Originally designed for Frederick William Vanderbilt—with gardens planned by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, of New York’s Central Park—Rough Point is an exquisite example of Newport’s famed Gilded Age estates. The manor offers self-guided tours focusing on the first floor, which includes the Great Hall, Yellow Room, Music Room, Solarium, and out to the dahlia gardens. Overlooking the ocean, you also can access the Cliff Walk at the edge of the estate’s grounds.
Most people arrive via personal vehicle, tour bus, or the city's No. 67 trolley, which lets you hop on and off as you please. There’s typically ample parking if you’re arriving with your own wheels. If you’re on foot, the entrance to Rough Point is roughly half a mile from the Cliff Walk, and both Belcourt and Marble House are walkable from here.
Rough Point is open to the public from mid-March to November. The estate sees the most visitors in summer and on weekends; if you’re trying to avoid the crowds, come around opening time (typically mid-morning) and plan for at least 2 hours to explore the estate, wander the spectacular gardens, and take in the views.
As well as being the largest Gilded Age estate in Newport of its time, Rough Point is known for its extensive collection of fine and decorative arts—Doris was quite the collector of fine and eclectic goods. You’ll see century-old Dior hats, Dutch Rococo marquetry chairs, and Scipio tapestries, and even learn about the camels that once lived on-site.
