Chateau-sur-Mer
Built 1852National Historic Landmark
Chateau-sur-Mer epitomizes High Victorian architecture, furniture, wallpapers, ceramics and stenciling. It was the most palatial residence in Newport until the appearance of the Gilded Age Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s.
Things to Do
Chateau-sur-Mer Virtual Tour
Daily
virtual
Visit Chateau-sur-Mer from the comfort of your own home
Chateau-sur-Mer Landscape Tour
Daily
opening hours
Experience our GPS-guided landscape tour of Chateau-sur-Mer!
Chateau-sur-Mer Audio Tour
Daily
opening hours
Chateau-sur-Mer is a truly unique house. Considered Newport’s first true mansion, it tells the story of Newport in the 19th century. The audio tour is your guide to the complex design and history of this National Historic Landmark, as well as the lives, leisures and achievements of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than 100 years.
Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour
May 2 – June 27, 2025
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where Julian Fellowes' historical drama series was filmed. Fridays only, May 2 through June 27.
History
Chateau-sur-Mer’s grand scale and lavish parties ushered in the Gilded Age of Newport. It was built as an Italianate-style villa for China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore.
Learn more about Chateau-sur-Mer
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Original Builder
William Shepard Wetmore
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Ownership transferred to the Preservation Society
1969
More Mansions and Gardens
The Elms
Open daily February 15 - November 2and November 22 - January 1, 2026
PLEASE NOTE: The Elms Ballroom will be closed to visitors on Thursday and Friday, April 24 and 25
