Theresa Fair Oelrichs was the daughter of James Graham Fair, one of the four 'Bonanza Kings' of the Comstock Lode silver mines.
The house was designed with a 'Heart-Shaped Staircase' that is considered an architectural masterpiece of the era.
During the summer season of 1904, the mansion hosted a famous 'fairy tale' dinner where guests were required to attend in costume.
The ballroom has a floor made of parquetry, specifically designed to withstand the dancing of hundreds of guests.
The original Rosecliff was a smaller wooden structure before being demolished to make way for the current stone mansion.
The estate was donated to the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1971 by Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe.
Rosecliff is a Gilded Age mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by architect Stanford White for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Completed in 1902, the house is modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. It features the largest private ballroom in Newport, spanning 80 by 40 feet. The mansion has served as a filming location for several Hollywood productions, including The Great Gatsby and True Lies. It is owned and maintained by The Preservation Society of Newport County. Visitors tour the first-floor rooms, which are furnished with period-appropriate antiques. The property overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, featuring expansive lawns and a formal terrace. It remains one of the few Newport 'cottages' designed specifically for lavish social entertaining.
The ocean-facing stone terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of the Atlantic and the mansion's rear facade.
Purchase a multi-mansion pass if you plan to visit other Preservation Society properties to save on cumulative entry fees.
Download the official Newport Mansions audio tour app before arriving to maximize the educational value of your walk-through.
Check the official website for current special exhibition dates, as interior displays can change seasonally.
Do not attempt to touch the furniture or move velvet stanchion ropes, as many items are original to the 19th century.
Open daily, though certain rooms may occasionally close for private event setup or archival maintenance; check the website for seasonal holiday closures.
Photography is permitted for personal use without flash or tripods; food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the house.
