RT Ochre Court

Historic site marked by a memorial plaza and interpretive exhibits commemorating the 1770 confrontation between British soldiers and colonists that became a pivotal event leading to the American Revolution

General Information

Hours:

Grounds open daily during daylight hours
Interior access limited to university events and select public occasions

Fees:

Free to view exterior and grounds

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed on campus grounds but must be kept on a leash
Service animals permitted inside buildings

Closest cities with hotels:

Newport, RI

Seasons:

Best from April through October; oceanfront views are especially scenic in summer and fall

Location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9X8r5sV2m3QK4oGh7 100 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Website:

salve.edu

How to Get There

From Newport, RI: Follow Bellevue Avenue south, turn onto Ochre Point Avenue, and enter the Salve Regina University campus; Ochre Court sits prominently along the Cliff Walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Overview

Ochre Court is a large châteauesque mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Commissioned by Ogden Goelet, it was built at a cost of $4.5 million in 1892. It is the second largest mansion in Newport after nearby The Breakers. These two mansions, along with Belcourt Castle (the 3rd largest mansion) and Marble House, were designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. It is owned by Salve Regina University.

History

The Goelets were an American dynasty that had grown from humble 18th century trade into vast 19th century investments. Ogden Goelet was a banker, real estate investor and competitive yachtsman. His wife, Mary Wilson Goelet, oversaw the operation of Ochre Court during a typical eight-week summer season. This usually required twenty-seven house servants, eight coachmen and grooms and twelve gardeners.

Richard Morris Hunt designed Ochre Court, modelling the mansion on the chateaux of France's Loire Valley. The design is in the Louis XIII-style of architecture, with high roofs, turrets, tall chimneys and elaborate dormers. Elaborate decoration is seen inside and out in classical-style ceiling paintings, heraldry, carved emblems and statues, and a profusion of stained glass.

The Goelet's daughter, May, married Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, taking with her an $8 million dowry. Their son, Robert Goelet IV, was a businessman with an interest in American railroads, hotels and real estate. Robert gave Ochre Court to the Sisters of Mercy in 1947.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ochre Court", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0