THE ELMS

If you have time to visit only one home in Newport, choose this one. The structure of "The Elms", which was built at the very beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the Château d'Asnières. It was commissioned by a wealthy New York industrialist, Edward Julius Berwind. The construction took almost a decade and the total cost was about $1.4 million. The marble staircase, the astonishing collection of artwork and the luxurious gardens testify to the notables' keen interest in the Old World way of life.