Ochre Court

Magnificent and stunning architecture

Gorgeous campus!

Ochre Court is a large châteauesque mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. Commissioned by Ogden Goelet, it was built at a cost of $4.5 million in 1892. It is the second largest mansion in Newport after nearby The Breakers. These two mansions, along with Belcourt Castle (the 3rd largest mansion) and Marble House, were designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. It is owned by Salve Regina University.nnThe Goelets were an American dynasty that had grown from humble 18th century trade into vast 19th century investments. Ogden Goelet was a banker, real estate investor and competitive yachtsman. His wife, Mary Wilson Goelet, oversaw the operation of Ochre Court during a typical eight-week summer season. This usually required twenty-seven house servants, eight coachmen and grooms and twelve gardenersnnRichard Morris Hunt designed Ochre Court, modelling the mansion on the chateaux of France's Loire Valley. The design is in the Louis XIII-style of architecture, with high roofs, turrets, tall chimneys and elaborate dormers. Elaborate decoration is seen inside and out in classical-style ceiling paintings, heraldry, carved emblems and statues, and a profusion of stained glass.nnThe Goelet's daughter, May, married Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, taking with her an $8 million dowry. Their son, Robert, was a businessman with an interest in American railroads, hotels and real estate. Robert gave Ochre Court to the Sisters of Mercy in 1947.nnThe exterior of this mansion has been used for the movie True Lies, to depict the Swiss mansion that Arnold Schwarzenegger infiltrates then escapes in the opening sequence.nnIn the video game Payday 2, the architecture of Shacklethorne Mansion, a fictional mansion which is the location of the Shacklethorne Auction heist in the game, was inspired by the backside of Ochre Court. Shacklethorne Auction does not take place in Newport, but in Salem, Massachusetts.

Beautiful

I love recommending Ochre Court to my wedding couples as a place to do their photos. It is stunning from the outside, but the real beauty is inside. It's an incredible place for wedding photos!