12.03.2007 - 

December 12, 2006

Extensive Repairs, Funding Needed to Prevent Loss of Interiors
at  National Historic Landmark

(Newport, RI) – It was called the "Castle by the Sea" and, in its day, the majestic stone mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, was one of the grandest homes in the nation.

Today, The Preservation Society of Newport County is entering the final stage of a comprehensive, multi-year project to reverse over a century of deterioration and weather-related damage, and restore the legendary Chateau-sur-Mer to its 19^th-century glory.

Replacing the building's badly leaking gray slate and metal roof is the most critical part of the Chateau-sur-Mer restoration, and is the Preservation Society's top museum priority for 2007.  About half of the roof restoration has been completed, at a cost of $1 million. 

The remaining roof work, expected to cost an additional $1 million, is scheduled to resume in the Spring but cannot start without commensurate donor funding.   Initial project costs have escalated with the discovery of structural weaknesses in the extensive metal work on the roof.  Cornices and gutters had to be re-framed, and new supports built to make them structurally sound.

This is the Preservation Society of Newport County's third consecutive multi-year roof replacement project at one of its historic museum properties since 2000.

Constructed in 1852, Chateau-sur-Mer is now a National Historic Landmark. The mansion was in poor shape and threatened by severe water damage when the Preservation Society's museum conservation, curatorial and facilities teams first began the restoration in 2004, with the help of donor funding.

Major leaks in the aging, flat roof caused by snow, ice and standing water had badly damaged ceilings and walls on the third floor, which is not open to visitors.

The damage posed a significant threat to the delicate decorative elements, stenciled wallpapers and irreplaceable collections on the home's lower floors if not corrected. 

In addition, the mansion's electrical system had to be completely replaced, and the home had to be re-wired, including two prized 150-year-old Rococo Revival chandeliers.

"Chateau-sur-Mer was a masterpiece when it was constructed a century-and-a-half ago, and the home was a trendsetter for making Newport a city of mansions, but time had taken its toll," said Trudy Coxe, CEO and Executive Director of the Preservation Society.

"We had patched the roof many, many times over the years but the moment finally came for us to step to the plate and do a full restoration."

Coxe noted that work has been largely funded by public and private grants, and gifts from donors. The Rhode Island-based Champlin Foundations recently granted $150,000 toward the second phase of the roof project, on top of an earlier $150,000. The Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission also has pledged $50,000, on top of its earlier grant of $100,000.

"The Preservation Society is grateful to the many generous friends who have gotten us this far with the restoration of Chateau-sur-Mer; we are optimistic more supporters will step forward to help us finish the roof project and achieve our long-term goal of saving this priceless architectural treasure for future generations," she said.

"The project is vital to ensuring that this National Historic Landmark remains a living, tangible piece of our nation's historic fabric for decades to come."

·        Replacing the mansion's flat seam metal roofs and the slate Mansard roofs, as well as the waterproofing underlayments;

·        Removing and repairing decaying wooden roof deck materials and roof membranes;

·        Removing, restoring and reinstalling the decorative roof metalwork;

·        Repairing and renovating the masonry chimneys, gutters and drainage systems;

·        Re-pointing, cleaning and repairing the distinctive exterior granite ashlar masonry, dormers and cornices; and,

·        Repairing and repainting exterior windows, doors and woodwork.

Chateau-sur-Mer History

Chateau-sur-Mer was the first major stone mansion constructed in Newport. It is regarded as perhaps the finest example of high Victorian architecture in America. Chateau-sur-Mer was originally built in 1852 by a local New England contractor for China Trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore.

The house was later expanded and substantially modified by Richard Morris Hunt.  Hunt transformed the initial Italianate style structure of Chateau-sur-Mer into a grand chateau in the Second French Empire style that hinted of his marble palaces to come.  Hunt's grand staircase at Chateau-sur-Mer is considered among the finest work of his career.

Hunt's commission for Chateau-sur-Mer was the first of many Newport commissions, including Marble House, completed in 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, and The Breakers, completed in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II.  Hunt's renovation of Chateau-sur-Mer included experimentation with many of the distinctive design elements that he would later incorporate in his design of the two Vanderbilt houses.

At Chateau-sur-Mer, other architectural influences besides Hunt were mostly interior changes that were added by Ogden Codman, Jr., of Boston, and John Russell Pope. Some other interior design elements, primarily carvings and furniture, were added by Luigi Frullini of Florence, Italy.  Landscaping was completed by the Olmsted Brothers firm.

In February 2006, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated Chateau-sur-Mer a National Historic Landmark. The Preservation Society, which has operated the property as a museum since purchasing it in 1969, also received a National Park Service grant from the Save America's Treasures program for the first phase of the restoration.

The Preservation Society of Newport County

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island is a non-profit educational organization accredited by the American Association of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area's historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts.  Its 11 historic properties—seven of them National Historic Landmarks—span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development. 

For more about the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Newport Mansions, or gift opportunities, go to www.NewportMansions.org, or call 401-847-1000.

EDITOR'S NOTE: photos and video of Chateau-sur-Mer, and media interviews with Preservation Society staff, are available upon request. Call 401-847-1000, extension 131.