Chateau-sur-Mer, an exquisite National Historic Landmark located in Newport, Rhode Island, is set to offer a new and exciting way for visitors to explore its grandeur. Starting July 31, guests will have the opportunity to embark on a self-guided audio tour, a first for this majestic mansion.
The tour, accessible through the free Newport Mansions app, will guide visitors through the various rooms of Chateau-sur-Mer, providing insightful commentary about its intricate architecture, unique design elements, and the people who once called it home. From the Library with its elaborate carved wood paneling to the opulent Dining Room adorned with silvered leather wall coverings, and the captivating Stair Hall featuring the remarkable “Tree of Life” mural, the audio tour promises to bring the mansion to life in a new and immersive way.
Trudy Coxe, CEO of The Preservation Society of Newport County, expressed her enthusiasm for the new audio tour, stating that it will help visitors better understand the rich history and exceptional design of Chateau-sur-Mer. By offering this engaging experience, the Preservation Society hopes to attract more people to discover the mansion’s unique beauty and charm.
As the most palatial residence in Newport when it opened its doors in 1852 until the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer holds a significant place in the city’s history. It served as the home of the Wetmore family until 1966 when The Preservation Society acquired the house in 1969, dedicating itself to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, decorative arts, landscapes, and social history.
Chateau-sur-Mer is the fifth of the Preservation Society’s houses to offer an audio tour to visitors, following in the footsteps of The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff. By providing this modern and informative experience, visitors can delve deeper into the stories and allure of these iconic properties.
In addition to Chateau-sur-Mer, the Preservation Society’s historic house museum, Chepstow, will also be open for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays throughout August. Offering guide-led tours several times a day, Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa built in 1860, boasting a remarkable collection of furnishings and 19th-century American paintings.
For those eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer or explore the wonders of Chepstow, plan your visit between July 31 and October 1. To discover the full operating schedule of the Newport Mansions and obtain further information, visit www.NewportMansions.org.
About The Preservation Society of Newport County: The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts, and social history through its 11 historic properties, seven of which are National Historic Landmarks, spanning over 250 years of American architectural and social development. For more information, please visit www.NewportMansions.org.
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