A summer palace fit for industrial royalty
Built between 1893 and 1895, The Breakers is without doubt the most emblematic cottage in Newport, Rhode Island. Yet there's nothing modest about it: this 6,000 m² summer residence, commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt IIa railroad magnate, is a dazzling demonstration of the Beaux-Arts style and boundless wealth of theGilded Age.
Imagined by architect Richard Morris Hunt, influenced by Italian Renaissance palaces, the Vanderbilt Breakers Mansion is a true work of architectural art. Spanning more than 70 rooms, this historic property includes a dining room for up to 34 guests, fully decorated with marble, gilding and frescoes inspired by mythology. Among the most impressive elements of this residence are the Baccarat crystal chandeliers, which are not only an indisputable symbol of luxury and refinement, but also a living testimony to French savoir-faire that crosses the Atlantic. These exceptional pieces, crafted with unrivalled precision, are the expression of a French artisanal tradition that embodies elegance and taste, and find a place of choice in this sumptuous American home.
French Art de Vivre in the Heart of Newport
Estimated at $700 million, it is famous for its impressive size and architectural beauty. Several scenes from the American historical series The Gilded Agewere filmed in certain rooms of this house, reinforcing its image as a symbol of elegance and wealth. With 33 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms and 27 fireplaces spread over five floors, the grandeur of this place is breathtaking. Most spectacular and mysterious of all, however, is the tunnel dug beneath the property, whose history remains largely a mystery.
Far from being merely a testimony to past splendor, The Breakers remains one of the most visited monuments in the United States today. This success is no accident: Americans have an intimate and admiring relationship with their architectural heritage.
The Preservation Society of Newport County, founded in 1945, is one of the main reasons why The Breakers and other residences such as Marble House and The Elms are open to the public. This non-profit organization operates thanks to memberships, private donations and sponsorships, such as that of the Helen D. Buchanan Trust, which enabled the construction of The Breakers Welcome Center.
French heritage also supported by Americans
This American passion for grand homes doesn't stop at the country's borders. In France, organizations such as the French Heritage Society have been working for decades to restore France's heritage, thanks to the generosity of American patrons. This transatlantic bond, founded on aesthetics, history and transmission, is an inspiration to all those who want to bring forgotten architectural treasures back to life.
At Prosper, we share a deep conviction: heritage must be lived in, loved and passed on. That's why we've come up with a concept that's unique in France: offering turnkey châteaux for sale to enthusiasts - often American or British - in search of roots, elegance and the French way of life.
Our approach combines exacting architectural restoration, carefully selected furnishings and personalized support, so that everyone can treat themselves to a piece of history... and above all, bring it to life.
The Breakers, though American, has a profoundly European aesthetic. Its columns, painted ceilings and chiselled woodwork are reminiscent of the finest French homes. Many American visitors to The Breakers fall under the spell of French refinement, and dream of owning a château in France.
The Prosper project responds to this meeting of cultures, between the American Dream and the French art of living.
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