The Gilded Age: Scenes from Marble House featuring George and Bertha Russells' bedrooms!

Alva Vanderbilt's bedroom at Marble House, inspiration for Bertha Russell

We're looking forward to tonight's episode of The Gilded Age. Will the Russells start breaking down the formidable barriers-to-entry of New York high society? Will we learn more of Peggy Scott's need of legal assistance? Will I be donning my tiara this evening at 9:00?  I only know for certain the answer to one of those questions. . . 

In the meantime, as in last week's blog, with the assistance of The Preservation Society of Newport County's recent newsletter and a short clip from HBO on the Russell's home interior, we're taking in scenes filmed at, or inspired by, Marble House. 

Exterior of Marble House

Marble House has 500,000 cubic feet of marble

Marble House, where we visited in 2016, was built between 1888 - 1892 for Alva Vanderbilt, the wife of William K. Vanderbilt.  William K was the grandson of Cornelious Vanderbilt, who amassed the family's great wealth in shipping and railroads.  This Newport mansion was designed by Richard Morris Hunt (renowned architect of the Gilded Age) at the cost of $11 million dollars (those are 1888 dollars!). It is constructed of 500,000 cubic feet of -no surprise - marble.

Consuelo Vanderbilt's bedroom, like most things in her life, influenced by Alva

Willam and Alva had three children, two sons and a daughter, Consuelo. Alva tightly controlled her daughter's life, including pushing her, at the young age of 18, into a loveless marriage to an English Duke. Before Consuelo set sail across the pond, Alva dictated her education, social life and even the decor of her bedroom. Now, 130-plus years later, that same bedroom is the stage for George Russell's bedroom. (also, tea blogger, Barb Gulley) 

Consuelo's bedroom, scene for Mr. Russell and Barb Gulley

Shocking!

And, although Bertha Russell's bedroom is not filmed on-site at the Marble House, her bedroom was inspired by Alva's private space at the Newport cottage.  Unlike the deep red and dark wood furnishings of Consuelo's bedroom, Alva's is an explosion of lilac, cream and ruffles.

Chinese tea house, on Marble House's estate

We're also wondering if the Chinese tea house that Alva built on the Marble House estate (also designed by Richard Morris Hunt) will make an appearance. It was built more than twenty years after Marble House, and so a bit beyond the Gilded Age era, but, what a lovely spot to have tea and look out over the ocean.  (It was under renovation when we were last there, so, we only could view it from the outside).

The best way to find out the answers to all these questions is to continue watching the series. We've got our tiara and remote control ready!

Ocean view from Marble House estat3e