If you happen to be in Newport, Rhode Island for any length of time, then undoubtedly you’ll find plenty of references to the Newport Mansions. This area is well known as the summer getaway location for a great many of the wealthiest U.S. families during America’s “Gilded Age”. Many of these “Summer Cottages” are now owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County and can be toured. The Breakers, being the largest of these giant homes, is a study in opulence and architecture. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, the main house encompasses almost a full acre of the thirteen acre estate. It includes seventy rooms and has over sixty two thousand square feet of living area across five floors. (Remember – this is a simple summer cottage). With a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful gardens surrounding the estate, you can spend as much time inside as you do wandering the outside of this home turned museum. As of 2014, a few members of the Vanderbilt family still spend part of their summer living on the third floor in an area which is off limits to the public. So, you never know, there is a chance you’ll bump into some American royalty if you stop by…

SAS Score: 3 – very impressive, but also a bit on the expensive side