Rosecliff

Rosecliff was designed to host a party. Stanford White of McKim, Mead and White built it in the early 1900s for Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a Nevada silver heiress and one of Newport's most ambitious hostesses, and he modeled it on the Grand Trianon at Versailles. The façade is white terracotta, the grounds hold a sweeping heart-shaped staircase, and the ballroom is among the largest of any Newport cottage, an unusual priority for a house whose real purpose was entertaining. The house has been the backdrop for several films, including High Society and The Great Gatsby, and its sweeping ballroom, curved double staircase and terrace views make it instantly recognizable. Today it belongs to the Preservation Society of Newport County and is part of its Bellevue Avenue group, usually interpreted with an emphasis on the social life of the Newport summer colony.

Rosecliff is the Newport house most interested in glamor. Mrs. Oelrichs hosted elaborate parties, including a famous fête with a theme and a guest list designed to be talked about, and the house was built to move large crowds easily from ballroom to terrace to garden. The rose garden, the lawns and the ocean-facing side explain why the cottage was so popular for entertaining, and why modern events, weddings and film productions continue to choose it.

Opening patterns, tour formats and any restoration work vary, so check the Preservation Society's current schedule before planning a visit. The Society manages visits across all its properties, and Rosecliff may be offered as part of a multi-house ticket, on its own or during special events. That makes it important to confirm what is available on your dates, particularly if the house is a priority for you.

For many travelers it works best as part of a Bellevue Avenue circuit. Marble House and the Elms are both nearby, and the Cliff Walk meets the avenue within a short drive. A good pattern is to take the trolley first for orientation, choose one headline house with a guide, and use Rosecliff as a second house if time allows.

Wear comfortable shoes, allow about an hour and a half, and keep in mind that interior photography rules and bag restrictions are set by the property. Film fans should look for the staircase, the ballroom and the terrace, all of which appear in famous scenes.

To get the most from a visit, spend time outside as well as in. The terrace, the lawns and the rose garden are central to why the house was built, and they explain how guests moved between ballroom and garden during large parties. Film fans can look for the angles used in famous scenes, and photographers will enjoy the way the white façade catches the afternoon light.

If the house is not open on your dates, a walk along the avenue still shows the entrance gates and the scale of the property, and the Cliff Walk gives a view of the ocean side.

If the interior is unavailable on your dates, consider spending the time at The Elms or Marble House instead, and note that special events sometimes affect access. Photography from the public road is limited, so plan any shots for the grounds, and arrive early on busy weekends.