Rough Point, Newport
Rough Point, Newport
The Rough Point mansion is located in Newport, Rhode Island. The Rough Point mansion is a very important and fabulous piece of the area's architectural history. Built in 1889 by Frederick W. Vanderbilt of the prosperous Vanderbilt family, the Rough Point overlooks the constantly turning waves of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff Walk trail stretches alongside the back yard of the mansion, and the ocean view from both the mansion and the trail is nothing short of breathtaking.
The mansion was bought by James B. Duke in 1922. Duke was a multi millionaire who made his money from electricity and tobacco. Duke passed away in 1925, leaving his twelve year old daughter Doris with both the mansion and $80 million dollars to her name. Doris spent and invested the money wisely, and by the time she had passed on in 1993 she had earned more than a billion dollars, as well as a large collection of various art and other collectible items which she kept in the mansion. Now her collection and the Rough Point mansion are open to tours, and it also serves as somewhat as a history museum.
The tour of the mansion is very in depth and it is recommended for those with specific interest in the area's history and the life of Doris Duke. All tours must be scheduled by reservations, and the tours last a little over an hour. The tour begins with a quick view of the main rooms of the mansion and then focuses on two rooms that serve as more or less galleries of the various art and pieces of history that Doris Duke acquired during her lifetime. This is an essential experience for those who are interested in the area's past.
