Newport & the Hamptons

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We arrived in Newport, Rhode Island, on the 19th September and the first thing we did was to ogle at the mansions or “Summer Cottages” that put Newport on the map. There is a great Cliff Walk, allowing us plebs to gaze on the magnificence of the opulent palaces, kindly built by the wealthy owners. It’s clearly marked that the walk is 3.5 miles but the heat must have been affecting us as we forgot about the fact there would be 3.5 miles to walk back to the car! The path was a bit rocky in places but was well worth the views it gave. Two of the better known previous inhabitants include Lady Astor and Cornelius Vanderbilt. One famed for scandal and the other for railways. A number of these mansions are now open to the public and so we decided that a visit to “The Breakers”, built by Vanderbilt, would allow us to measure if we were worthy future inhabitants of Bellevue Avenue. Chris was, Lisa wasn’t, can’t say any more really. The outside of the mansion is beautiful enough, but doesn’t really prepare you for the opulence of the inside, it is breathtaking and although some might consider it “gaudy”, compared to Lisa’s Christmas tree it was understated (obviously Lisa would have to disagree). You really have to admire the decoration - which appears to include a lot of different carat gold leaf and marble. Apparently the rooms were built by Vanderbilt’s architect in Italy and then dismantled and brought to England to be re-assembled - well why wouldn’t you! A shining example of opulence from a golden (or sad) era is now, like many English stately homes, just a window on the past.

Newport is better known these days for sailing, we believe home to the original Americas Cup, and we turned up during the boat show, not as expansive as Southampton’s but they still see an opportunity to empty visitors pockets. Found a great restaurant a few minutes from the Quay with a varied supply of homebrew, shame the Hotel was 5 miles out and public transport non-existent. Newport is a pretty town, cobbled streets, old New England style cottages and even Edinburgh style ghost tours. It felt a bit like Brighton, proud of it’s past but struggling to make it’s mark on today.

On to somewhere that is all about today - The Hamptons. We drove down to New London then caught the ferry over to Orient Point at the top of Long Island. We then drove through miles of Vineyards……none on Martha’s but loads in New York State!!

We stopped for the night in Southampton, the middle of these well heeled weekend “villages”. We found a spot to park on Main St then realized we were the only car that wasn’t a Bentley, Rolls, Aston or Lexus. Even though we haven’t sussed how to cross the road correctly it’s no problem because chances are you’ll be wiped out by at least a Merc. We walked up Main St glancing in some beautiful shops but not slowing down for fear of getting arrested for being too common. Even the thrift shop has standards, it was proudly selling the clearance of “The Hilton Estate”, yep, Paris’s old rags on sale. We then drove down to the beach and you quickly see why it’s so popular with those who are seriously ‘wedged up’. It’s spectacular, the only thing is that their money hasn’t enabled the sea to warm up to Med standards but I’m sure they are working on it. Only an hour or so out of New York it’s easy to see why after a long week losing billions you’d want to retire to here for a few quiet hours. And now the taxpayers in the UK & US are enabling these houses to remain in the family. Aren’t we kind.

The Hamptons, we’re glad we’ve seen it and in a strange way it’s the modern day Newport Mansions, the only difference is that in the 1900’s people were happy to show off their properties, today they are hidden behind 10ft fences & private security. Shame really. On to where most of this money is earned, New York City.

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Photos

Summer Cottages
Ok for the weekend I suppose.

Summer Cottages
The Breakers. Built with the proceeds of the golden age of steam.

Summer Cottages
The Astor's place. Any scandals here?

Summer Cottages
Uninterrupted view of the Ocean. Nice.

Summer Cottages
Not over the top at all really.

Summer Cottages
The Breakers. A side view of this awesome Mansion.

The Hamptons
Great Beach (but should be for the price)

Comments

[Diane]

Fabulous reporting
Hi Lisa and Chris, thought I would tell you I am really enjoying logging onto your travel blog, it feels like we are all travelling with you !!!!!! You will be able to make it into a book ! speak soon and see you pretty soon too. Take care and continue enjoying your trip lots of love Diane xx

[lucy wilson]

Hi Lisa and chris, I just love reading your updates! I can tell you studied English lisa they are like reading novels, if George was old enough I would be reading them to him and he would learn loads!!!, really interesting stuff you are seeing over there, keep up the good work! x

[Chris and Lisa]

Praise Indeed
I would like to claim credit for the blog but it is definitely a joint effort. We will keep trying our best to keep you reading - writing the blog could easily become addictive. xxx

[Chris and Lisa]

On our way
Cheers Di. Hope all is good while your man is away. Can't wait to see you, nearly there. xxx

[Anna Q]

Reading them are addictive too! Don't stop!

[michelle]

where is lisa?
yes where r u lisa? R u really there. I loved reading about your travels too but really wanted to c u.I'm wondering if chris has sold u on the way or may b u liked it so much wher the bearded women were.Come on lets see more of lisa:-)lots of love michelle x x x