I had the good fortune of visiting Newport, Rhode Island during my recent visit to New England. I wanted to go to Ochre Court because I had used it in one of my novels, Unrelenting Love (Banished Saga, Book Five), although I had never been inside. The last time I was in Newport, I had not realized you could enter the mansion free of charge if there was no event scheduled.
Thus, when I returned to Newport to walk the Cliff Walk, I was determined to enter the second largest mansion in Newport, only after the Breakers.
This is the main entrance hall with soaring ceiling above (I'll have a picture of the ceiling in a second.). This picture is looking out toward the front driveway. Behind me, is a row of glass doors leading to the green lawn and the sea. That picture didn't turn out due to the sunny day. A ballroom is off to the right, while I imagine what would have been a formal sitting room and office would have been to the left. However, the rooms to the left are now offices for Salve Regina University.
Isn't the ceiling gorgeous? I was also amazed by the intricate wood detailing and the beautiful marble.
The ballrooms are now used for conference and lecture rooms, but I could easily envision couples twirling to the strains of a waltz with the gentle roar of the ocean in the background.
This is a picture of the double fireplace in one of the ballrooms– it's hard to tell, but the fireplace is taller than my 6'2 brother! Can you imagine having to keep that fire going?
The view up the staircase to the second level. I couldn't go up there as you can only wander the first floor. However, it was such a treat and I loved it. I love exploring on my own without a guide.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek into the Newport Gilded Age!
