Beechwood Mansion
Newport's only living history museum
The Beechwood Mansion experience is unlike any you'll have at the otherNewport Rhode Island mansions. What else would you expect at the summer home of a woman who insisted on being called "The Mrs. Astor" by her family and friends?
In addition to enjoying the mansion's elegance and its stunning views of the ocean and Newport Cliff Walk, you'll be taken back in time to 1891 and treated like a member of "The 400", Mrs. Astor's elite social circle.
UPDATE 2010
Larry Ellison, the billionaire founder of Oracle, purchased Beechwood mansion earlier this year for $10.5 million.
The bad news is that the mansion is no longer open to the public for tours or available for weddings and other functions. The good news is that this could be a good sign that Ellison (and his BMW-Oracle Racing team) are favoring Newport as the host of the America's Cup races!
We'll keep our fingers crossed and provide updates once any decisions are made.
***Please note that I've decided to leave the remainder of this page as it was when Beechwood was open to the public. The mansion is no longer open for tours or available for functions. :(
Beechwood was purchased by William Backhouse Astor, Jr. (grandson of John Jacob Astor) in 1881. He spent $2 million renovating the property to make it suitable for hosting lavish summer events.
William's wife Caroline, the undisputed queen of American society, would spend 8 weeks a year here during the summer. She hosted amazing parties for those fortunate enough to be included in the elite list of "400" that she and Ward McAllister created.
For over two decades, Beechwood Mansion was the epicenter of Gilded Age festivities. In some ways, it continues to be so to this day.
The coolest thing about Astors Beechwood is the Living History Tours. No matter what time of day or year you come here, the Beechwood Theatre Company will be portraying either Mrs. Astor's family, friends and servants.
If you visit during the off-season, you'll be applying for a position on the domestic staff. You'll be led around the house by the maids, and get to see what life is really like working for "The Mrs. Astor".
When you visit during the season, you'll be greeted as one of the "400", and be treated as such throughout your tour of the house and grounds. You'll feel what it was like to be a guest at the epicenter of American society during the Gilded Age. Beechwood mansion has a variety of tour options, ranging in price from $15-30 per adult and $6-15 per child:
- Living History Tours
- Murder Mystery Tours
- Evening with the Astors
- Christmas Tours
- Christmas Feast
- New Years Eve
The fountain is always surrounded by beautiful flowers
View from rear lawn
Beechwood is also a great location to hold an event, such as a wedding ceremony and reception, rehearsal dinner or corporate event.
There is ample space for your guests inside in the receiving room, ballroom, formal dining room, music room and morning room. This location can comfortably seat 100-150 guests inside, and many more outside on the terrace and expansive lawn.
Enjoy a cocktail and the view from the terrace
The ideal spot for a wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean
Check out the Newport Cliff Walk after you tour the mansion.
If you're looking for a unique Newport mansion experience, you're sure to find it here. Beechwood is located at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, in between Rosecliff and Marble House mansions.
Beechwood Mansion
580 Bellevue Avenue
401-846-3772
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