slides: Newport’s Fairholme Mansion—Yours For $17.9 Million

Fairholme

This circa-1875 oceanfront estate sits on four-plus acres with 425 feet of coastline, a carriage house, three greenhouses, and a infinity pool with a pavilion and heated marble baths.

A rich history

Fairholme was first created as a "summer cottage" for Fairman Rogers of Philadelphia, a wealthy arts patron and engineer. Rogers, also a noted coaching authority, is the subject of Thomas Eakins' famous 19th century American painting, "Fairman Rogers' Four-in-Hand".

Twenty years later, the Drexel family - also of Philadelphia - purchased the property and promptly enlarged and updated it, adding the Trumbauer ballroom and tower and otherwise modernizing the interior.

Illustrious company

The Drexels were very much a part of the Newport summer colony's social scene, and Fairholme was the setting for any number of lavish entertainments attended by friends and neighbors such as the Vanderbilts, the Astors, the Van Beurens, and the Belmonts.
 

Grand entrances

Slightly later, the estate was acquired by the Count and Countess Alphonso Villa, followed by industrialist railroad magnate Robert Young, whose wife Anita was the sister of artist Georgia O'Keefe. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were close friends of the Youngs and were frequent guests at the estate during their tenure there, as was Jack Kennedy, who often made use of the swimming pool.

Silk-covered walls, molded plasterwork, and a limestone fireplace decorate the grand but welcoming entrance hall.

Intimate grandeur

Despite its grandeur, the spaces still feel warm and intimate, including a receiving room and panelled library.

Rich details

Warm, rich paneling both shows off architectural details and makes this room warmer. The perfect refuge on stormy Newport days.

Light and refined

An ocean-facing grand salon glows in Newport sunlight.

Upstairs, the second and third floors host two luxurious oceanfront master suites with terraces, sitting rooms, offices, fireplaces, and dressing rooms; seven additional bedrooms; and staff quarters.

Colonnade

A classical colonnaded terrace frames Fairholme's verdant lawns that lead to the ocean.

Summer living

A true summer "cottage" Fairholme invites its owners--and guests--to move effortlessly from outdoors to in, and large picture windows let the scenery and light in from every angle.

Ballroom

It is not a Newport mansion if it does not possess a ballroom. This glorious, barrel-vaulted space was added by the Drexel family.

Dining

Delightfully intimate, this delicately hued dining room is served by a substantial kitchen and butler's pantry.

Greenhouse

Fairholme, sitting on 4.3 oceanfront acres, is a true estate, complete with a greenhouse as well as a 4,000-square-foot carriage house.

Art everywhere

Perhaps it was to honor the artistic leanings of its first owner, but artistic details abound at Fairholme. How fitting that the wife of a later owner was the sister of the famed artist Georgia O'Keefe.

A pool with a view

Is it any wonder that Jack Kennedy loved to swim here? Fairholme's outdoor pool looks directly out on the ocean.

Vistas

With 425 feet of private coastline, Fairholme commands a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, adding an always-changing drama to life in this remarkable home.

Fairholme's listing price is $17,900,000. For more information on Fairholme, contact Kathleen Coumou with Christie's International Real Estate.