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Kingscote
Kingscote
4.5
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About
Kingscote is a landmark of the Gothic Revival style in America. It marked the beginning of the "cottage boom" that distinguished Newport as a veritable laboratory for the design of picturesque houses. Built in 1841, the house was sold to China Trade merchant William H. King in 1864. His nephew David took over Kingscote in 1876 and later engaged McKim, Mead and White to enlarge and renovate it. Their new dining room combines Colonial details with exotic ornament, combining Eastern and Western motifs. The innovative use of materials includes cork tiles for the wall frieze and ceiling and an early installation of opalescent glass bricks by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The King family owned the house until 1972, when a descendant left it to the Preservation Society. Kingscote is a National Historic Landmark and a rare example of a Gothic Revival house and landscape preserved intact with original family collections. Several scenes in HBO's hit series "The Gilded Age" were filmed in Kingscote.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
161 reviews
Excellent
87
Very good
53
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
1
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada12,714 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Like all of the Preservation Society Mansions in Newport, we loved touring this place. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful trees in the yard here. They are magnificent.
Kingscote is considered the building that started the fashion to build summer "cottages" in Newport. As more and more such dwellings were erected in Newport, they gradually became larger, and while Kingscote was considered the grandest building in Newport when it was built; compared to later ones, it is considered small.
We really enjoyed our Access Pass and used it to tour this and all of the other mansions.
Kingscote is considered the building that started the fashion to build summer "cottages" in Newport. As more and more such dwellings were erected in Newport, they gradually became larger, and while Kingscote was considered the grandest building in Newport when it was built; compared to later ones, it is considered small.
We really enjoyed our Access Pass and used it to tour this and all of the other mansions.
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pnemiller
Kutztown, PA2,187 contributions
This interesting, lovely mansion is one operated by the Newport Preservation Society. It is not as opulent or as grand as the Breakers, Marble House or Elms which I would visit first, but Kingscote is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the original "cottages" built in the 1830s and later remodeled by Stanford White for the King family. The King family donated the cottage and therefore the furnishings are original from that family. There is free parking and Kingscote is also within walking distance to the commercial area around Bellevue and Memorial Aves. The 5 mansion package of $31 is a bargain if you are visiting more than 1 or 2 sites, since they can be visited at anytime with no expiration date.
Written June 10, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusiefromCrucible
Columbia, MD293 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
We learned about a part of Newport's history which is not usually talked about....the southerners who build Newport mansions before the Civil War and the Gilded Age. Our tour guide was excellent in telling the full story of this terrific house...much more livable than most of the "mansions". Nearly all the furnishings are original and for a change we could really picture life with a family inside this beautiful house. Gives a wonderful contrast to the Gilded Age....
Written September 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loribates
Oak Island, NC60 contributions
We were on mansion overload and almost blew this off - but we had to use that free pass we got at the Isaac Bell house! We meandered around the back of the house and found the old stable where the tour started and spent some time with a very nice gentleman back there while we waited for the next available tour (they generally start on the hour, so you want to arrive less than thirty minutes before the hour).There were so many interesting trees on the grounds and interesting things to look at in the stable that we didn't mind waiting.
It was nice to have a tour guided by a person who could answer questions. There were so many things to look at in each room, I was a little overwhelmed. I am sure I could go back and see things I missed the first time around. I would have loved to be set free in there to just look at all the odds and ends in each of the rooms. The Society got this house fully stocked with the owner's furnishings and possessions - so it makes the house more "real" than the others.
It was nice to have a tour guided by a person who could answer questions. There were so many things to look at in each room, I was a little overwhelmed. I am sure I could go back and see things I missed the first time around. I would have loved to be set free in there to just look at all the odds and ends in each of the rooms. The Society got this house fully stocked with the owner's furnishings and possessions - so it makes the house more "real" than the others.
Written October 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob88888
Washington DC, DC73 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
This older mansion, dating to the 1840's, was lived in until recently. Most of the furniture and decorations stayed with the property, giving it more of a lived in and livable feel than the other mansions in Newport that are open to tourists. No audio tour here, but the guide took great interest in describing the property and its history.
Written September 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave14221
Buffalo, New York41 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We went here today for a tour. The house itself is really interesting...different than many of other historic buildings, but still worth a visit. The other reviews here characterize it well. Our real issue was with the staff. The gentleman in the main visitor center was a discredit to the home and the Newport Preservation Society. Possessing sarcasm and a rough edge, our encounter with him was unpleasant and left us wondering if we'd be better off going to one of the other mansions. He was seriously off-putting. Fortunately, things got better when we went to the house. Our house tour was given by an elderly female docent who was warm, friendly and engaging. She clearly loved the home and that enthusiasm showed through in the tour she gave us. The cold, prickly feeling we walked in with was replaced by a warm fuzzy one when we left.
Written August 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcnett
Stoneham, MA441 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
Unlike many of the other Newport Mansions that were built when "conspicuous consumption" seems to have been in vogue, Kingscote is a warm and comfortable home that we could actually image living in. It is elegant without being ostentatious. In fact, most of the rooms are very warm and homey. You can not visit this home on your own. You must take a tour. We visited in June when the tours were given every 30 minutes. It was a treat to see such a nice and well maintained home" If you have enough time or live in the area, the best deal is to become a member of the Preservation Society (only $75.00 for two adults or $90.00 for a family -- 2 adults and all children under 17). As a member, you can visit their 10 properties as many times as you want during your membership year.
Written June 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
babdr80
Berlin111 contributions
Of all the Newport Mansion this is my favorite. It's not as grand and flashy as the Breakers or Marble House but it's a great place. It's a home I could see myself living in. Kingscote is open by guided tour only. Don't miss this fantastic Newport mansion.
And after you finish your tour you'll get a free ticket for the Isaac Bell House!!!
And after you finish your tour you'll get a free ticket for the Isaac Bell House!!!
Written June 22, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulaB
Chicago56 contributions
Although much less grand than the Gilded Age mansions, this is a great place to start your tour of the historic homes of Newport. Built before the Civil War, it is a perfectly restored example of the earliest elegant summer homes in Newport.
Original furniture, art work and decorative pieces fill every space in the home. Especially outstanding are the Tiffany glass-block windows in the dining room. The Newport Preservation Society provided a very knowledgeable tour guide who brought the home to life for us.
The entrance is a little tricky to find - - it’s around the corner from Bellevue Avenue, but there is ample parking and a carriage house with a small gift shop where you will begin your tour
Original furniture, art work and decorative pieces fill every space in the home. Especially outstanding are the Tiffany glass-block windows in the dining room. The Newport Preservation Society provided a very knowledgeable tour guide who brought the home to life for us.
The entrance is a little tricky to find - - it’s around the corner from Bellevue Avenue, but there is ample parking and a carriage house with a small gift shop where you will begin your tour
Written October 15, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
Tinton Falls, NJ155 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
One of the few mansions offering a guided tour. House was interesting especially the addition housing a beautiful large dining room. A more enthusiastic tour guide would have added to the experience.
Written October 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fostamom
Cranston, Rhode Island
What months are kingscote open and how much does it cost to tour? I have a daughter with autism who loves old houses and she would like to visit the mansions. She has to staff people who will accompany her.
Written January 26, 2018
acarneiro
Newport, Rhode Island
Good morning. Kingscote and the other smaller Newport Mansions properties will reopen for the 2018 season on May 20.
The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff are all open now. An individual house ticket is $17.50 for adults, $8 for children 6-17. Children under 6 are free. But there are ticket packages that allow you to visit multiple houses at a substantial discount.
Written January 26, 2018
Darryl E
Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
Is this open this weekend? 5/9/15 If so what would be the times you may see it. Where would I purchase a ticket? I know parking may be limited, what would be the transportation to your viewing.
Written May 8, 2015
acarneiro
Newport, Rhode Island
Hi Darryl- Unfortunately Kingscote is not yet open for the season. It will open on May 23, along with Isaac Bell House, Hunter House, Green Animals and Chepstow. Until then, we do have 5 houses open daily: The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer. You can purchase tickets online at the Newport Mansions website or in person at any of the houses. There is a parking lot with free parking at every house except Hunter House, which is a short walking distance from the parking lot at the Newport Visitors Center. Thank you for your interest in the Newport Mansions!
Written May 8, 2015
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