Everything you need to know about visiting Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, including afternoon tea at the Chinese Tea House.
Nestled along Newport’s opulent Bellevue Avenue, Marble House is a Gilded Age mansion that exudes grandeur and history. Alva and William K Vanderbilt built Marble House in 1892 and it was inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles. The rooms are jaw-dropping, especially the gold-covered ballroom, and the dramatic Chinese Tea House overlooking the ocean in the backyard.
About Alva
Alva Vanderbilt (later Alva Belmont) was one of the most fascinating women of the Gilded Age. Born in 1853 in Mobile, Alabama, Alva rose to prominence through her marriage to William K. Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of America’s wealthiest men. But Alva was far more than just a socialite.
The Vanderbilts’ built Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island between 1888 and 1892 as their “summer cottage”. It was a bold statement of wealth and power; Alva envisioned it as her “temple to the arts” in America. Upon its completion, Mr. Vanderbilt gave the house to his wife as a 39th birthday present.
In 1895, Alva shocked society by divorcing William K. Vanderbilt, a rare move at the time, and remarried Oliver Belmont, another wealthy social figure. After his death, she continued to live in Marble House and became increasingly involved in social causes.
In her later years, Alva reinvented herself as a passionate and influential suffragist. She became president of the National Woman’s Party and played a major role in the fight for the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote.
Chinese Tea House & Afternoon Tea
The Chinese Tea House at Marble House is one of the most unexpected and delightful features of the estate. The Tea House is perched on the edge of the property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This striking red, green, and black pavilion was commissioned by Alva Belmont in 1913. The Chinese Tea House was built in the style of a traditional Chinese pagoda. It has sweeping curved eaves, intricate detailing, and large glass windows that open to breathtaking views of the Rhode Island coast and sea.
Alva used the Chinese Tea House as a space for hosting events, especially during her time as a women’s suffrage advocate. She held rallies, meetings, and lectures here to support the movement.
Today, visitors can step inside and imagine what it was like to sip tea (or make history) with one of the most dynamic women of the Gilded Age, all while soaking in some of the best views in Newport. We enjoyed having afternoon tea in this historic and incredible space, and all the food was delicious. The prix fixe menu includes a welcome beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), a tea tower complete with savories, sweets, and tea, and an entrée of your choice. The Chinese Tea House offers afternoon tea seasonally, with reservations recommended.
House Tours
Taking a tour of Marble House is like stepping into a super fancy time machine. The opulent mansion is filled with gold-leaf ceilings and marble everywhere (obviously).
You can walk through at your own pace with an audio guide or take a guided tour.
What Else to See in Newport, RI
Newport Cliff Walk – A legendary 3.5-mile coastal stroll where dramatic ocean views meet jaw-dropping Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms.
Fort Adams State Park – Once a major fortification, now it hosts epic festivals (like Newport Jazz and Folk), plus you can explore tunnels, walk the Bay Path, soak up bay views, or watch sailing.
Newport Historic District – Newport has perfectly preserved colonial and 19th‑century architecture with cute cafés and shops along Thames Street.
Other Gilded Age Mansions – The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance palace, was built by the Vanderbilts. It is one of the most widely known mansions in Newport. The Elms, which is modeled after a French château, offers classic grandeur. It also has a neat “Servant Life Tour” that shows what life was like for the people behind the scenes.
