The Breakers

The Breakers is a large Queen Anne style mansion with limestone walls, multiple peaked roofs, and round towers standing on a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean. The estate contains numerous rooms, wrap-around porches, and terraces arranged across several levels with ocean views.

The house was built in 1878 by architects Peabody and Stearns as American industrial wealth grew rapidly during the late 1800s. This period saw the rise of wealthy industrialists who displayed their power through mansions like this one.

The house displays the luxury and status of the Vanderbilt family through its grand interior spaces and ornate decorations. Visitors can see at every corner the kind of wealth and refinement that influential families wanted to demonstrate during the Industrial Age.

The property can be visited year-round with guided tours available through the halls and gardens. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since there are many stairs and long walks through different areas.

The interior mixes red brick surfaces with light stone material, creating a distinctive look within the American Queen Anne style. This color contrast resulted from combining different building materials that add visual interest to the design.