My great-grandfather was Richard Hunt, who built this home. I never met him, but my grandfather told me that the house was the most difficult yet rewarding project of his father’s career. He later went on to design some of the city’s most iconic buildings, leaving behind a legacy that seemed to echo through every brick and beam he ever touched. They say this house was his masterpiece, a place where his passion for architecture and the art of living truly converged. It was here, under this roof, that he poured his soul into the details-each window a frame for a memory, each corner a whisper of ambition-and perhaps that’s why, all these years later, the house still feels like it’s alive with the energy of his vision. I am proud it still stands after all this time.
That’s awesome! I’m an architect and one of my old bosses owns one of your great grandfathers designs. Won’t give out too many details here, but he has adored it for many years and turned it into his home from what once was an inn. His work is still being admired and taught in firms! It’s also how I know your great grandfathers middle name was Morris lol. Local legend.
Lord, the horror to go from the fresh air and beauty of the ocean and countryside back to NYC every year. I will never understand why people would do that.
40 years ago as an 11 year old I was dragged thru this estate by my parents. I had no appreciation for it at that age. This video tour has jogged my memory a bit and now, at 51, I get it. Truly an amazing piece of architectural history.
I was "dragged" all around western europe as a 10 year old and appreciated it as much at the time as I do now from memory. I guess you're just a different type of person!
Ha, my experience as well. I didn't hate it as a child but you certainly don't "get it". I specifically remember seeing the Breakers, Marble House, the Elms, and Rosecliff. I'm not greedy, I don't need a Breakers, I would be just fine with a Marble House. 😂
I live in Rhode Island and have been to these mansions numerous times over the years, including the Breakers. I learned more during your tour today than any of my visits. Thank you so much!
I really appreciate that you invluded the kitchen. When people do big mansion tours often they are so in awe of the rooms and decor and the prettiness of the main living areas that they do not pay much attention to the kitchen. As someone who is interested in historic kitchens and how they functioned, THANK YOU.
They're the best part! My favorite area of any home new or old is always the kitchen/service areas. And this kitchen is absolutely breathtaking. Love the upper windows letting in all that light.
I live in Newport and am a member of the Preservation Society. This was one of the best tours I have seen of this great home. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to view this house and all the other Preservation Society properties here in Newport. We are proud of the preservation efforts made and the history of our beautiful city.
I hope you're talking about the Marble House and the Elms. I just went there for Christmas a few days go and Tea at the Marble House is awesome. 😁@erikvanconover
I was fortunate to see it. My jaw hurt for a week because I could not close my mouth for one second the entire time I was in awe. I am telling you, every detail is ornate, down to the screws in the doors. It's breathtaking.
@@erikvanconover It seems like the beauty has been consistently taken away - down to architectural education changing in the early 20th century - to make us forget about the transcendental.
At the numbers provided, we are at about $3600 per house sq ft when including land and furnishings. $1M - which is more than most people spend on a house - would get you about 275 sq ft. The house alone without land and furnishings would be $2268 per sq ft. That gets you 440 sq ft for $1M. I don't disagree with the thoughts or need for emotion and transcendental beauty, etc. Nor do I believe that constantly going bigger is a great thing. So I do what I can. And, of course, I enjoy watching videos like this and visiting places like this when I can.
Please keep doing this series. I am an art history and architecture graduate and love history in architecture. So, I appreciate your Landmarked series. I normally don't follow your channel because all the modern homes you showcase start to bore me after a while, but this series is gold.
Same. I love studying the great American dynasties, their achievements and contributions and the often tragic stories of the people who lived these opulent lives, it was so often disastrous for these heirs and heiresses.
“Visionaries who built with purpose, but more importantly with soul.” Beautifully put and hit it right on the nail. Modern day pieces are eons away from these masterpieces. They aren’t built with soul or legacy in mind.
Pre World Wars architecture was DEEPLY ingrained with higher esoteric messaging that mirror the fabric of reality via this sacred Geometry. The symbols literally imprint on our subconscious
I toured this house when I was 12 years old and it changed my life. There is a level of magnificence encompassed within this house that goes beyond just the materials and artistry of which it was made. I’m 46 now and have toured many grand buildings, homes, churches and palaces, but none of them create an experience akin to The Breakers. It’s as though the home somehow encompasses the Ocean by day and the stars at night and is a testament to human ability and ingenuity. I’m so glad The Newport Preservation Society still takes such great care of this masterpiece. And, this tour is the best I’ve ever seen online. Great job!
Bravo! Enthusiasm, knowledge, ability to convey the knowledge, and very astute comparisons to today's America, a dying empire, unlike the cohesive and thoughtful country it was when this palace was built. America is a victim of human nature--money and greed.
Two things I really like about this video: The enthusiasm you present the whole video is absolutely inspiring. And the informations you collected before are very usefull. So, great job man! I highly appreciate this video.
Absolutely stunning. It’s just unbelievable that one family could amass such wealth. Every single detail is done with the highest quality and most expensive materials. A feast for the eyes
I live in Rhode Island, and in my long life I've visited Newport more times than I can remember. I've toured every historic district and Mansion in this amazing state, but The Breakers stands alone as the most beautiful and opulent. ❤
If you have a chance go before January 3rd. It’s decorated for Christmas. I went last year and I’m hoping to go next week. They have finally opened the third floor for tours.
The amount of craftmanship and engineering that went onto here is just astounding. To be done 130 years ago, just means even before that it already existed. The rich were so far ahead of time its mindboggling.
Keep in mind, the cost of labor was so incredibly cheap back then before unions and minimum wage laws. To build a house like today would cost a fortune mainly due to the increase in labor.
@@dandiehm8414 that's really irrelevant, or you'd see dozens of homes like that instead of just a handful owned by the truly obscenely rich. Building these homes is something impossible today for anyone but maybe an Elon Musk.
You are so right, this is not a home but a palace. To think this was just their “summer cottage” is mind blowing. So glad it has survived all these years and kept the glory and splendor of that time in our history. All the mansions in Newport are amazing. Love touring these type of homes. I dragged my som through the Biltmore and through many presidential homes. Luckily he, now 37 loves grand old homes too.
This is absolutely THE MOST refreshing invigorating tour I have yet to see .The richness of the wood the stone and the crystals are no less than ICONIC.I cant even imagine the immaculate experience you had walking back in time. I genuinely appreciate your historical perspectives of each and every room. Gratitude for sharing this with us.
I visited The Breakers in the 90s and was astounded at the majesty. Beautiful things like this must be protected. I love your passion for the human element and craftsmanship that went into these jewels. It's architecture and history. Two of my favorite topics. Keep up the great work.
@@erikvanconover, брат, пейте коньяк, но по 25 грм, не более.Самая оптимальная доза.👍 А Европу пошли по дальше.Учитывая последние события, твм будет горячо.А мне бы и дальше хотелось смотреть твои видео.🇧🇬
I can’t believe you said the word Kundalini in this video☯️ for us that have experienced it can make us feel isolated.This is a fantastic video.Your attention to describe every detail manifested the scale for us that watched.i didn’t want it to end. ⚕️
Imagine being able to buy this place and entering it for the first time by yourself, traveling the halls, exploring all the intricacies of the architecture, getting lost in all the art. What an incredible monument.
I gotta say, this is the best home tour video I have ever watched. The cinematics were incredible. The house is unbelievably beautiful. And your presentation was flawless! I really liked the little floor plan pop ups showing your location. All in all very enjoyable. Thanks! Thumbs up!
I kinda like to call myself a self made Vanderbilt-family-expert and let me tell you, this is a great job. Very nice way of allowing new people to consume history on a very different way than just a documentary. Now try to get a permit to do a 2 hour video of the Biltmore House haha.
Except not even mentioning Alice Vanderbilt in the introduction, and the role she played in building this house. How ridiculous to not credit the wife at all, as if she had no influence over the design. Considering her place in society, you know she was a major decision maker in the design of The Breakers. Talking about "American Royalty" without mentioning the man's wife. That seemed quite strange.
@@erikvanconover I toured the Biltmore last year. What an amazing piece of work. I believe, and this is just personal speculation, they do not want the Biltmore filmed because it is such a huge tourist attraction. They would rather people come there and experience it's magnificents first hand.
@@erikvanconover That's unfortunate. I toured Biltmore a few years ago and it felt so cozy. I know that's odd for a house that large but I loved every part of it. I never even knew Biltmore existed until a friend posted pictures of the exterior on Facebook. Visiting one day immediately went onto my bucket list. The rose garden alone is worth the trip!!! Perhaps they need to be shown just how many people would come to visit if you were allowed to feature it. I encourage you to persist. Show them this video as an example of your work.
I love Newport. Your tour was better than the one I went on in 1999. I first went to Newport in 1975, and some of the tour staff then (very old ) were descendants of the staff that actually lived in the house (wonderful stories). Thank you for your tour; it was great. I learned so much from you that I never knew about the Breakers! T.Y.
Wow, this property is an exquisite work of art, the level of craftsmanship is just mind boggling. Imagine all of the interactions that occurred during parties, family and social events in this work of art during it's peak residency.
That must be the most gorgeous mansion I have seen. The amount of detail, art and history is incredible. Truly stoning. I could watch this tour infinite times and still be amazed. Thank you for allowing us to appreciate this grandiose place!
Your love of architecture and respect for history shines through. A lovely, comprehensive tour that never got boring. Best video I've seen of The Brakers. Having visited the building a few years ago, I didn't realise how much I missed.
I love watching you Erik. I can feel and share your enthusiasm in every home but this one you are like a kid in a candy store. You seem to be in your element, like a boss. This has been one of the homes I have dreamt of since I was a child. The Breakers is my favorite. I will likely never have the opportunity to experience in person so I am eternally grateful for this and all of your series.
My cousins live in Newport and we would travel every other summer to their waterfront estate. Touring the Breakers was always the best as it humbled those rich snobby kids!! Amazing video, can’t wait to go back!
I’ve toured the Breakers formerly being from Connecticut but this walk through tour was amazing with all its details and history expressed as we view it. Awesome presentation!
@@erikvanconover Yeah. And you are right. This home was a 'smart home' long before smart homes became a thing. I mean just look at those electric switches.
This series and video deserves two thumbs up. Amazing quality and attention to detail on homes that really matter. New is boring, these classic homes have a soul, a story and deserve every second of attention. Thanks for bringing this home and all of the others to the mainstream. Dreams do live on.
Such a magnificent palace and a true testament to time, but nobody is talking about the wine selection!!! A single bottle of 1914 m&c is an absolutely stunning find, but to have shelves upon shelves is truly awe-inspiring.
I have watched several video tours of The Breakers and none of them captured the zeal and passion for this “cottage” like your video. I love watching your videos because your level of revenant passion is unmatched. You draw us in with your fervor and interest for the history and asthetics, both! BRAVO!!!
Oh Erik, I didn't want your tour to end. My family toured this mansion when I was a young girl and I think that's where my love of architecture began. I was perhaps 8 or 9 and I fell in love with this "home" You did such a wonderful tour explaining so many details - I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please continue to do this type of home tour, I for one really enjoy history, as you do, and your research makes it so enjoyable. Blessings
I just wanted to say Thank you for the great tour for this place I live 20 minutes away from this place I have been in it 4 times had a 8th grade field trip to the Breakers and had fun ran wild in the back yard and I have never seen half of the rooms and underground places that you have shown us in this Vlog today so I just want to say Thank you so much and what a Great job you and ur people did for me and the viewers Loved it keep up the great work Well Done...
This house is such a great testament to what is truly possible to build and an inspirational look into the history of American architecture. This was only built 120 years ago and yet it seems so impossible to build today in a "much more advanced world". You should take a look at the Biltmore next.
Finally, I can say that I have been to one of your houses featured in your videos. This house, as well as many others in Newport, Rhode Island, are absolutely breathtaking. Loved every second I was there.
I genuinely appreciate your talent for storytelling and your passion for historical architecture. It's really refreshing to see how genuinely excited you are and it makes watching your videos exciting. It feels like you're taking us on an adventure through history, art, and remarkable human accomplishments. It's fascinating to see what humans can create, especially before modern technology.
I grew up a home built 1926. It was built by Evelyn Huffman - Patterson and was a replica of a Nuremburg castle. We purchased the 24,000 sqft home from the St. Mary’s Educational Institute in Cincinnati as it was their convent. It is nearly as ornate. That boiler room brings back some childhood memories. My mother did a wonderful of job of decorating the home in a style for it's age. Prior to selling the home, it became the Dayton Philharmonic designer home showcase. Since that time it has had several owners. I shutter to think what the home looks like inside these days. Last photos taken of the home after the last owner was pretty awful. Leopard print runner the spiral grand staircase with large squares of black and gold painted on the walls. The kitchen painted neon green with balloons. I often think of just showing up there and asking to see it. I afraid of what I might find. All childhood memories wiped away, modernized and sanitized.
This chap does a great job of guiding the viewer around this treasure and interpreting the history and architecture his enthusiasm makes for a great tour… ❤ 🎉 thanks from Australia
Erik, I really appreciate your passion for showcasing properties with unbelievable artisanal details. Homes of this era should be preserved and kept sacred, because constructing an estate like the Breakers today would not even be possible. Every single detail tells a story, and brings character to the house. It is lovely to see your channel evolve to tell these stories and to appreciate this lost art.
Anderson Cooper whose mother is Gloria Vanderbilt said in an interview he would visit here as a child because one of his cousins lived on the upper floor he would look at the estate visitors from the outside balcony.
Having toured The Breakers, I was overwhelmed beyond measure. No billionaire alive will ever attempt building a house this spectacular today without revealing his poor taste and his egomania.
You do realize that the ultra-rich of the past also built spectacular homes that revealed their poor taste and egomania, don't you? Ever been to Versailles? Tacky as hell.
@LewTitterton the merely wealthy, yes I agree. But more astute amongst the ultra rich that are self-aware will hire the best taste makers to ensure that they stay a step above the nouveau riche. The old money types may initially scoff, but with time it makes their entry into high Society much easier to obtain.
@@LewTitterton Versailles as 'tacky as hell?' I've never been there, and I ASSUME you have, but from the few photos I've seen of it, the palace looks like a masterpiece inside and out, to me. Maybe that's not enough for me to judge, but you remind me of an old friend I have who sees everything opulent as 'tacky'.
No billionaire alive will ever build something like this because it's "waste" of wealth. They never would have become a billionaire in the first place if they wanted something like this. The days of monopoly and unrestricted labor are gone.
This is amazing! Part of me is in awe, but the other side thinks of over indulgence, pride, and materialism. Your presentation is enthusiastic and refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Same here.... sitting in my 1000 square feet fixer upper house. 😅 I admire the beauty and can only imagine how it must have been to live in such luxury! However, when i saw the huge bathroom, I thought mmmm gorgeous but i bet it could never be as warm as the tiny one I enjoy because it's easy to heat. Lol This young man is doing such a superb job! He is genuinely enjoying visiting and sharing those magnificent homes, his appreciation of beauty is infectious. He is elegant yet, sounds down to earth and honest. If he doesn't know something, he says "I'm not sure" or "I don't know". We need more presenters like him. It's a treat to discover this channel.
I really enjoyed your video. The home and YOU. I appreciate the lack of pretense in your showings and your amazement at it all the same as the viewers. Really good job
As a Chef I appreciate the tour of the kitchen and the pantry, you didn't linger long enough for me of course. However, I am grateful you choose to show it. This grand home is a treasure.
You would expect us to have learned something from the past, yet newbuilt mega mansions and rich people houses can't even come close to this level of beauty. As an european this is the first house in the US that I actually find STUNNING. No offense but the house toured usually on youtube all feel "soulless". YOu can tell these walls have stories to tell. Truly majestic.
What a fantastic presentation and editing ! Simply stunning property, so much richness of class, tradition, mysticism... ! Love ýour passionate approach towards everything you present !
Like many of the comments, you’ve done an excellent job on this video - great cinematography and use of graphics - plus very nice work highlighting certain elements. Finally - the basement tunnels are nuts!
This was one of the first houses in the United States to ever have a residential refrigerator. They use to put massive blocks of ice under the fridges to keep them cold. (And some other things to help keep it cool)
The Breakers doesn’t even scratch the surface of amazing and historic homes we have on our little Island here. Great tour, you could spend a long time here touring houses.
That's a different kind of wealth. Beautiful. Every room was detailed specifically. If I couldn't own the house. I would be more than happy to work their.
As an architect and academic I've always found the beaux-arts style to be an extravagant homage to the rococo level of detail...that said, it IS an inspiration both in terms of its decoration but also in terms of its infrastructural and technological achievements. Excellent narration of the tour, good job.
Hi! Erik, Glad me your great report on your TH-cam channel. Excellent explaining detail about styles and higher quality materials contain at The Breakers mansion in Rhode Island. I appreciate your attention in detail so much on it.
I'm from Newport, RI; the homes that were built as "summer mansions" are absolutely incredible. The attention to detail, the scale of the buildings, the absolute beauty; you don't see that anymore. It's like todays workers just don't have the same pride in their workmanship.
Erik - this is off the hook! And the reason for me saying that? This is the first time I have seen The Breakers in 4K and what a difference!! You have made a unique video because the crispness of the details is easily seen and therefore appreciated.
This was a great tour. I will point out that the house at 28:35 isn’t the Astor’s home. That is Anglesea and it’s privately owned. The Astor’s Beechwood isn’t far though. It’s on Bellevue Avenue next door to Marble House and is now owned by billionaire Larry Ellison who has been remodeling it for well over ten years now
We'd appreciate it if your toured the following places: 1. The Whitney in Detroit 2. Casa Loma in Toronto 3. Neverland Ranch 4. Granot Loma in Michigan 5. The Chris Mark castle 6. The mansion that 50 Cent bought from Mike Tyson and keeps trying to sell 7. Antilia, that skyscraper house in India whose owner won't live in it because he thinks it's bad luck 8. That house in Homer, Alaska 9. Ca'd'zan 10. The Hawaiian royal palace
I would love to see you touring the Seralles Castle in Ponce, Puerto Rico! The way you document the history of the mansion and the cinematography of your videos are impressive.
The underground infrastructure is MIND-BOGGLING. To think that the architects would have to have the foresight for all of that before the first cornerstone was even laid.
I'm tempted to start counting how many times this dude says "flower of life". He almost says it compulsively whenever he sees anything relatively floral. Lmao.
The amount of occult symbology throughout this palace is staggering. You’d need to slow the video speed and watch it two or three times over just to be able to catch 3/4 of it. (EDIT) And something tells me that Erik has become a Freemason..
I can confirm that this palace is nothing but breathtaking. its impossible to compare modern style with this. how much effort is put into this. i come from city which is build in 7 century in Croatia and this is still amazing. Real history and design
The best way for anyone who hasn't been there to experience it. Besides the sweeping shots, the info given regarding the most minute details (which we know there are no minute details at Breakers) shown, and explained so well.
This is truly a masterpiece I never believed there was a palace of such magnificent grandeur built at said exquisite standards in America.This is a masterpiece!!
You mentioned the “flower of life” many times but I only saw rosettes. Isn’t “flower of life” a geometric symbol? I think you're pointing out the Tudor Rose
@@Phardy332 "Portions of the grounds, including the farms, suffered significant flooding and damage to buildings. Several animals at the farm have died as a result of flooding and other conditions. Biltmore House, Conservatory, winery, gardens, and their hotels received minimal or no damage from the storm."
I've toured the Biltmore 5 times. Taken all the extra tours. Just an amazing place and story! My understanding is it is still owned by the Vanderbilt family.
This is my favorite tour videos! I saved it so I can go back and watch it again and again. You did a wonderful job highlighting the beautiful, unique, and high tech features of this house without distracting or taking away attention from the architecture. Thanks again!
This is what they hoarded from you.
Higher levels of consciousness.
Power to the people.
Biltmore?
Anyone really, would love to see a series! In addition, there has to be quite a few in South America too...
Definitely Biltmore
I'd like to know what "bow-hemoth" @1:57 means.
Great episode! I love watching your videos. They are so good! Please show us in depth tour of the Biltmore Mansions/Estate in North Carolina.
My great-grandfather was Richard Hunt, who built this home. I never met him, but my grandfather told me that the house was the most difficult yet rewarding project of his father’s career. He later went on to design some of the city’s most iconic buildings, leaving behind a legacy that seemed to echo through every brick and beam he ever touched. They say this house was his masterpiece, a place where his passion for architecture and the art of living truly converged. It was here, under this roof, that he poured his soul into the details-each window a frame for a memory, each corner a whisper of ambition-and perhaps that’s why, all these years later, the house still feels like it’s alive with the energy of his vision. I am proud it still stands after all this time.
I toured this house and I can see how every detail was thought of by Mr Hunt, truly mesmerizing. A great accomplishment.
How amazing. I feel the details in this house surpass the Biltmore House.
Wow. You have a wonderful backstory
It’s much older than that
That’s awesome! I’m an architect and one of my old bosses owns one of your great grandfathers designs. Won’t give out too many details here, but he has adored it for many years and turned it into his home from what once was an inn. His work is still being admired and taught in firms!
It’s also how I know your great grandfathers middle name was Morris lol. Local legend.
What amazes me (amongst so many other things about this place) is that it wasn’t their primary residence but simply a “summer cottage”!
If I remember correctly they were only there for approximately 6 to 8 weeks for the summer before they moved back to New York
Possibly Saratoga first then back to NYC?
Lord, the horror to go from the fresh air and beauty of the ocean and countryside back to NYC every year. I will never understand why people would do that.
That style of living is what did them in. The first two generations made the money, the third blew it all.
The owner of this house was so filthy rich
40 years ago as an 11 year old I was dragged thru this estate by my parents. I had no appreciation for it at that age. This video tour has jogged my memory a bit and now, at 51, I get it. Truly an amazing piece of architectural history.
I was "dragged" all around western europe as a 10 year old and appreciated it as much at the time as I do now from memory. I guess you're just a different type of person!
@@supernovahm1178The difference is the parental relationship, I guess.
❤ incredible 😮bob
Ha, my experience as well. I didn't hate it as a child but you certainly don't "get it". I specifically remember seeing the Breakers, Marble House, the Elms, and Rosecliff. I'm not greedy, I don't need a Breakers, I would be just fine with a Marble House. 😂
Ahhh, Rosecliff ❤❤❤
I live in Rhode Island and have been to these mansions numerous times over the years, including the Breakers. I learned more during your tour today than any of my visits. Thank you so much!
I really appreciate that you invluded the kitchen. When people do big mansion tours often they are so in awe of the rooms and decor and the prettiness of the main living areas that they do not pay much attention to the kitchen. As someone who is interested in historic kitchens and how they functioned, THANK YOU.
They're the best part! My favorite area of any home new or old is always the kitchen/service areas. And this kitchen is absolutely breathtaking. Love the upper windows letting in all that light.
@@alice88waI agree. The kitchen and butler's pantry are ny favorite rooms in rhis house.
I’ve got to have a huge kitchen and service pantry!! 😂❤
I live in Newport and am a member of the Preservation Society. This was one of the best tours I have seen of this great home. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to view this house and all the other Preservation Society properties here in Newport. We are proud of the preservation efforts made and the history of our beautiful city.
We will be back very soon to highlight a few more of those gems
I hope you're talking about the Marble House and the Elms. I just went there for Christmas a few days go and Tea at the Marble House is awesome. 😁@erikvanconover
I was fortunate to see it. My jaw hurt for a week because I could not close my mouth for one second the entire time I was in awe. I am telling you, every detail is ornate, down to the screws in the doors. It's breathtaking.
Thank you!!
HOW DO YOU AFFORD THE UPKEEP OF THESE WORLD-CLASS BUILDINGS!!!? 😮
It's incredible how luxury went from having seemingly EVERYTHING in these old estates, to now having NOTHING, in these modern white boxes.
It is JARRING.Seemingly by design. When you research into how sacred Geometry influences emotion it gets wild.
The Vanderbilt family is still around and very wealthy. They live all over the world.
new houses have to be built to code.
@@erikvanconover It seems like the beauty has been consistently taken away - down to architectural education changing in the early 20th century - to make us forget about the transcendental.
At the numbers provided, we are at about $3600 per house sq ft when including land and furnishings. $1M - which is more than most people spend on a house - would get you about 275 sq ft. The house alone without land and furnishings would be $2268 per sq ft. That gets you 440 sq ft for $1M. I don't disagree with the thoughts or need for emotion and transcendental beauty, etc. Nor do I believe that constantly going bigger is a great thing. So I do what I can. And, of course, I enjoy watching videos like this and visiting places like this when I can.
I did not come to youtube today to watch a real estate tour, but I could not resist clicking on this one. Once started, I could not look away. Bravo!
Same here!! Came through my feed and I said that looks really interesting. Especially since I was a designer back in the day.
Transforming to more of a historic homes channel than real estate tours!
Please keep doing this series. I am an art history and architecture graduate and love history in architecture. So, I appreciate your Landmarked series. I normally don't follow your channel because all the modern homes you showcase start to bore me after a while, but this series is gold.
YES!!
modern architecture as modern art. designed to be soulless
new age, very disposable. ie starbucks vs old european cafes
Same. I love studying the great American dynasties, their achievements and contributions and the often tragic stories of the people who lived these opulent lives, it was so often disastrous for these heirs and heiresses.
“Visionaries who built with purpose, but more importantly with soul.” Beautifully put and hit it right on the nail. Modern day pieces are eons away from these masterpieces. They aren’t built with soul or legacy in mind.
Pre World Wars architecture was DEEPLY ingrained with higher esoteric messaging that mirror the fabric of reality via this sacred Geometry. The symbols literally imprint on our subconscious
I toured this house when I was 12 years old and it changed my life. There is a level of magnificence encompassed within this house that goes beyond just the materials and artistry of which it was made. I’m 46 now and have toured many grand buildings, homes, churches and palaces, but none of them create an experience akin to The Breakers. It’s as though the home somehow encompasses the Ocean by day and the stars at night and is a testament to human ability and ingenuity. I’m so glad The Newport Preservation Society still takes such great care of this masterpiece. And, this tour is the best I’ve ever seen online. Great job!
Well wait until you tour the european castles:)
Your tour of The Breakers is definitely one of the more comprehensive tours I’ve watched. You need a series. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Glad you enjoyed!
Watch a real historical history
Ive been there. why he's there i don't know. It will never be available to anyone. Reason was they were paid shit. These artists made little.
Agreed. I think it's the most comprehensive and in-depth tour of The Breakers on TH-cam.
Bravo! Enthusiasm, knowledge, ability to convey the knowledge, and very astute comparisons to today's America, a dying empire, unlike the cohesive and thoughtful country it was when this palace was built. America is a victim of human nature--money and greed.
Two things I really like about this video: The enthusiasm you present the whole video is absolutely inspiring. And the informations you collected before are very usefull. So, great job man! I highly appreciate this video.
I’m glad you dressed for this house, not sweats & sneakers. It deserves class.
Absolutely stunning. It’s just unbelievable that one family could amass such wealth. Every single detail is done with the highest quality and most expensive materials. A feast for the eyes
I live in Rhode Island, and in my long life I've visited Newport more times than I can remember. I've toured every historic district and Mansion in this amazing state, but The Breakers stands alone as the most beautiful and opulent. ❤
I agree
Anyone can thak a tour to The Breakers mansion ? They have public tours? (fascinating)
If you have a chance go before January 3rd. It’s decorated for Christmas. I went last year and I’m hoping to go next week. They have finally opened the third floor for tours.
@@noelricardo2861yes. They now do the underground tours and have opened the third floor that was lived in by family after it was opened to the public.
@@noelricardo2861Yes! You can purchase tickets online. I would love to visit one day.
The amount of craftmanship and engineering that went onto here is just astounding. To be done 130 years ago, just means even before that it already existed. The rich were so far ahead of time its mindboggling.
Keep in mind, the cost of labor was so incredibly cheap back then before unions and minimum wage laws. To build a house like today would cost a fortune mainly due to the increase in labor.
@@lazeritch11989 No - the main thing was there was no income tax. People actually got to keep what they earned.
@@dandiehm8414 that's really irrelevant, or you'd see dozens of homes like that instead of just a handful owned by the truly obscenely rich.
Building these homes is something impossible today for anyone but maybe an Elon Musk.
Keep this series up man. It's amazing.
You are so right, this is not a home but a palace. To think this was just their “summer cottage” is mind blowing. So glad it has survived all these years and kept the glory and splendor of that time in our history.
All the mansions in Newport are amazing. Love touring these type of homes. I dragged my som through the Biltmore and through many presidential homes. Luckily he, now 37 loves grand old homes too.
This sir, is one for the book. This house is absolutely breathtaking. Excellent presentation as well. Very on par. Bravo
This is absolutely THE MOST refreshing invigorating tour I have yet to see .The richness of the wood the stone and the crystals are no less than ICONIC.I cant even imagine the immaculate experience you had walking back in time. I genuinely appreciate your historical perspectives of each and every room. Gratitude for sharing this with us.
Grateful for your kind comment!
I visited The Breakers in the 90s and was astounded at the majesty. Beautiful things like this must be protected. I love your passion for the human element and craftsmanship that went into these jewels. It's architecture and history. Two of my favorite topics. Keep up the great work.
The older I get, I appreciate the architecture, and my 'awakening' has me very interested in the symbolism. Thank you for these videos!
You and I both. Shot wide awake when I got sober 4 years ago from alcohol. Welcome to the age of Aquarius !!
@@erikvanconover Congrats on the 4 years. Working on it!
🇧🇬 .Вы прочли мои мысли.БЛАГОДАРЮ.
@@erikvanconover, брат, пейте коньяк, но по 25 грм, не более.Самая оптимальная доза.👍 А Европу пошли по дальше.Учитывая последние события, твм будет горячо.А мне бы и дальше хотелось смотреть твои видео.🇧🇬
@@Knifoon121 THANK YOU
I can’t believe you said the word Kundalini in this video☯️ for us that have experienced it can make us feel isolated.This is a fantastic video.Your attention to describe every detail manifested the scale for us that watched.i didn’t want it to end. ⚕️
Imagine being able to buy this place and entering it for the first time by yourself, traveling the halls, exploring all the intricacies of the architecture, getting lost in all the art. What an incredible monument.
I gotta say, this is the best home tour video I have ever watched. The cinematics were incredible. The house is unbelievably beautiful. And your presentation was flawless! I really liked the little floor plan pop ups showing your location. All in all very enjoyable. Thanks! Thumbs up!
I enjoyed the floor plan pop up too. This is a great video.
I kinda like to call myself a self made Vanderbilt-family-expert and let me tell you, this is a great job. Very nice way of allowing new people to consume history on a very different way than just a documentary. Now try to get a permit to do a 2 hour video of the Biltmore House haha.
Except not even mentioning Alice Vanderbilt in the introduction, and the role she played in building this house. How ridiculous to not credit the wife at all, as if she had no influence over the design. Considering her place in society, you know she was a major decision maker in the design of The Breakers. Talking about "American Royalty" without mentioning the man's wife. That seemed quite strange.
We would love to do the biltmore. Next on our list to try to get access to. Not sure if we will be able to though. But will try!
Strangely they do NOT want Biltmore filmed
@@erikvanconover I toured the Biltmore last year. What an amazing piece of work. I believe, and this is just personal speculation, they do not want the Biltmore filmed because it is such a huge tourist attraction. They would rather people come there and experience it's magnificents first hand.
@@erikvanconover That's unfortunate. I toured Biltmore a few years ago and it felt so cozy. I know that's odd for a house that large but I loved every part of it. I never even knew Biltmore existed until a friend posted pictures of the exterior on Facebook. Visiting one day immediately went onto my bucket list. The rose garden alone is worth the trip!!! Perhaps they need to be shown just how many people would come to visit if you were allowed to feature it. I encourage you to persist. Show them this video as an example of your work.
I love Newport. Your tour was better than the one I went on in 1999. I first went to Newport in 1975, and some of the tour staff then (very old ) were descendants of the staff that actually lived in the house (wonderful stories). Thank you for your tour; it was great. I learned so much from you that I never knew about the Breakers! T.Y.
The best piece of history in America , i hope they will preserve it at whatever cost!
Wow, this property is an exquisite work of art, the level of craftsmanship is just mind boggling. Imagine all of the interactions that occurred during parties, family and social events in this work of art during it's peak residency.
That must be the most gorgeous mansion I have seen. The amount of detail, art and history is incredible. Truly stoning. I could watch this tour infinite times and still be amazed. Thank you for allowing us to appreciate this grandiose place!
Your love of architecture and respect for history shines through. A lovely, comprehensive tour that never got boring. Best video I've seen of The Brakers. Having visited the building a few years ago, I didn't realise how much I missed.
I love watching you Erik. I can feel and share your enthusiasm in every home but this one you are like a kid in a candy store. You seem to be in your element, like a boss. This has been one of the homes I have dreamt of since I was a child. The Breakers is my favorite. I will likely never have the opportunity to experience in person so I am eternally grateful for this and all of your series.
My cousins live in Newport and we would travel every other summer to their waterfront estate. Touring the Breakers was always the best as it humbled those rich snobby kids!! Amazing video, can’t wait to go back!
I’ve toured the Breakers formerly being from Connecticut but this walk through tour was amazing with all its details and history expressed as we view it. Awesome presentation!
This beats any LA style fish bowl type 'mansions' all day. Thank you brother!!
We want more tour of this style mansions.
I want to be inspired by architecture!!!
The goldleaf and frescos are gladly a thing of the past but I like old style too
@@erikvanconover Yeah. And you are right. This home was a 'smart home' long before smart homes became a thing. I mean just look at those electric switches.
Absolutely 💯
This series and video deserves two thumbs up. Amazing quality and attention to detail on homes that really matter. New is boring, these classic homes have a soul, a story and deserve every second of attention. Thanks for bringing this home and all of the others to the mainstream. Dreams do live on.
I thought palaces like this only existed in Europe. Truly amazing!
This house is so amazingly preserved. It seems as if the family could move back in tomorrow and start living here again as they did decades ago.
Such a magnificent palace and a true testament to time, but nobody is talking about the wine selection!!! A single bottle of 1914 m&c is an absolutely stunning find, but to have shelves upon shelves is truly awe-inspiring.
I have watched several video tours of The Breakers and none of them captured the zeal and passion for this “cottage” like your video. I love watching your videos because your level of revenant passion is unmatched. You draw us in with your fervor and interest for the history and asthetics, both! BRAVO!!!
Oh Erik, I didn't want your tour to end. My family toured this mansion when I was a young girl and I think that's where my love of architecture began. I was perhaps 8 or 9 and I fell in love with this "home" You did such a wonderful tour explaining so many details - I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please continue to do this type of home tour, I for one really enjoy history, as you do, and your research makes it so enjoyable. Blessings
This is one of the best mansion tours I've seen, thank you! Transports you back in time and makes you think...
expands the consciousness simply being in the home...or watching it !
I just wanted to say Thank you for the great tour for this place I live 20 minutes away from this place I have been in it 4 times had a 8th grade field trip to the Breakers and had fun ran wild in the back yard and I have never seen half of the rooms and underground places that you have shown us in this Vlog today so I just want to say Thank you so much and what a Great job you and ur people did for me and the viewers Loved it keep up the great work Well Done...
Please please PLEASE do tours like this of ALL the Newport homes! this is incredible. I’ll never get to Newport but you bring it to life for me.
I am thrilled that you are exploring the Gilded Age. Please do more!
Exploring < Obsessed !
This house is such a great testament to what is truly possible to build and an inspirational look into the history of American architecture. This was only built 120 years ago and yet it seems so impossible to build today in a "much more advanced world". You should take a look at the Biltmore next.
Finally, I can say that I have been to one of your houses featured in your videos. This house, as well as many others in Newport, Rhode Island, are absolutely breathtaking. Loved every second I was there.
We have a few more Newport Mansion coming up in the next episodes
@@erikvanconovercan you do the biltmore
One of your best and most comprehensive videos to date. Amazing job felt like I was learning a history lesson.
I genuinely appreciate your talent for storytelling and your passion for historical architecture. It's really refreshing to see how genuinely excited you are and it makes watching your videos exciting. It feels like you're taking us on an adventure through history, art, and remarkable human accomplishments. It's fascinating to see what humans can create, especially before modern technology.
I grew up a home built 1926. It was built by Evelyn Huffman - Patterson and was a replica of a Nuremburg castle. We purchased the 24,000 sqft home from the St. Mary’s Educational Institute in Cincinnati as it was their convent. It is nearly as ornate. That boiler room brings back some childhood memories. My mother did a wonderful of job of decorating the home in a style for it's age. Prior to selling the home, it became the Dayton Philharmonic designer home showcase. Since that time it has had several owners. I shutter to think what the home looks like inside these days. Last photos taken of the home after the last owner was pretty awful. Leopard print runner the spiral grand staircase with large squares of black and gold painted on the walls. The kitchen painted neon green with balloons. I often think of just showing up there and asking to see it. I afraid of what I might find. All childhood memories wiped away, modernized and sanitized.
What a beautiful story but such a tragic ending 😢
This is what I'm waiting for, do more tour video about mansions like this. Marble house, the elms, Rosecliff etc...
Marble House is next!
This chap does a great job of guiding the viewer around this treasure and interpreting the history and architecture his enthusiasm makes for a great tour… ❤ 🎉 thanks from Australia
Many thanks!
Erik, I really appreciate your passion for showcasing properties with unbelievable artisanal details. Homes of this era should be preserved and kept sacred, because constructing an estate like the Breakers today would not even be possible. Every single detail tells a story, and brings character to the house. It is lovely to see your channel evolve to tell these stories and to appreciate this lost art.
Anderson Cooper whose mother is Gloria Vanderbilt said in an interview he would visit here as a child because one of his cousins lived on the upper floor he would look at the estate visitors from the outside balcony.
What?! The cnn guy
@@itstonycia Yes, Anderson Cooper is the great-grandchild of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who built this house as their family's summer home.
@@itstonycia Yes! The CNN guy (Anderson Cooper) is a Vanderbilt!
Yeah, the artwork inside the Biltmore is disturbing and features a boy who looks identical to a young Anderson Cooper in a very bad situation.
Yes
This mansion is breathtakingly beautiful. I loved the tour, Erik. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Having toured The Breakers, I was overwhelmed beyond measure. No billionaire alive will ever attempt building a house this spectacular today without revealing his poor taste and his egomania.
You do realize that the ultra-rich of the past also built spectacular homes that revealed their poor taste and egomania, don't you? Ever been to Versailles? Tacky as hell.
@LewTitterton the merely wealthy, yes I agree. But more astute amongst the ultra rich that are self-aware will hire the best taste makers to ensure that they stay a step above the nouveau riche. The old money types may initially scoff, but with time it makes their entry into high Society much easier to obtain.
@@LewTitterton Versailles as 'tacky as hell?' I've never been there, and I ASSUME you have, but from the few photos I've seen of it, the palace looks like a masterpiece inside and out, to me. Maybe that's not enough for me to judge, but you remind me of an old friend I have who sees everything opulent as 'tacky'.
@@kevinrussell6530 I've been lucky to visit the Versailles just last year, and I can assure you it's Magnificent, Grandiose, and Huge.
No billionaire alive will ever build something like this because it's "waste" of wealth. They never would have become a billionaire in the first place if they wanted something like this. The days of monopoly and unrestricted labor are gone.
This is amazing! Part of me is in awe, but the other side thinks of over indulgence, pride, and materialism. Your presentation is enthusiastic and refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Same here.... sitting in my 1000 square feet fixer upper house. 😅 I admire the beauty and can only imagine how it must have been to live in such luxury! However, when i saw the huge bathroom, I thought mmmm gorgeous but i bet it could never be as warm as the tiny one I enjoy because it's easy to heat. Lol
This young man is doing such a superb job! He is genuinely enjoying visiting and sharing those magnificent homes, his appreciation of beauty is infectious. He is elegant yet, sounds down to earth and honest. If he doesn't know something, he says "I'm not sure" or "I don't know". We need more presenters like him. It's a treat to discover this channel.
these old homes profoundly blend the material and spiritual
I really enjoyed your video. The home and YOU. I appreciate the lack of pretense in your showings and your amazement at it all the same as the viewers. Really good job
As a Chef I appreciate the tour of the kitchen and the pantry, you didn't linger long enough for me of course. However, I am grateful you choose to show it. This grand home is a treasure.
ABSOLUTELY LOOOOVING this continuation of your Landmarked series!! Its just great, so thank you for sharing.
You would expect us to have learned something from the past, yet newbuilt mega mansions and rich people houses can't even come close to this level of beauty. As an european this is the first house in the US that I actually find STUNNING.
No offense but the house toured usually on youtube all feel "soulless". YOu can tell these walls have stories to tell. Truly majestic.
What a fantastic presentation and editing !
Simply stunning property, so much richness of class, tradition, mysticism... !
Love ýour passionate approach towards everything you present !
That is the most spectacular house I've ever seen inside and out. It gave me a very peaceful feeling watching this video. Thank you for sharing.
I had the honor of touring the Breakers years ago. But only a fraction of the rooms were available for viewing. This is an incredible video.
Like many of the comments, you’ve done an excellent job on this video - great cinematography and use of graphics - plus very nice work highlighting certain elements. Finally - the basement tunnels are nuts!
Thank you for showing us through this beautiful piece of history 💜
The stained-glass skylight is absolutely stunning!
It's been 45 years since I toured The Breakers as a child. Thanks for taking me back. I remember being mesmerized by the ceilings.
This was one of the first houses in the United States to ever have a residential refrigerator. They use to put massive blocks of ice under the fridges to keep them cold. (And some other things to help keep it cool)
This is not a building, this is a statement. Thanks Erik for this amazing video
The Breakers doesn’t even scratch the surface of amazing and historic homes we have on our little Island here.
Great tour, you could spend a long time here touring houses.
That's a different kind of wealth. Beautiful. Every room was detailed specifically. If I couldn't own the house. I would be more than happy to work their.
As an architect and academic I've always found the beaux-arts style to be an extravagant homage to the rococo level of detail...that said, it IS an inspiration both in terms of its decoration but also in terms of its infrastructural and technological achievements. Excellent narration of the tour, good job.
Hi!
Erik,
Glad me your great report on your TH-cam channel. Excellent explaining detail about styles and higher quality materials contain at The Breakers mansion in Rhode Island.
I appreciate your attention in detail so much on it.
very powerful video Erik! im also impressed with the video editing. great job in recruiting a solid film crew!
I'm from Newport, RI; the homes that were built as "summer mansions" are absolutely incredible. The attention to detail, the scale of the buildings, the absolute beauty; you don't see that anymore. It's like todays workers just don't have the same pride in their workmanship.
Erik's an architectural size queen
Brilliant! This young man is the BEST orator and tour guide on ALL of this platform!!! I hope he does many,many more!!!
Erik - this is off the hook! And the reason for me saying that? This is the first time I have seen The Breakers in 4K and what a difference!! You have made a unique video because the crispness of the details is easily seen and therefore appreciated.
This was a great tour. I will point out that the house at 28:35 isn’t the Astor’s home. That is Anglesea and it’s privately owned. The Astor’s Beechwood isn’t far though. It’s on Bellevue Avenue next door to Marble House and is now owned by billionaire Larry Ellison who has been remodeling it for well over ten years now
We'd appreciate it if your toured the following places:
1. The Whitney in Detroit
2. Casa Loma in Toronto
3. Neverland Ranch
4. Granot Loma in Michigan
5. The Chris Mark castle
6. The mansion that 50 Cent bought from Mike Tyson and keeps trying to sell
7. Antilia, that skyscraper house in India whose owner won't live in it because he thinks it's bad luck
8. That house in Homer, Alaska
9. Ca'd'zan
10. The Hawaiian royal palace
You forgot the other Vanderbilt mansion, the Biltmore in North Carolina
We know the owner of casa loma. Great suggestion. Might ask to see!
I would love to see you touring the Seralles Castle in Ponce, Puerto Rico! The way you document the history of the mansion and the cinematography of your videos are impressive.
I actually had the privilege of touring this place in person via the Newport Preservation Society. It’s even more stunning in person.
The underground infrastructure is MIND-BOGGLING. To think that the architects would have to have the foresight for all of that before the first cornerstone was even laid.
I'm tempted to start counting how many times this dude says "flower of life". He almost says it compulsively whenever he sees anything relatively floral. Lmao.
The amount of occult symbology throughout this palace is staggering. You’d need to slow the video speed and watch it two or three times over just to be able to catch 3/4 of it.
(EDIT) And something tells me that Erik has become a Freemason..
I was thinking the same thing lol
“Vanderbelt” “boehemoth”😂
I can confirm that this palace is nothing but breathtaking. its impossible to compare modern style with this. how much effort is put into this. i come from city which is build in 7 century in Croatia and this is still amazing. Real history and design
The best way for anyone who hasn't been there to experience it. Besides the sweeping shots, the info given regarding the most minute details (which we know there are no minute details at Breakers) shown, and explained so well.
I live in RI an am in a wheelchair now unless they me use the elevator I can’t revisit the breakers.
Went may years ago. Totally loved the video
strange but beautifully arranged architectural styles from different areas in Europe
beautiful
Yeah it looks a bit strange IMO, it looks good but its clearly an imitation.
@@atodaso1668the proportions are too wide too.
@@atodaso1668 that's an american house, not french or italian.
@@ilkiwi Precisely. Its been modeled to look like various European houses.
You are the legend erik.. you toured some of the best properties including this one.. absolutely love it 🔥
Thanks for watching!!
The wealth of some and the poor of others is simply amazing
This is truly a masterpiece I never believed there was a palace of such magnificent grandeur built at said exquisite standards in America.This is a masterpiece!!
You mentioned the “flower of life” many times but I only saw rosettes. Isn’t “flower of life” a geometric symbol? I think you're pointing out the Tudor Rose
Amazing, that house is like living in jewelry
Very impressive but the Biltmore is the pinnacle.
you've Been?
The Mansion got damaged and flooded during that last hurricane
@@erikvanconover Yes, amazing. You would do an awesome job showing it to the world. You do a great job showing these places off. Broadcast TV is dead.
@@Phardy332 "Portions of the grounds, including the farms, suffered significant flooding and damage to buildings. Several animals at the farm have died as a result of flooding and other conditions.
Biltmore House, Conservatory, winery, gardens, and their hotels received minimal or no damage from the storm."
I've toured the Biltmore 5 times. Taken all the extra tours. Just an amazing place and story! My understanding is it is still owned by the Vanderbilt family.
This is my favorite tour videos! I saved it so I can go back and watch it again and again. You did a wonderful job highlighting the beautiful, unique, and high tech features of this house without distracting or taking away attention from the architecture. Thanks again!