The Elms, Newport: Hours, Address, The Elms Reviews: 4.5/5
The Elms
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the coal industry. In 1898, as the Gilded Age was nearing its end, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a Newport house modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c. 1750) outside Paris. Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th-century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades. In 1962, The Elms was saved by The Preservation Society of Newport County from almost certain demolition. A National Historic Landmark, The Elms is a fine example of the taste and style of the late Gilded Age. Several scenes from HBO's hit series "The Gilded Age" were filmed in The Elms.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
240 within 3 miles

Restaurant Bouchard
1,174
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

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208
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Mamma Luisa Restaurant
638
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Jo's American Bistro
752
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly

Annies
527
0.4 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner

Scales & Shells
519
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options

Gary's Handy Lunch
262
0.3 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly

O'Brien's Pub
343
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Zelda’s
262
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood

La Forge Casino Restaurant
480
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Attractions
119 within 6 miles

Newport Mansions
1,605
0.2 miSpeciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

Audrain Automobile Museum
224
0.3 miSpeciality Museums

Kingscote
158
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

International Tennis Hall of Fame
584
0.3 miSpeciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

St. Mary's Catholic Church
201
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals

Bellevue Avenue
602
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

National Museum of American Illustration
412
0.6 miArt Museums

The Preservation Society of Newport County
138
0.4 miHistoric Sites

Thames Street
795
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,869 reviews
Excellent
1,416
Very good
398
Average
45
Poor
7
Terrible
4
Greg Harris
Yonkers, NY1,260 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
The Elms is a beautifully designed and pristine mansion that is located in Newport, Rhode Island.
I brought and treated my wife and myself for a self guided tour of the Elms during our honeymoon in the fall of 2018.
Completed in 1901 and designed by architect, Horace Trumbauer, the Elms was constructed and made for
Edward Julius Berwind, a 20th Century coal magnate, and founder of the Berwind White Coal Mining Company.
Today, the Elms is owned and operated by the Preservation Society Of Newport County and is open to the public for self guided tours.
The Elms is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
What my wife and I loved most about the Elms were it’s gorgeous interior settings and vast furnishings. We admired and took pictures of the 18th Century French & Venetian paintings, and the Berwind’s collection of Renaissance style ceramics.
In addition to the house’s interior, my wife and I were also impressed with the estate’s gardens, specifically
the lavish lower garden which features spectacular fountains, marble pavilions and a carriage house.
Both my wife and I highly recommend a recommend for everyone to visit and tour this breathtaking historic landmark when vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island.
I brought and treated my wife and myself for a self guided tour of the Elms during our honeymoon in the fall of 2018.
Completed in 1901 and designed by architect, Horace Trumbauer, the Elms was constructed and made for
Edward Julius Berwind, a 20th Century coal magnate, and founder of the Berwind White Coal Mining Company.
Today, the Elms is owned and operated by the Preservation Society Of Newport County and is open to the public for self guided tours.
The Elms is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
What my wife and I loved most about the Elms were it’s gorgeous interior settings and vast furnishings. We admired and took pictures of the 18th Century French & Venetian paintings, and the Berwind’s collection of Renaissance style ceramics.
In addition to the house’s interior, my wife and I were also impressed with the estate’s gardens, specifically
the lavish lower garden which features spectacular fountains, marble pavilions and a carriage house.
Both my wife and I highly recommend a recommend for everyone to visit and tour this breathtaking historic landmark when vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ErinShellnie
63 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
At first I didn’t think I would enjoy this because I didn’t even know who the Berwinds were but I am SO glad we did this tour. You learn so much about the history and the way they lived that you almost felt like you were there during that time. The audio tour definitely helped with that. Don’t forget your head phones! And if you do, listen on your phone at your ear or read the paper they provide. Don’t be that couple that has the tour on speaker walking throughout.
I 100% recommend you book the Servants Life tour as well. You have to book a day in advance and it’s an additional $15 a person and totally worth it; it’s around an hour and worth every penny to see the behind the scenes of this house. Our tour guide, Martin, did a great job at sharing the history and life of the people who made this house function. Plus, you get to go out onto the roof and a beautiful view of Newport.
I 100% recommend you book the Servants Life tour as well. You have to book a day in advance and it’s an additional $15 a person and totally worth it; it’s around an hour and worth every penny to see the behind the scenes of this house. Our tour guide, Martin, did a great job at sharing the history and life of the people who made this house function. Plus, you get to go out onto the roof and a beautiful view of Newport.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LhasaMom
12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
After having attended other mansion tours on a previous trip to Newport, we were looking for something a bit different this time. The Servants Tour at The Elms fit the bill perfectly! This tour highlighted how a beautifully ornate and massive house worked behind the scenes. It was a little “Downton Abbey Downstairs,” which was much appreciated by this fan. Our tour guide, Kenny, was extremely informative, knowledgeable, and funny! He answered any question we had and was thorough in his response. We had a wonderful time!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dave D
Norton, MA2,032 contributions
Oct 2021
The Elms House is quite the sight to see. The only downside is, their WiFi can not handle a number of people downloading their app for an audio walkthrough tour. After logging onto their WiFi (as recommended) and downloading their app, it took far too long to THEN download the English audio for the walk through. If you are going to recommend your guests download the app, please update the capacity and speed of your WiFi, or create a separate network just for that.
Other than that, the house is amazing. It really gives you an idea of the vast amount of wealth and opulence there was. You are taken through several rooms ranging from the greenhouse, dining room, breakfast room, kitchens, bedrooms, etc. It is really interesting to see how they lived life back then and what day to day life was like.
Make sure you tour the grounds as well and check out the gardens. You can easily spend a couple hours here!
Other than that, the house is amazing. It really gives you an idea of the vast amount of wealth and opulence there was. You are taken through several rooms ranging from the greenhouse, dining room, breakfast room, kitchens, bedrooms, etc. It is really interesting to see how they lived life back then and what day to day life was like.
Make sure you tour the grounds as well and check out the gardens. You can easily spend a couple hours here!
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA651 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Since this home has less foot traffic than The Breakers, we took our time walking through. Guides in various rooms help explain the history of items. Gift shop at the end of the walk had friendly staff.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard A
Jakarta, Indonesia2,021 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
The Elm is one of the 3 most commonly visited mansions on Newport. It doesn’t open for visit all year so make sure to check newport mansion website before visiting. I would recommend to join the tour as this is the best way to understand and appreciate the Elm mansion, is slightly different with the Breakers or Marble House where we can just explore them our own. Visit this mansion and join the tour while you’re in Newport!
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debra B
Arizona287 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
The Elms and the Breakers are the only mansions currently open in Newport due to restrictions.
While I would have lived to have the opportunity to see them all, The historical society has done a great job in choosing the Elms as the other home to open.
The grounds are beautiful as well.
Give yourself plenty of time to listen to all the information on the Newport Mansions self guided tour app.
While I would have lived to have the opportunity to see them all, The historical society has done a great job in choosing the Elms as the other home to open.
The grounds are beautiful as well.
Give yourself plenty of time to listen to all the information on the Newport Mansions self guided tour app.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
boooche
Hudson, NH73 contributions
Jun 2020
We took the
Servants Life tour and it was very interesting to see how they lived and worked. Our guide was very informative and you could tell she like her job. Wear good walking shoes as you climb up to the 3rd floor then down to the sub basement (5 floors in all).
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
squinn13
Cambridge, MA150 contributions
Sep 2020
An excellent experience, ensure you explore the gardens if it's the season, the flowers, and statuary are just as incredible as the home.
The rooms were spaced well and i saw staff tell people if they were asked to pull a mask up again they'd be asked to leave. They shouldn't have to but kudos for enforcing the rules.
The rooms were spaced well and i saw staff tell people if they were asked to pull a mask up again they'd be asked to leave. They shouldn't have to but kudos for enforcing the rules.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wayne G
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Love touring the Newport Mansions. Grateful to be able to experience the Rlms during COVID. All pre auctions taken to keep people safe while experiencing the grandeur of The Elms. Downloaded guided tour was well paced and very informative. A pleasure.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MM2
Forest Hills, NY2 contributions
Is there a last tour of the season? It opened in November does it close anytime soon?
carrabinieri
Media, PA186 contributions
The mansions are open all year. There are different seasons. Nov 4 thru Jan 1 is Christmas season. The mansions are closed Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day. Some mansions open at 9, others at 10. Check out the Newport mansions official web site and view the full schedule of events
Nancy B
North Dakota
Approx how long is the Elms Tour with servants quarters?
jparnell01
Lawrenceville, NJ178 contributions
1.5 hours all in.
Looly T
New York, New York, United States125 contributions
First time visiting Rhode Island. Is the marble, the breaker and this one all under Newport mansion? Which ticket should we purchase
FloraPhyllisNJ
The Villages, FL315 contributions
Three separate mansions. All three are included in the one ticket five mansion tour price. Well worth the price. I would not try to do three mansionsin one day...too much to tour and see. Also I would definitely recommend the downstairs tour at the Breakers. If your short on time or cost skip the Day in the Life of Servant. Hope this helps.
Kathryn L
New York, United States1 contribution
If you purchase the servants tour ticket, do you also need to purchase a ticket for the regular tour? Or are you allowed to roam at-will after the servants tour concludes and listen to the self-guided regular tour?
Brenda C
Maidstone, UK50 contributions
We bought a 3 house ticket and went around the Elms ourselves following the audio route
Al F
Loveland, CO65 contributions
We will be staying in Newport. Is there an audio tour of the Elms available? If so, what does it cost, and where would I purchase it for my wife and I? Thanks!
happytraveler177
San Diego, CA34 contributions
The audio tour is handed out after you pay an entrance fee. The audio is free.
Cecilia1012
Rockport, TX51 contributions
How long is the Servant's Tour?
Vilaas
Jodhpur, India820 contributions
It depends on you,if you want do it on your own through the audio aid...you can linger on taking the history slowly....anything between and hour or two...all depends on yr own interest.
svswan
Hershey, PA2 contributions
Is the house tour of the Elms wheel chair accessible?
acarneiro
Newport, RI
Hi - The Elms is partially wheelchair accessible. It has a small elevator. The elevator is 44 inches deep and 38 inches wide. The height of the wheel chair should not exceed 37 inches.
While the front door is not accessible, there is access via a basement level entrance to the elevator, which will bring you up to the main foyer on the 1st floor, and also to the 2nd floor for the regular admission audio tour.
The Servant Life Tour, however, is only partially accessible, in that the elevator will take you to the basement and to the 3rd floor staff quarters. However, there is no elevator access to the sub-basement to see the coal tunnel and boiler room, nor to the roof.
I hope this is helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Elms
- The Elms is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Elms tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 The Elms tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Elms:
- (0.15 mi) Ivy Lodge
- (0.10 mi) Wayside Guest House
- (0.16 mi) Artful Lodger Inn
- (0.30 mi) Samuel Durfee House
- (0.44 mi) Francis Malbone House Inn
- Restaurants near The Elms:
- (0.31 mi) Restaurant Bouchard
- (0.29 mi) Cru Cafe
- (0.36 mi) Mamma Luisa Restaurant
- (0.42 mi) Jo's American Bistro
- (0.38 mi) Annies