Ocean facade

Vinland Gatehouse

The rocky cliffs of Newport welcomed another grand mansion in 1882 when Catharine Lorillard Wolfe employed Peabody and Stearns to create a romanesque revival style estate looking at the rich, blue tides below. The original Breakers, neighbor to the newly erected Vinland, was also built by the Boston based firm. Sadly, that beautiful, wood structure burnt to the ground and was replaced with one of the most palatial estates in the country.

Vinland, a house dressed with Celtic and Nordic symbols, was an impressive reflection of Wolfe’s intrigue with Iceland and its incredible history.

Florham- Florhance Vanderbilt and Hamilton Twombly’s New Jersey mansion

Later, Florence Vanderbilt and Hamilton Mckown Twombly acquired Vinland and became summer neighbors of Florence’s brother Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife Alice Claypoole Gwynn. The Twombly’s also called Florham, their massive country estate in New Jersey, home during the fall and spring.

For additional color photos of Florham, Click Here.

Written and photographed by Matthew J. Niewenhous