‘Tis the season, part 3: outings
As part of our Christmas activities while family from out-of-town were visiting, we went to Newport, RI to see the Newport Mansions.
This was the second time I have visited the mansions during the Christmas season. Sometime, I hope to go in the spring/early summer when the flower gardens are in bloom. However, regardless of the seaon, I think that there is striking beauty in the architectural and design details.
These pictures are from The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms. The only photography that is allowed inside the mansions are of the Christmas trees, so all but the last picture were taken outside.
I love the way the lamp design mimics the shape of the trees. There is also a carved vine wrapped around the post.
Has the nose been rubbed for good luck?
The gate to The Breakers.
Notice how Cornelius Vanderbilt II had his initials worked into the design at the top of the gate.
Here, I’ll help you see the CV (with red outline).
This view stirs up images of carriages arriving for a fancy ball.
I think all homes should have gargoyles as part of the gutter system. They are much cooler than downspouts.
I love the detail in the stonework at The Breakers.
The sun was beginning to go down as I took this picture, and I love how the under side of the archway is golden from the setting sun.
This is the side of The Breakers that faces the ocean.
Marble House is also quite impressive and beautiful even in winter.
Beautiful stonework.
It was really getting dark by the time we reached The Elms, but doesn’t the semi-darkness set off the Christmas lights and lamps?
This is a view of the poinsettia tree at The Breakers.