Have an upstairs/downstairs experience at one of Newport, Rhode Island’s, most magnificent historic mansions this summer with new tours that take in the building’s third floor for the very first time. Once the private digs of the Vanderbilt family, this space has never before been accessible to the public.

© George Gray Photography/The Preservation Society of Newport County

“The third floor of The Breakers is a historically significant space,” said Trudy Coxe, CEO and executive director, The Preservation Society of Newport County, which has owned The Breakers since 1972. “This new tour of private living quarters never seen by the public allows us to provide a more complete story — not only of this iconic property, but also of the family who built it and lived there for generations.”

The new guided Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour takes place at 3:30 p.m. each afternoon. Participants get an up-close view of the unfolding preservation efforts, which includes original décor and design features from the 1890s, 1940s and other time periods.

© George Gray Photography/The Preservation Society of Newport County

“Work on this space is ongoing, so this will be an evolving experience for visitors,” added Leslie Jones, director of Museum Affairs and chief curator, Preservation Society of Newport County. “This early incarnation of the tour offers an opportunity to witness the process of preservation. How are decisions made, what applications are best in this case, and why? We are excited to share our approach to this unique project while introducing this area of The Breakers to the public for the first time.”

© Dave Hansen/The Preservation Society of Newport County

Can’t make it to Newport this summer? Time your visit for fall, take a tour of The Breakers and enjoy the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. Check the website for announcements on dates and details.