Rough Point Mansion and Museum, Newport

Rough Point is one of the historic Gilded Age mansions located in Newport. This grand estate is an exquisite example of the English Manorial architectural style, designed by the renowned architectural firm Peabody & Stearns for its original owner, Frederick William Vanderbilt. Construction of the mansion, crafted from striking red sandstone and granite, commenced in 1887 and was splendidly completed in 1892. Rough Point is majestically positioned along Bellevue Avenue, offering captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean and is gracefully bordered by the iconic Cliff Walk. The original gardens were thoughtfully designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, a prominent landscape architect of his time.

Throughout its storied history, Rough Point had several prominent owners. In 1894, the Vanderbilt family began renting the property to summer guests, and one notable tenant was William Bateman Leeds Sr., a figure known as the 'Tinplate King' due to his involvement with the American Tin Plate Company. In 1906, William Bateman Leeds Sr. purchased the 10-acre estate. After his passing in 1908, his widow, Nancy Leeds, enlisted the services of architect John Russell Pope to make exterior modifications to the mansion. She retained ownership until 1922, and her son, William Bateman Leeds Jr., eventually married Princess Xenia Georgievna of Russia.

In 1922, Rough Point entered a new era under the ownership of James Buchanan Duke, a pioneering figure in electric power and tobacco industries, and a notable benefactor of Duke University. Duke and his second wife, Nanaline, embarked on a significant renovation of the house, incorporating the expertise of architect Horace Trumbauer from Philadelphia. The result was the addition of two new wings, enhancing the estate's grandeur. To refine the home's interiors, Nanaline enlisted the services of the design firm White Allom.

Rough Point remained in the possession of Nanaline Duke until her passing in 1993. Subsequently, it was entangled in litigation for a few years before opening its doors to the public as a museum in 2000. The property is now owned by the Newport Restoration Foundation, and guided tours are available from May to November each year. Since 2003, the museum has featured rotating exhibits, showcasing various aspects of its rich history, such as clothing, jewelry, silver, and furniture. Visitors to Rough Point have the unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the grandeur and elegance of the Gilded Age in this remarkable mansion.