The Breakers, Not the Palm Beach One
The other day my friend, Julia, and I went to the Beaker's mansion in Newport. Neither of us had been before. At first, I left feeling underwhelmed. But I was glad I went, and want to go back. As I'm writing this now, reflecting, it was impressive. When you think how old this place is. Built in 1892, it has running water, gas and electricity. Even the Baccarat crystal lamps are piped with gas and electricity.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II bought the property for $450k in 1885. It burned down, and this is what he had rebuilt. There are something like 65,000 square feet of indoor space. And it's designed to withstand a fire. It was built with no wooden pieces!
Bedroom on the other side of the windows from the previous picture. Not bad, for wall to wall carpeting.
It's like billiards was in their DNA.
What I think of when New-Agers use the phrase "creating space."
Why block such a grand fireplace?
Sink behind lock and key? The toilet was too.
Look at all that copper! I'd keep that big copper pot with the spigot brewing with chaga all the time.
There was lots of great use of dressing screens. I love the idea of using them to display photos.
I think this tub is meant to capture the heat. I'm just guessing, but that's my hunch. Run hot water through it for like an hour, really heat the whole thing up and then sit in there for a long soak.
I was noted for calling this a "wall-rug." Apparently the correct word is "tapestry."
Original Security System
The ocean is on the other side.