The Elms

About

The Elms is one of Newport's most celebrated Gilded Age mansions, built in 1901 for coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind. Modeled after the 18th-century Chateau d'Asnieres near Paris, this grand estate showcases the extraordinary wealth and taste of America's industrial elite. Today it's preserved by the Preservation Society of Newport County and open to the public year-round.

Step inside and you'll find lavishly decorated rooms filled with Renaissance ceramics, fine paintings, and period furnishings. The first floor features grand reception rooms, a ballroom, and a conservatory that transport visitors back to an era of opulent entertaining. Audio tours guide you through the history of both the Berwind family and the domestic staff who kept the estate running.

The grounds at The Elms are a destination in their own right. Classical gardens feature sunken terraces, marble fountains, mature trees, and sculptural elements inspired by European formal garden design. A stroll through the property reveals carefully maintained landscapes that have been restored to their original early 20th-century splendor.

The Elms also offers a unique "Servant Life" tour that takes visitors behind the scenes into the basement and working areas of the mansion. This popular experience sheds light on the lives of the dozens of servants who maintained the household, offering a more complete picture of Gilded Age society.

Located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport's historic mansion district, The Elms is easy to combine with visits to other grand estates like The Breakers and Marble House. Newport itself offers excellent dining, waterfront views, and a walkable downtown that makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

Accessibility

The Elms offers some accessibility accommodations for visitors with mobility needs. The first floor of the mansion is accessible via a ramp entrance, allowing wheelchair users and those with mobility devices to experience the main reception rooms and exhibits. However, the upper floors of the historic mansion are reached by stairs and may not be accessible to all visitors.

Designated accessible parking is available on site, with spaces marked according to ADA guidelines. The Preservation Society of Newport County provides wheelchairs for loan on a first-come, first-served basis at several of their properties. Audio tour devices are available, which can be helpful for visitors with low vision who benefit from descriptive narration.

The formal gardens feature a mix of paved pathways and gravel surfaces. Some garden areas may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, particularly on uneven or sloped terrain. The main garden paths tend to be more accessible than secondary trails.

Restrooms are available on site, though visitors should confirm current accessibility features of restroom facilities when purchasing tickets. Staff members are generally available to assist visitors with special needs.

For the most current and detailed accessibility information, contact the Preservation Society of Newport County directly before your visit. Specific accommodations or arrangements can often be made in advance. Visit their website or call ahead to confirm which areas are accessible and what assistive services are currently offered.

More accessible places in Rhode Island

• The Breakers (Newport)
• International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport)
• Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (Providence)
• Roger Williams National Memorial (Providence)
• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium (Bristol)
• Newport Car Museum (Portsmouth)

Photo credits

• The tan stone facade of The Elms mansion rises behind a manicured lawn in Newport, Rhode Island.: Marco Almbauer, CC0 (source)
• Wrought iron gates and a grand staircase flanked by sphinx statues lead to The Elms mansion entrance.: M.M.Dwyer, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
• Visitors stroll the lawn in front of The Elms mansion's ornate facade in Newport, Rhode Island.: olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0 (source)