Newport Mansions Auction Brings Gilded Age Fantasies To Life

NEWPORT, RI — Are you the type of person who loves visiting historical houses to pretend you live there? Do you wish you could — just for a day — go back in time and experience the Gilded Age for yourself? Now's your chance.

This holiday season, the Preservation Society of Newport is holding a one-of-a-kind fundraiser, auctioning off incredible experiences at their historic properties. From a clambake at the Green Animals Topiary Garden to a dinner at The Elms, there's something to fulfill every daydream.

"If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, we are auctioning off some unbelievable experiences that have never been available to the general public," said Trudy Coxe, the Preservation Society's CEO and executive director said.

Related: 'Sparkling Lights' Debut At Newport's Breakers Mansion

The auction, which is open until Sunday, includes 19 packages, which offer experiences never allowed before. These include:

• A children's sleepover at The Breakers
• A New England clambake at Green Animals Topiary Garden
• A private dinner in the dining room of The Elms, including a special French-inspired menu
• The Pierre Cardin fashion experience
• A wedding at The Breakers
• Brunch at Chateau-sur-Mer
• Quarterly surprise boxes of items from the Newport Mansions stores
• Drinks and music in The Breakers Music Room
• "Glamping" at Rosecliff or Marble House
• Behind-the-scenes tour at Christie's New York
• Afternoon tea in the Hunter House garden
• Portrait sitting with Christoff Debusschere
• Dinner at Marble House's Gold Room
• Yacht tour of vintage Newport architecture
• Cocktails at The Breakers Carriage House
• Intimate conversation with Dr. Rusty Powell, the former National Gallery of art Director, at Chepstow
• Lunch at The Elms's Conservatory
• Architectural tour of The Getty in Los Angeles
• Helicopter tour of the mansions, landing on the lawn of The Breakers

Because these experiences are so exclusive, they will cost you a pretty penny. Ranging from $800 to $100,000, each experience has its own minimum bid, and bid increments of $100. The highest bidders will be notified by emails when the auction closes.

There is no time limit on the packages, so winners can wait until social distancing requirements have been relaxed to have their experience. Questions can be directed to events@newportmansions.org.

"This is a rare opportunity to create memories for your family, your best friends, and other special people in your lives," Coxe said. "And you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of supporting Rhode Island’s largest cultural organization as it continues to preserve and protect 11 historic properties and landscapes, including seven National Historic Landmarks."