History
Belcourt was constructed between 1891 and 1895 for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a prominent American socialite and coachman. Belmont commissioned the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design the mansion in a style quite similar to the hunting lodge of Versailles built for King Louis XIII of France. Oliver was particularly concerned with creating top of the line accommodations for his collection of horses and automobiles.
In 1896, Mr. Belmont gave the house to his second wife as a wedding gift. The new Mrs. Belmont was none other than the former Alva Vanderbilt, a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement and designer of the neighboring Newport Mansion “Marble House.” Under her guidance, she rearranged the house in order to entertain properly. The Belmonts began to use Belcourt as a gathering place for the elite of society, hosting lavish parties, balls and other social events, attracting notable figures from the worlds of politics, business, and the arts.
After Oliver’s death in 1908, the house passed through several different owners and was even briefly the site of the Newport Jazz Festival before finally becoming the residence of the Tinney family. Harold and Ruth Tinney, along with their son, Donald, changed the name to Belcourt Castle and filled the house with their collection of antiques and reproductions, including a replica gold coronation coach and an enormous Imperial Russian chandelier.
When Carolyn Rafaelian became the steward of Belcourt of Newport in 2012, the landmark Gilded Age mansion—designed by Richard Morris Hunt for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont—was in urgent need of care. Under her leadership, Belcourt underwent one of Newport’s most significant private restorations.
With devotion to historical accuracy and craftsmanship, Carolyn revived Belcourt’s architectural details, stabilized its structure, restored grand rooms to their original splendor, and preserved the artisan work that defined Hunt’s vision. Modern systems were seamlessly integrated, allowing Belcourt to function as a cultural and philanthropic venue while retaining its historic integrity.
In 2018, her restoration was honored with a Rhody Award for Historic Preservation, recognizing both the quality of the work and the importance of safeguarding Belcourt’s legacy.
Today, Belcourt stands renewed—a living heritage site and a beacon of creativity, culture, and purpose—restored with respect for its past and a clear vision for its future.
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Delve further into the captivating past of Belcourt of Newport, unraveling its rich history and uncovering the tales that have shaped this architectural gem by booking a Guided Tour today!