The TOP 7 Vanderbilt MANSIONS (You Can Visit Today)
The Vanderbilt Dynasty - once titans of American wealth and influence - have left an unforgettable impact that transcends their financial ventures in shipping and railways.
Indeed, a cornerstone of this legacy resides in the stunning mansions they erected across the United States - emblematic of architectural magnificence and historic timelessness.
Today, an astounding number of these splendid estates can be visited by you directly - offering a riveting window into a past era marked by sumptuousness.
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Why New York’s Largest Mansion EVER Was Demolished (Cornelius Vanderbilt II House): • Why New York’s Largest...
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Why New York's Most Opulent Hotels Were Demolished (The Waldorf and Astoria Hotels): • Why New York's Most Op...
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:08 7. Florham - Madison, New Jersey
2:52 6. Eagle’s Nest - Centerport, New York
4:45 5. Hyde Park - Hyde Park, New York
6:50 4. Rough Point - Newport, Rhode Island
9:05 3. Marble House - Newport, Rhode Island
11:43 2. The Breakers - Newport, Rhode Island
13:49 1. The Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina
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Certainly, here's a narrative version of the KZhead description, focusing on the Vanderbilt family's magnificent mansions:
Welcome to another episode of "Old Money Mansions." Today, we explore the fascinating world of the Vanderbilt family, once regarded as giants in American wealth and industry. Our journey takes us through a range of architectural styles, from Beaux-Arts to Italian Renaissance, all embodied in seven opulent estates you can visit today.
The episode starts with Florham in Madison, New Jersey. This Georgian Revival marvel is a sprawling estate with 110 rooms and 23 bathrooms. Currently a part of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham offers public tours that let you witness its grandeur up close.
Next on the list is Eagle's Nest in Centerport, New York. William K. Vanderbilt II's Spanish Revival estate comes complete with a private museum and a boathouse. The mansion provides a glimpse into both the family's legacy and a variety of maritime exhibits.
We then move to Hyde Park in New York, another Beaux-Arts wonder designed by the iconic firm McKim, Mead & White. Originally home to philanthropist Frederick Vanderbilt, the estate has been converted into a National Historic Site, welcoming visitors from all walks of life.
Our journey continues to Rough Point in Newport, Rhode Island, which was once owned by Doris Duke. The mansion combines elements of English and American architectural styles and offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
Next, we focus on Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island. Commissioned by William Kissam Vanderbilt, this Beaux-Arts beauty also has an interesting role in the history of women's suffrage and the social fabric of the era.
Finally, we arrive at The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. This Italian Renaissance-inspired palace belonged to Cornelius Vanderbilt II and is home to 70 lavish rooms filled with the cutting-edge technologies of its time.
For those interested in visiting these mansions, guided and self-led tours are available. Special events and other unique experiences can be booked as well. To stay updated on the latest episodes, consider subscribing to the channel.
COMMENT: Have you visited any - or all - of these legendary Vanderbilt structures?
I believe every one other than Eagles Nest
RN CCRN VALDEZ 💋🪖😎🐑🔔🏥💸☦️🇺🇲😱🫀🙏
The Biltmore
Biltmore and the Breakers.
Yes, I have visited the Biltmore in October. Such a beautiful home and October was a great month to visit because the leaves were changing to the extremely beautiful fall weather.
I have visited Biltmore Estate numerous times. Each time I have visited more of the house is opened to the public. I will also say that each time I see something I missed in the previous tour. It is absolutely beautiful, especially in the late spring and at Christmas.
Not only have I visited I was a guide at The Breakers and Marble House from 2000 - 2003. They are magical places! And I am a member of the Preservation Society of Newport County.
hello can i ask you question!!! before the Széchenyi cousin died out, i need to know one thing. the daughter of Gladys Vanderbilt Széchenyi (who owned Breakers), her second daughter was Countess Gladys Széchényi de Sárvár-Felsövidék (1913-1978),[15] who married the English peer Christopher Finch-Hatton, 15th Earl of Winchilsea (1911-1950). My Question is "was 15th Earl of Winchilsea or 16th Earl of Winchilsea ever stayed at the Breakers??"
@@angelabby2379 I’m sorry I don’t know. You might contact The preservation Society of Newport County. Start with their web site. Good luck!🍀
I bet you live in W.Warwick
Wow.....who cares?
I have visited five of the Vanderbilt mansions and each one was amazing in its own way. I used to live 35 minutes away from Newport, RI which has some wonderful examples of the Gilded Age mansions that were built during that era. For many years I collected antique furniture and art and was very lucky to have owned pieces from Chateau sur Mer, Fairlawn, and Vernon Court to name a few. Before I moved south in 2021, I was contacted by the Preservation Society of Newport regarding a Luigi Frullini carved chair that came from Chateau sur Mer that I owned and I am happy to say that the chair is now back in the mansion after 52 years of being in my private collection.
Very Nice. Good to know about mansions, I’ve only been to two so far.
I have been to one. While visiting my sister in North Carolina it's been one of my best memories.
You are so fortunate to have visited so many of the mansions. Lucky you!
Yes, I visited their mansions in Newport also, back in 2000.
My Great-Grandfather had a saw mill several miles south-east of Asheville, NC, and I recently learned from researchers at the Biltmore Estate archives, that his mill sold local lumber that was used in the construction of Biltmore House. My GG-father loaded lumber onto a railroad adjacent to his mill, and the lumber was transported by locomotive on a specially laid rail line that then ran to the very front door of Biltmore House, but was taken up after the completion of Biltmore House. The archivist said they had two folders of correspondence between my GG-father and the supervisors of construction dating from 1893 to 1894. I am so thrilled to think that my ancestor had some involvement in the construction of this most magnificent structure.
Sure he did 😂
Gracias que grato relato.
When I was still a teenager, I had a chance to visit the Breakers. It is unforgettable!
I will love to visit Biltmore States, I don’t mind paying to see beautiful architecture. These mansions have stunning architecture and beautiful work done by master craftsmen. Today’s mansions can’t compare to these fabulous breathtaking mansions.
I grew up on the Vanderbilt Estate in Manhasset, Long Island, New York. The area is called Strathmore Vanderbilt County Club. I was indeed blessed. ❤️
I have been to the Biltmore three times, once during the Winter season when the house is decked out for Christmas. I enjoy seeing the look of awe that takes over each person's face when going through the ornate entrance gate to see the mansion in front of you.
I actually get a season pass at the Biltmore Estate in NC. I have been countless times. NEVER gets old. The gardens are amazing and so are the shops. If I ever get married, it will be at Biltmore!
We have visited the Biltmore several times and have plans to go again in April, 2024. I am completely captivated by the architecture, the furnishings, the landscaping and the history of the family, it is like Brigadoon! There is a fascinating book by Denise Kiernan, "The Last Castle", which offers great insight into the mansion and the lives of those involved with it.
I have visited all but the Eagles Nest and Florham. I worked as a Sergeant in charge of the Residence on the Duke Farms Police Dept. for Miss Duke in Hillsborough, NJ. At the time, Miss Duke was President of the Newport Preservation Society. As a Regional Security Director for the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp., my position took me to our property the Biltmore Square Mall. I visited the Biltmore House several times. The Biltmore Square Mall was constructed on park of the Biltmore House estate's dairy pasture owned by the Vanderbilt-Cecil family. All the Newport mansions are beautiful. Each showcasing something unique. I was very fortunate to work for such illustrious families and have visited many other estates and buildings related to theses people.
My Grandparents lived a few miles from The Biltmore Estate and my wife and I would visit it every summer while visiting my Grandparents. We haven't been back since my Grandmothers passing in 1995. Every time you would go they would be opening a new section. It would be nice to see it after 28 years.
I bet you’re sweet Grandmom was a wonderful person. 😇
My sister and her husband live on land once owned by the Vanderbilt family .Thousands of acres sold for tax purposes ,but well maintained in the Blue Ridge Mountains .Beautiful and majestic with the mountains accenting the beauty of the area.
We toured Biltmore. What a magnificent mansion it is!
Huge and gorgeous, with views to die for.
Touring the Newport Mansions is a favorite pastime. It never gets old. Before I got married it was a family trip every year, at least once. Sometimes twice
I have never visited any of these gorgeous structures. However, they are all now on my bucket list!😊
Visited the Biltmore with me husband in early October of 2005. We loved every moment❤️
I visited Biltmore once and The Breakers numerous times. Overall, I've always been fascinated w/the Vanderbilt family.
Actually, the Breakers was sold by the Vanderbilts to the Preservation Society in 1994. I've been to all but one (Eagle's Nest) of these mansions. Unfortunately, when I went to Florham I was only able to walk around the exterior. Kudos for including Rough Point as this is generally assumed to have been built for the Dukes. However, you missed one: Eliza Vanderbilt Webb's Shelburne Farms (Shelburne, VT) now offers tours of the first floor of the mansion on certain days (Tue, Wed, Sun mid-May thru mid-Oct).
While visiting my friend in North Carolina she took me to visit the Biltmore as a suprise. I remember going up the tree lined drive and all the sudden there is a clearing. Rising up from the clearing is the Biltmore Castle, America's castle. It was a breathtaking sight that I still cherish. I loved touring the Biltmore Estate in a guided tour. It suprised me that the Biltmore felt warm and inviting. It looked like everyday people lived there even though the surroundings and furnishings stated otherwise. Visiting the Biltmore was one of the most exciting and wonderful things in my life. I plan on going back and taking my husband. I think he would really enjoy it. I look forward to returning and I'm sure it will be just as exciting the second time around. ❤
I have visited The Breakers once but I have been to the Biltmore Estate numerous times over the past 50 years and in every season of the year. Over the past half century I have seen the estate flourish as more rooms in the house have been restored and opened to the public as well as restorations and additions to the surrounding grounds. By far my favorite time of year to visit Biltmore is Christmastime. It truly is a magical place and in spite of it's enormous size and opulence, doesn't feel like a museum. It really does feel like a home.
That was my sentiment as well, that a home so large could feel so warm and cozy. Not at all overwhelming as I had imaged. It’s a wonderful home.
I have visited Biltmore, it is beautiful!! It is well run and still owned by the family.
What’s even more incredible is the speed in which these majestic mansions were built without sacrificing the impeccable quality! Back when most people took pride in their work and not just making a quick buck.
Christmas at the Biltmore…a beautiful experience. I would love to visit everyone of these beautiful structures 🥰
Newport, RI is chock-a-block full of mansions, the "summer cottages" of the wealthy. Many are open for tours.
I visited Hyde Park a few years back and it was lovely, I'm a huge history buff so enjoyed our tour alot all the room were incredible even the servant areas were very interesting to see. I recommend it highly.
We’ve visited Newport Rhode Island mansions including the Breakers. The Biltmore Mansion is our favorite because it feels like a home on the inside. The Biltmore is spectacular but especially at Christmas. Cornelius Vanderbilt was a pioneer in technology installing electric lighting. The behind the scenes tour is well worth a visit. I was not aware of the first 3 mansions on the list. May need to visit those too one day.
My sister and I go twice a year to Biltmore. We've been doing this for several years. We were fortunate enough to see places and rooms and furniture that are no longer on the tour. The sub basement was fascinating but has been deemed unsafe for foot traffic so no more tours there or on the rooftop tour for the same reason. We were fortunate we got to see both multiple times as well other parts of the house. Just turning into the estate the stress level starts to recede my attention turns quickly to the honeysuckle and the azalea garden and Deer Park...
Agree with you.
I have visited all the homes in NY and RI. All I can say is FABULOUS!!!
Just watched and now commenting per your gracious invitation. Have never visited, but these specimens represent a very special time in American history, so I can appreciate them in their historical context. Does anyone still reside in such environment? Will they be used to create their context for comparative learnings experiences in the fields represented like history, architecture, economics, landscape architecture, and gardening just to name a few. Hopefully.
I live about an hour and a half from Biltmore Estate. I have visited many times. My favorite time to visit is at Christmas. It is absolutely beautiful. I also like to go in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom. It is a magical place.
I have been to the Newport mansions & had the unique gift of being able to perform for 4 Christmas’ at The Biltmore Estate with my college’s Madrigal choir is full, time-appropriate dress. We loved those nights (I attended college about 60 min from there) and were able to tour, have beautiful treats, & take in the seasonal decor. I still return there at Christmas, as it is magical & breathtaking!
I’ve visited the Breakers and Marble House. They are both Stunning!! It is just amazing to buy a guided tour of these estates. There is so much information about the lifestyle which helps one understand not only the aesthetic, but also the wealth!! According to one guide, The Vanderbilts would have a miniature train in the center of the dining room table that would travel in a long, long loop. In the line of the train’s cars, they had filled them with loose gem stones which were party gifts for the guest to take!!! I will archive this video and make a point to visit the others, as your coverage of these Vanderbilt estates makes me want to see them all! Thank you for sharing the video and for the tours and commentary !!! 🎉🎉
I have visited The Breakers and Marble House. The Breakers is phenomenal, just stunning architecture, more than worth the price of a ticket to see the entire structure. At one time, if you were a resident of Newport, the admission was free. Not certain if this practice holds true today.
Gladys and Paul Szapary lived in the breakers until 2018. They had sold the breakers to the Newport preservation society in the 1970's. Gladys had worked to help with preservation of the mansion, but in 2018, an engineer deemed it unsafe for anyone to live in the house. This is all in Anderson Cooper's book.
Adition to Anderson Coopers books --There's articles about RI Preservation Society forced the leave. It's disturbing 😢
Anderson Cooper prefaced that in his book. Yes, it's very sad
I was fortunate to visit the Marble Mansion and The Breakers in Rhode Island. Grand!
I loved this Vedic. I have been to Biltmore in NC quite a few times and it has never lost its appeal 👏👏
Visited The Biltmore Estate twice. Absolutely Loved it!
I live over the Smoky mountains from Asheville in east Tennessee I have been to the Biltmore twice once at Christmas and again in the spring to enjoy the gardens. It is an amazing place.
I live just 10 miles from Eagles Nest. William was the grandson that spent the Vanderbilt fortune on travels, women, parties and the mansion. When he died he owed state almost all of the fortune, but it has been rebuilt since.
First visited Biltmore with my folks in 1968 and have brought many tour groups and influenced others to come see. I've toured several others on this fine list as well.
These homes are gorgeous. The homes of today just don't compare.
I have visited the Biltmore Mansion in Ashville, North Carolina. Beautiful! Love to visit it at Christmas. Love there wines!
I have been to the Biltmore in Asheville NC numerous times. I love it!! While touring we always stay at the Grove Park Inn. I also toured the Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park, NY. The grounds are also beautiful and overlook the Hudson River. It’s fun to bring along a picnic lunch and take in the beauty.
The Biltmore only. It's a fascinating display of fantasy touched by reality. Everyone should visit this home, especially in the season of Christmas.
I was a student at the Florham Campus and worked in the Student Life Office, so the Mansion (where I also had some classes) was always a focal point. I even have myself and some other student life workers on the staircase for our Halloween "Haunted Mansion" tour pictures. I would sometimes just wander around at night and wonder at the architecture - the tuition was steep but I loved every minute there! I also just came back from visiting Tennessee and made a special trip to see the Biltmore for Christmas which has been on my bucket list for a long time - it's absolutely stunning. I'm pretty sure I took over 100 photos and it made me a very happy woman indeed. :) Next up, I'd love to see the Breakers - but at 10:52, why oh why is there what looks to be an inflatable finger pillow there?? I'm assuming for some type of event but I had to go back and pause the video to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Very strange haha
Have visited the Biltmore twice. Amazing!! Want to go again. Servant area equally interesting.❤
Visiting all 7 is now on my bucket list!!! ThankU for sharing.
Please do!
I've been to them all yet Hyde Park is by far my favorite as it has the feel of being a home.
These are all magnificent homes! I have been to the Biltmore! Thank you for doing this video
Biltmore my favorite place to visit. Also check out The Grove Park Inn in Asheville. It was built around the same time ❤
I live in an old Vanderbilt house, one of the farm houses on their estate. The present owners are kicking us out of our home of 11 years, having paid over a quarter of a million dollars in rent, so they can renovate and double or triple the rent. My husband and I are 70 years old in March and they gave us one month to get out. We have been excellent tenants and cannot find anything comparable in this area, so we are devastated! This is how people make that kind of money!!😢
Many times ai have visited The Biltmore Estates and stayed in the Biltmore Inn. It is my favorite‼️ I will return again and perhaps will utter the phrase “…parsce que j’ai t’aime” 😉💕
I have visited the Hyde Park residence and the property in Centerport Long Island. Exceptional experiences each.
Love Biltmore…my family has been there a least a dozen times . Christmas Decor is beautiful & Spring Flowers are the best ! Love the gift shops & food
We don’t live far from the Biltmore House in Asheville. Been there many times and learn something new each time.
My wife and I visited the Biltmore Estate back in 1992.
So proud of their Dutch heritage!
If no one is going to mention the giant finger bolster pillow on the day bed at 10:53, I guess I will.
😂🤣
Yes I am currently at Biltmore and came across this video !! I love it here
I have seen the Biltmore house in NC several times. Love its 0ppulents, the beauty. Will go again.
I've visited Biltmore probably 3 or 4 times over the decades. It's incredible and you could spend all day taking tours of that place. I would think that Biltmore as well as the others generate constant income for maintenance personnel as well to keep up all these properties. You definitely wouldn't want time and decay to kill the golden goose.
Strangely I feel home...when I'm watching this..feeling finally I found home..
I’ve visited the Biltmore several times and various seasons. Beautiful!
I’ve just recently toured the biltmore and it’s beautiful.
JUST AWESOME!
Been to the Biltmore house in Asheville N.C. 4 times. Love it.
I was lucky enough to visit the breakers and marble house two times each during my teenage years. The happy memories and hushed wonder and reverence I felt for such magnificent beauty are still just as strong as they were 30+ years ago! I hope someday to be able to afford to take my own children to visit those and all the other Vanderbilt estates. Thank you so much for such a lovely, thorough and informative video. It is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you.
Perfect
I have visited biltmore estates in every season ….and love it
I've been through the Breakers, Marble House and one not listed The Elms. I was there back in the late 60's.
We have visited Rough Point, Marble House, the Breakers and Biltmore. Biltmore is my favorite...each of these homes is amazing in their own way.
I've been to the marble mansion Newport Rhode Island😊 very impressive
As Biltmore estate is one county over from where I live & is a must-see for the entire region. I have visited 2 times
I’ve been to the Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park NY . Great video !
So cool! Thanks for watching, Anthony!
Thank you for showing my homes! I'll invite you to my parties there 😜😁
Yes I toured The Breakers in Newport , yet I was unaware there were so many but hope to tour # 1 in NC.
I enjoyed reading so many of these comments and people's stories about their experiences seeing these beautiful mansions. I would LOVE to go to BIltmore at Christmas, any time really as I never have gone. So, here is just a tidbit of my experience. I grew up going to school in Hyde Park, NY. I have been to the Vanderbilt mansion many times to hang out by the Hudson River, trails, tour mansion and grounds. My senior class all had our senior pictures taken there throughout different parts of the property like a certain wood line, the White Bridge, the back outside staircase, and other places. F.D. Roosevelt's mansion is three miles south of the Vanderbilts. St. James Church is right across the street from the Vanderbilts. Their money along with Roosevelts and others up there paid and built that church. Roosevelts family members are buried there also. Roosevelt and Eleanor are buried in the gardens at the mansion. My mother lives two streets over from the back entrance to Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's summer cottage. There are other mansions there as well as some actor/actresses there. My brother lives about a half mile from James Cagneys old home. My friend worked for Mary Tyler Moore on her landscaping.
Why did I only know about the Breakers and Biltmore? And, I realize that these "top seven" are only the tip of what still remains. Many, especially the ones in downtown New York City, were destroyed. Thankfully, these great structures are still standing as a tribute to the artisans and builders who created them.
I visited Biltmore when I was a teenager, and even did a project on North Carolina where I learned about Biltmore several years prior. It is far more beautiful in person
I have visited The Breakers and Marble House several times and most recently we visited the Biltmore Estate
I have visited Biltmore. An extraordinary mansion.
I live 45 minutes away from Biltmore mansion in NC sadly only seen it once during a middle school field trip
My wife and I first visited Biltmore on our anniversary in December of 2010, and the mansion was beautifully decorated for Christmas. One other year, we took the Newport tour and visited the mansions on that tour. These are American classic mansions which should not be missed.
Thanks for sharing!
I understand that the Vanderbilt family had a “ summer residence” in Dunsmuir, Ca I think it’s been sold now but owned it since the 1920’s or 30’s . Would you have any photos of 5hat one?
I visited the ones in Newport RI.
We've been to the Hyde Park estate and the Biltmore.
My folks took me to the Breakers, Marble House, Hyde Park, and the Biltmore Estate
All of these homes are stunningly beautiful, but BILTMORE tops them all !
The only 1 I've been in is #1 of N. C. EXQUISITELY TASTEFULLY done to the Chocolate . Well done Biltmore .
I was astounded when I researched what several of the mansions $cost to build back then compared what it would $cost to build today. The Biltmore House $cost $5 million then compared to $180,000,000 now. Marble House: $11,000,000 then, & $300,000,000+ now. The Breakers: $12,000,000 then & $400,000,000+ now. Wow wow wow!!! And most of these mansions were considered “Summer Cottages”. The Gilded Age was definitely the time of the Super Rich & Opulence!
Went to Biltmore at Ashville NC
I've have been to 2. Eagle's Nest and Hyde Park.
One can still stay today at two former Vanderbilt family retreats: Inn at Shelburne Farms and Great Camp Sagamore. Sagamore is the Adirondack compound where Alfred Vanderbilt and his family relaxed away from Newport and NYC.
There is also an Inn at Biltmore. I live in the area and see the ads for it. When we were in the Garden a year ago, they were setting up for a wedding the next day. They also have stables and a winery. We didn't see them. Maybe next time.
I want to visit biltmore!
I live in Chicago and I've visited a number of Gilded Age buildings in and around the Chicago metro.
Good afternoon, thank you for this great video production...I was raised not far from the Breakers, my mother would take me there from time to time...I became friends with a RI real-estate developer when we were just teenagers, eventually years later he purchased the mansion just adjutant to the Breakers and his company restored the property in 7 years... ...Artist, Old Naples Florida🌴🎨
I visited the Biltmore three times and the Breakers once.
The Biltmore has an indoor swimming pool created on a different timeline same as the rest of these structures around the globe