Three Newport mansions to remain open in winter for first time

FOR THE FIRST time, three of the Newport mansions, including The Breakers, will remain open through the winter. / COURTESY THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY/JOHN CORBETT
FOR THE FIRST time, three of the Newport mansions, including The Breakers, will remain open through the winter. / COURTESY THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY/JOHN CORBETT

(Updated, 4:55 p.m.)
NEWPORT – For the first time, three of the Newport mansions will remain open through the winter, with the intent of enhancing the houses as year-round destinations.
The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House are now open daily for tours throughout the winter.
Trudy Coxe, CEO and executive director of the Preservation Society of Newport County, said the organization has been gradually extending the length of the mansions’ operating season, and visitors have taken advantage of the added access. The nonprofit owns and preserves 11 historic properties, including these three.
Long a summertime destination, the mansions and Newport itself is growing as a place to visit even in the “shoulder seasons” of fall, winter and early spring, she said.
“By keeping more houses open during the winter months, we are also supporting our colleagues in Newport’s hospitality industry, by offering visitors more reasons to visit and stay in Newport in the off-season,” Coxe said.
The nonprofit is “going above and beyond” the public access requirements set by the American Alliance of Museums, which accredits the museums, said John G. Rodman director of museum experience, but fulfilling an important commitment to public access at the same time.
“It’s not lucrative to do this [but] we’re not losing money in the winter. We believe it will pay for itself,” he said. “It gives the public a new way to experience the houses and history and gives us a new way to accomplish our mission.”
Guided tours are available at all three houses during the winter months, with self-guided audio tours available at The Breakers during some busier time periods.
On March 19, two more houses, Chateau-sur-Mer and Kingscote, will open for the season.
On May 21, all remaining properties will open daily, including Rosecliff, Green Animals Topiary Garden, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House and Chepstow.
Visit www.NewportMansions.org or call 401-847-1000 for details about the operating schedule and ticket prices. The schedule is subject to change.

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