Keeping Up With the Vanderbilts at The Breakers (the First Floor)

From the website: "Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the richest men in America, The Breakers was everything a millionaire of the Gilded Age could want in a summer getaway. A classic Italian palazzo design, the finest American and European craftsmanship, views of the sea, and modern technology combined to make the ideal setting for luxurious living and entertaining."

The Breakers is one of the Summer "cottages" located in Newport, Rhode Island . There are 70 rooms, including 48 bedrooms for the family and staff. From the tour leaflet: "Work began in the Spring of 1893and, remarkably, was completed in  the Summer of 1895, with the house totaling 138,300 square feet."

The first house purchased by Cornelius Vanderbilt II (grandson to Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt) was destroyed in a fire in 1892. He had the current house designed and rebuilt. I found the house to be both magnificent, but gaudy. 

The Great Hall

This room measures, 50 feet x 50 feet x 50 feet (my entire Little Dollhouse could fit into this room). "Many parties were held in this room over the years, with the first being in 1895 for Miss Getrude Vanderbilt. Over the years, this hall was the scene of tricycle rids and sliding down the grand staircase on silver dinner trays by children in the family."

The Grand Staircase

Under the Grand Staircase

The Breakfast Room and informal family dining room

Ceiling painting of the goddess, Aurora ushering in the dawn

Mosaic floor in the billiard room

"The dolphin was the ancient symbol of hospitality and can be seen in multiple areas around the house."

Clock by the Grand Staircase

Door panels to the Morning Room depict the Four Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water.

The Four Seasons are depicted on the ceiling

As the card says, The Music Room, "was the setting for family weddings and debutante parties"

I wouldn't want to dust and clean the crystal chandliers

The Music Room was also the setting for the HBO series The Gilded Age as the Russells' New York Ballroom and daughter Gladys' debut ball

Library Alcove

The Library