Newport Mansions
Exclusive Experiences Summer Auction
Bidding is now closed.
All winning bids support the Preservation Society’s important work
to protect, preserve and present an unsurpassed collection of amazing and historic properties.
Scroll to bottom of page for AUCTION RULES.
#1
2021 Wine & Food Festival: Vintner’s Dinner at Rosecliff
Be the high bidder for 4 tickets to the sold-out 2021 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Vintner’s Dinner, “A Celebration of Newport Chefs,” on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Rosecliff. Newport is proud of its vibrant restaurant scene and culinary talent. Join us in the Ballroom of Rosecliff and dine on a four-course meal prepared by three of our brightest stars: Chefs Terence Feury of The Grill at 41 North, Jacob Jasinski of Cara at The Chanler and Lou Rossi of Castle Hill Inn. An array of wines from around the world will be expertly paired with each dish from the wine portfolios of Cape Classics, Empson USA and Quigley Fine Wines.
#2
This Ballpark Rocks! Fenway Park 2 Concert Package
Rock out with this very special concert package at one of America’s most beloved ballparks, where you will sing and dance the night away with two popular bands.
Maroon 5 Sunday, September 12, 2021 - 6 p.m. 4 FANTASTIC up-front seats with access to the “Pit” right in front of the stage.
Jonas Brothers Friday, October 1, 2021 - 7 p.m. 4 FANTASTIC up-front seats with access to the “Pit” right in front of the stage.
Donated by: Heather Flaherty
#3
The Vanderbilt “Summer Cottages”
Imagine treating yourself and guests to a personal tour for 4 at The Breakers and Marble House. Your personal guide will lead you through the exquisitely furnished settings where the legendary Vanderbilt families spent their summers in astonishing luxury. You’ll learn about the heirlooms and artworks that fill these rooms and hear the stories of railroad tycoons and yachtsmen. Enjoy an in-depth personal tour of The Breakers in the morning, then relax with stunning views over an elegant lunch for 4 at the Inn at Castle Hill. Then return to tour the over-the-top rooms at Marble House to complete your day with the Vanderbilt family history. To be scheduled on a mutually agreed date with Inn at Castle Hill and museums.
#4
Sail Away for Half a Day
Up to 8 guests will enjoy a half-day sail aboard the 70-foot Onawa, the oldest American 12-meter yacht, built in 1928. This four-hour private sailing excursion is a wonderful way to relax and take in amazing views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Don’t forget to take photos! To be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by: Steven Gewirz
#5
2021 Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers
Be the high bidder for 4 tickets to attend the annual Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers on Saturday, December 18, 2021 – an event that quickly sells out. This black-tie evening will feature cocktails on the Loggia, dinner in the Great Hall or the Dining Room, and dancing in the Music Room. The house will be adorned in its holiday finery for this festive evening. Wonder at the amazing “Sparkling Lights” display on the grounds as you arrive for this elegant holiday tradition at The Breakers.
#6
A Tisket, A Tasket
The high bidder on this experience will relish a chic picnic for 4 guests in a special location on the grounds at one of our Newport Mansions. Enjoy ocean views from the lawn at Rosecliff or Marble House or the savor your refreshments in the Sunken Garden at The Elms. We will work with you to select the perfect location. Stoneacre Picnics will provide the refreshments and cozy setup to include a table, blankets, pillows, and a delicious offering such as a Rise & Shine for a morning picnic, Parisien Lunch or Sunset Chaser for an afternoon option. To be scheduled on a mutually agreed date with winner and Stoneacre Picnics. Donated by: Stoneacre Picnics
#7
Backstage Access at Marble House
Up to 6 guests will enjoy a private behind-the-scenes visit at Marble House and view spaces not available as part of the daily public tours, including never-before-seen third floor spaces and a visit to the newly restored roof with its stunning view of the Chinese Tea House and ocean beyond.
#8
2022 A Weekend of Coaching in Newport
Coaching Weekend returns in August 2022! Be a part of the spectacle of Coaching Weekend with this package that includes VIP seating for 4 guests to view the exciting Coaching Driving Exhibition on the grounds of The Elms on Saturday, August 20, 2022, and reservations for 4 to attend the elegant black tie Coaching Dinner Dance at The Breakers that evening. Dinner Dance will feature cocktails, seated dinner on the Terrace and dancing in the Great Hall.
#9
How does your Garden Grow? Exclusive Garden Tours
Whether you're an avid gardener or just a fan of lovely flowers, don't miss the chance to enjoy these garden spaces.
This package is for up to 6 guests. You will be given personal tours at The Blue Garden and the private Parterre in Newport, a personal tour with the Horticulturist at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, RI, and a stunning private home garden in Little Compton, RI. Your day will include a box lunch on the beautiful porch at Green Animals. High bidder is responsible for transportation between gardens. Visit schedule will be arranged for a mutually agreed time for each garden. Please note, The Blue Garden tour can only be scheduled on a Thursday. Tours can be scheduled for one day or split into separate dates based on location availability.
#10
Shelter Harbor Golf Club Foursome & Lunch
Enjoy a round of golf for 4 and lunch at Shelter Harbor Golf Club. Located in Westerly and Charlestown, RI, Shelter Harbor Golf Club is the first private course built in Washington County in over 100 years. It is ranked 63rd on Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses in the United States.
#11
Roses and Rosé Floral Fun
Did you know that the Preservation Society staff create all the beautiful arrangements you see while visiting our Newport Mansions properties? The high bidder for this item can invite friends to their own 2-hour fun and educational experience at our Greenhouses. Sample delicious Rose wine and cheese while learning techniques from our experienced floral design staff as you create your own stunning floral masterpiece to take home. Available for up to 6 people.
#12
Baseball Dreams: Red Sox First Pitch Night
Have you ever dreamed of being on the field at Fenway Park? Now is your chance! One lucky person will have the unique honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Red Sox home game. In addition, 4 front row seats will be provided as well as access to be on the field prior to the game. Donated by: Heather Flaherty
#13
Light Up the Night at The Elms
Up to 8 guests will be treated to a personalized evening tour of The Elms and then make their way to the roof to view a scheduled fireworks display over Newport Harbor. To be arranged for the Fourth of July or other times that fireworks are scheduled in Newport. Includes light cheese and wine refreshments.
#14
Tennis Greats! The International Tennis Hall of Fame
Receive 4 tickets to the July 2022 Induction Ceremony. Then return on another day for a private museum tour with Doug Stark, Museum Director. The International Tennis Hall of Fame preserves and promotes the history of tennis and celebrates its champions. The museum showcases nearly 2,000 objects from the history of tennis.
Please note that the museum tour cannot be the same day as the Induction Ceremony or during tournament week.
#15
Private Visit to Holiday Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
The winning bidder may invite up to 20 guests for a special private opening of the expanded Sparkling Lights outdoor display at The Breakers. The evening will also include the interiors of the house to view the rooms decked in yuletide finery. Eggnog and cookies will be offered. Private opening of Sparkling Lights is available at 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings during the holiday season.
#16
Memorable Moments: An Exclusive 1-Hour Photo Session at The Breakers
Winner of this 1-hour photo session will have the exclusive opportunity to schedule family photos, engagement or wedding party photography at The Breakers. This includes the grounds and select areas inside the museum after hours. Winner will provide their own photographer. Must be arranged around availability. After hours is 6 p.m. Maximum number of participants is 20. Personal use only; no commercial use permitted.
#17
Party with the Animals
The high bidder for this item will have the opportunity to host a 2-hour children’s birthday celebration among the whimsical animals and gardens at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, RI. Bring your own picnic, cake and lawn games and the gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for your memorable celebration. Outdoor space only, for up to 20 guests. Winner is responsible for all refreshments. Reserved use of the beautiful wrap-around porch or indoor rustic barn space if weather requires. Date and time to be selected based on availability.
#18
2022 Newport Flower Show Opening Night
Arrive at the 2022 Newport Flower Show in style with your own VIP parking passes and 4 tickets to the Opening Night Party. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and stroll through the beautiful floral and garden displays. This iconic summer evening sold out quickly in 2021. 4 Opening Night Party Tickets & 2 Weekend Parking Passes.
#19
Spotlight Tour at the Newport Mansions
Do you want to know more about a specific house or a part of our collection? Learn about our ceramics, art, textiles, family history and more. Find out what’s in the cabinets. Get a closer look at items behind the ropes. The topics are endless. We will design a personal tour that will satisfy your curiosity. A personal guide will accommodate up to 4 people for this unique tour. Tour will last 1-2 hours, depending on locations and topic.
QUESTIONS? Events@NewportMansions.org
2021 Auction Rules
Acceptance of Terms of Service
By submitting a bid via email (events@newportmansions.org) for the Auction, you agree that you understand, accept and comply with Auction Rules outlined below.
Bidder Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age and able to form legally binding contracts under applicable law.
Your Bid is a Contract
When you place a bid via email for an auction item, you enter into a legally binding contract to purchase the item if you are the winning bidder. You are the winning bidder if your bid is the highest bid at Auction close and you are notified via email that you are the winning bidder.
Payment Terms
If you are a winning bidder, you agree to pay the full amount of your winning bid plus any applicable sales or use tax on your purchase.
You agree to honor the Preservation Society’s requirements regarding method and time of payment.
Winning bidders are requested to reply to an Auction Highest Bid email within 24 hours to arrange for payment and transfer of the item.
The item will be held for 24 hours, pending confirmation from the winner and payment arrangements.
Payment in full for all auction items is required within five (5) business days from time of confirmation.
The Society reserves the right to move on to the next highest Bidder if no confirmation is received within 24 hours after notification email is sent.
Auction Terms
When you place a bid by email on an auction item, you are agreeing to any specific terms and conditions imposed by the donor and included by the donor in the item’s description (except in the case that such terms would violate the law). The Society reserves the right to add or withdraw any item at any time without notice before on-line bidding begins. In the event of a dispute, the Society shall act as final authority in determining the winning bid.
Email bids (events@newportmansions.org) for all items will be accepted from Monday, August 9, 2021 at 9 a.m. to the Auction Close on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 8 p.m. (EDT)).
High bidders will be notified by email that they are the winner as soon as possible at Auction close.
Bidders will receive a reply email acknowledging their bid has been submitted.
The Preservation Society website Auction page will be up-dated in regular increments daily with the highest bid received indicated at the time of the up-date.
Bidder may submit a starting bid and a maximum bid for the item(s) they would like to bid on. In addition to the item information and bid amount, the Bidder must include their full name, mailing address and telephone number with any email bid submitted.
All Bids are Final
Once you have placed a bid via email, your bid cannot be retracted (except in the case that the completion of the transaction would violate the law).
All purchases are final once you have confirmed and cannot be cancelled (except in the case that the completion of the transaction would violate the law).
Tied Bids
In the case of two bidders placing the same maximum bid, the bid first received via the time/date on their bid email will be deemed the leading bid.