BELCOURT 

Belcourt Castle is a historic site listed on the National Register in Newport Rhode Island's most prestigious historic district. Within a thousand feet of the Atlantic Ocean this masterpiece of architecture by nineteenth century architect Richard Morris Hunt is constructed of the finest Westerly granite, ornamented with brick and rough-cast based on the original Louis XIII hunting lodge at Versailles, France.

Three hundred skilled artisans constructed the building over a three year period at a cost of some three million dollars. As the residence of Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont (1894-1908) the castle boasted a stable for 30 horses and a carriage room for 18 coaches. After Belmont's death his famous wife, Alva, divorced from William K. Vanderbilt in 1895, commissioned changes to the interiors which converted the carriage room to a banquet hall and added an adjacent kitchen staffed with 7 chefs. The architect John Russell Pope worked with Mrs. Belmont by making continual changes to the grand stair.

Upon entering the castle one immediately senses the old world atmosphere in the center courtyard. This half-timbered paved area has been used for parties and concerts during the summers of lavish entertaining. Massive French doors lead one from the courtyard to the solarium, the library, the grand halls and staircase. The ceilings are about fifteen feet high and have decorative wooden beams of chestnut.

In the style of the French renaissance with 365 oak balusters all carved by hand and finished with the craftsmen's chisel marks, the grand staircase rises to the third floor. Many details of carving have symbolism of French royalty, and the Imperial Japanese coat-of-arms.

Belmont's private apartment of 20,000 square feet on the second level includes an oval dining room loosely based on the design of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, with indirect lighting originally by Thomas Edison. After dinner guests were entertained in the Renaissance room adjacent which boasts a carved mantel, and incredible wood paneling. The ceiling is original with gold leaf and hand oil-painted decorations. The original silk damask has been repaired, but remains.

The gothic ballroom has a 35 foot ceiling and an organ loft, musician's balcony and a castle fireplace which reminds one of the 13th century castles. it is populated with medieval characters peering from the battlements. The stained glass in Belcourt Castle is the finest collection of original 13th century glass in America. The subjects are scenes from French court life and have poetic verses describing the scenes. A major feature of the castle, the stained glass is a most valuable asset in its own right.

Sunrise in the master bedroom is brilliant as the grisailles windows with medieval patterns in gold throw the designs throughout the room. The walls and ceiling are the original hand oil paintings in the manner of William Hunt, brother of the architect. Adjacent is the master bathroom with original marble and hand-crafted porcelain fixtures.

The Louis XV paneled bedroom is reminiscent of Versailles, as Alva Vanderbilt Belmont fancied the eighteenth century French styles. the adjoining bath is sunken down six steps and overlooks the east gardens. An original marble sink and porcelain bath tub remain.

To access the third story one may ascend the grand stair or a beautifully constructed spiral stair with oak steamed and bent. Atop the circular stair were original staff rooms which have been used as family living quarters. Views from the oval dormers encompass the entire area around including spectacular views of the ocean and many neighboring estates.