As Gilded Age Season 3 wraps up this Sunday on HBO, the allure of Newport, Rhode Island, takes center stage. The hit series, created by Julian Fellowes, vividly portrays the opulence and social intrigue of late 19th-century America, with Newport’s iconic Gilded Age mansions serving as stunning backdrops.

These grand estates, built by America’s wealthiest families, are more than just set pieces—they’re open to the public, offering a tangible connection to the era dramatized in the show. Join Viking Tours of Newport to step into the world of Gilded Age Season 3 and explore these historic treasures.

The Gilded Age Mansions in Season 3

HBO’s The Gilded Age brings to life the extravagance of Newport’s elite, and several real-life mansions featured in the series are must-visit landmarks. Here are the key estates you can tour, each with its own role in the show and a rich history to uncover:

The Breakers

The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s summer “cottage,” is a cornerstone of Newport’s Gilded Age legacy and a prominent filming location for Gilded Age Season 3. This 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo boasts breathtaking ocean views, lavish interiors, and intricate details like gold-leafed ceilings and marble fireplaces.

In the series, it often represents the Russell family’s opulent Newport home, showcasing the grandeur of the era’s new-money titans. Visitors can explore its Great Hall, dining room, and lush gardens, immersing themselves in the same splendor seen on screen.

Marble House

Another Vanderbilt masterpiece, Marble House appears in The Gilded Age as a setting for high-society gatherings. Built for Alva Vanderbilt, this mansion is a testament to Beaux-Arts architecture, with 500,000 cubic feet of marble and a gilded ballroom that dazzles. Its Chinese Tea House, featured in the show, adds a whimsical touch to the estate’s sprawling grounds. A tour here reveals the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age’s elite, perfectly mirroring the drama of Season 3.

Rosecliff

Rosecliff, inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, is a fan favorite in Gilded Age Season 3 for its depiction of glittering balls and social rivalries. Commissioned by Theresa Fair Oelrichs, its heart-shaped staircase and expansive ballroom have hosted iconic scenes in the series. Visitors can walk through its elegant rooms, envisioning the lavish parties that defined Newport’s social season, just as depicted in Fellowes’ narrative.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Chateau-sur-Mer, one of Newport’s earliest Gilded Age mansions, offers a glimpse into the pre-Vanderbilt era of wealth. While less ostentatious than its neighbors, its High Victorian style and intricate woodwork make it a standout in the show, often used to represent older-money families. Touring this estate provides context for the shifting social dynamics explored in Season 3, bridging the old and new wealth of the period.

Other Notable Mansions

While not always featured in the series, mansions like The Elms and Chepstow are also worth visiting for their Gilded Age significance. The Elms, with its classical French design, and Chepstow, a more intimate Italianate villa, offer additional layers of Newport’s history, complementing the show’s portrayal of a society in flux.

Why Visit with Viking Tours?

Since 1962, Viking Tours of Newport has been the premier way to experience the city’s Gilded Age heritage. Our award-winning trolley tours take you through the heart of Newport, stopping at these iconic mansions and offering expert-guided insights into their history and their roles in Gilded Age Season 3. Our comfortable, modern trolleys evoke the charm of the era while ensuring a seamless experience, perfect for history buffs and fans of the show alike.

Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable drivers share stories of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other tycoons, connecting the mansions to the characters and plots of The Gilded Age.
Convenient Access: We provide hassle-free transportation to multiple mansions, allowing you to maximize your visit without worrying about parking or navigation.
Customizable Tours: Whether you’re a solo traveler or planning a group outing, we tailor experiences to suit your interests, from in-depth mansion tours to scenic drives along Ocean Avenue.

The Gilded Age in Newport: Beyond the Screen

Newport’s mansions are more than just filming locations—they’re living testaments to an era of excess, ambition, and transformation. Gilded Age Season 3 captures this world through its compelling characters and dramatic storylines, but walking through The Breakers or Marble House brings the history to life. You’ll see the same rooms, staircases, and gardens that frame the show’s most memorable moments, offering a deeper appreciation for the series’ authenticity.

The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains these estates, ensuring their beauty and historical integrity are preserved for visitors. Each mansion offers self-guided audio tours or docent-led experiences, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Combine your visit with a Viking Tours trolley ride for a full day of immersion into Newport’s Gilded Age, complete with stops for photos, dining, or shopping along Bellevue Avenue.

Plan Your Visit Today

As Gilded Age Season 3 concludes, there’s no better time to visit Newport and experience the real-life settings of the show. Viking Tours makes it easy to explore The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and more, all while soaking in the history and glamour of the Gilded Age. Book your trolley tour tickets securely online at vikingtoursnewport.com or call us at (401) 847-6921 to plan your trip.

Don’t miss your chance to step into the world of The Gilded Age. Let Viking Tours guide you through Newport’s grandest mansions, where history meets Hollywood in unforgettable ways.