This Newport, RI, summer “cottage” built in 1895 belonged to the Vanderbilts. Compared to their NY City home of 150 rooms, this 70 room home was a step down with its mere 138,000 sq. ft. But, no matter, it was only used to get away from the summer heat for 6-8 weeks each summer. As much as I admired the stunning and brilliant craftsmanship of the artisans who built this home, it was impossible for me to understand a life that would require 40 servants in an early 1900’s summer “cottage.” I usually have a pretty good imagination, but I just can’t put my arms
around that one. As Providence would have it, Cornelius, who had it built, only got to enjoy it for about a year before he suffered a stroke. His wife, children and some grandchildren were, however, able to enjoy it until 1937. But, if you figure that they were only in it 6-8 weeks a year, when you add that all together it amounts to a little over 5 ½ years. The daughter who inherited the property turned it into a museum after 1937. So, basically Cornelius Vanderbilt spent $11 million in 1895 to build a museum that his family was able to use off an on for a total of 5 ½ years before the rest of us got to see it!! Wasn’t that nice of him?
This Newport, RI, summer “cottage” built in 1895 belonged to the Vanderbilts. Compared to their NY City home of 150 rooms, this 70 room home was a step down with its mere 138,000 sq. ft. But, no matter, it was only used to get away from the summer heat for 6-8 weeks each summer. As much as I admired the stunning and brilliant craftsmanship of the artisans who built this home, it was impossible for me to understand a life that would require 40 servants in an early 1900’s summer “cottage.” I usually have a pretty good imagination, but I just can’t put my arms 
around that one. As Providence would have it, Cornelius, who had it built, only got to enjoy it for about a year before he suffered a stroke. His wife, children and some grandchildren were, however, able to enjoy it until 1937. But, if you figure that they were only in it 6-8 weeks a year, when you add that all together it amounts to a little over 5 ½ years. The daughter who inherited the property turned it into a museum after 1937. So, basically Cornelius Vanderbilt spent $11 million in 1895 to build a museum that his family was able to use off an on for a total of 5 ½ years before the rest of us got to see it!! Wasn’t that nice of him?
1 comment:
VERY cute picture!
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