture, furnishings, and the lives of the Berwind family and their staff.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shade is provided by trees on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not present on-site, but are located along nearby Bellevue Avenue.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky. The best months for visiting are from May through October, when the gardens are in bloom and the weather is typically mild. The mansion is open for tours during these months.

Facts & Legends

The Elms was one of the first private residences in Newport to have electricity and an elevator. A notable historical oddity is the extensive collection of art displayed throughout the house, including works by European masters.