The Astors' Beechwood Mansion is a Gilded Age estate located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.

History

Built in 1851 for New York merchant Daniel Parrish by architects Andrew Jackson Downing and Calvert Vaux, it later became the summer estate of the Astor family. Currently, the estate is operated as Newport's only living history museum and features actors portraying the daily lives of those who inhabited, ran and cared for the estate.

During off-season months (February to May), servants of the Astor family provide tours of the estate as if they are still living in 1891. Visitors are considered to be "applicants" for a summer job on Mrs. Astor's staff, and may "apply" for any job they wish. Positions include: gardener, footman, butler, chef, housemaid, and many others. During the summer months while the Astor family is living in the mansion, Astor family members give tours to guests as though they are members of the family's social circle, "The 400". Everyone living and working in the mansion believe it to be 1891 and act in character throughout the tour.

The tour includes two sides of the house: first, the family's side where the Astor's lived, and second, the servants side, which included kitchens and servants quarters, as well as an area for the children to live. Children of the family lived with the servants until the age of 17, when they were considered adults and fully prepared for social functions. Children of the family were quickly wed at the age of 18, or as soon as possible after reaching 18.

The mansion also offers a "Victorian Murder Mystery" on Thursdays at 7 pm, and also serves as a wedding location. There is also an option to have a "Night with the Astor's," which is a formal affair put on by the theater company.