If you really want to surround yourself in a little luxury, then look no further than Newport, Rhode Island, home to some of America’s wealthiest families at the turn of the 20th century (heard of the Astors and Vanderbilts?). Perched atop avenues overlooking the sea are some of the grandest mansions, or “cottages,” you’ll ever find. Jackie Kennedy was married at Hammersmith Farm cottage, and Edith Wharton, who described the Newport social scene in “The Age of Innocence,” lived at Land’s End cottage. Today, you can tour some of the mansions in Newport and immerse yourself in their fine architecture, interior design, art, and gardens. The Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue, which was completed in 1895 for the Vanderbilt family, is one of the most impressive Newport abodes; this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the great 16th century palaces contains no less than 70 rooms for receiving, dining, music, dancing, sitting, reading, drinking, and generally living in luxury.
