Exploring Seaview Terrace: A Glimpse into Newport’s Majestic Past
Nestled on Newport’s scenic Cliff Walk, Seaview Terrace, also known as the Carey Mansion, stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and historical lore. This 40,000-square-foot mansion, the fifth largest of the famed Newport Mansions, holds stories of opulence, war, education, and ghostly whispers.
The Architectural Marvel of Seaview Terrace
Originally constructed in Dupont Circle, Washington D.C., by the whiskey fortunes of the Bradley family, Seaview Terrace was meticulously dismantled and reassembled in Newport in 1923. Designed in the Elizabethan Revival style, the mansion incorporates 63 exquisite rooms, some of which were transported intact from France. The mansion’s intricate design features include original 16th-century stained glass and a secretive Estey organ hidden near the chapel, accessible through a trap door.
A Historical Journey Through Time
After changing hands due to financial difficulties in 1942, Seaview Terrace’s rich history continued as it served as officers’ quarters during World War II and later transformed into a school. In 1974, the mansion was acquired by Martin and Millicent Carey and has since remained in private ownership. Fans of vintage television might recognize the mansion’s facade, which was featured in the 1960s series Dark Shadows.
The Haunted Legacy of Seaview Terrace
Seaview Terrace is often touted as the most haunted mansion in Rhode Island. Paranormal enthusiasts and visitors have reported eerie occurrences such as unexplained whispers, footsteps on the stairs, and the distant sound of organ music. Legend has it that Ms. Julia Williams Bradley, a former matriarch of the mansion, has been playing the organ since her funeral in 1929. During its time as a dormitory, the mansion’s spectral activity reportedly intensified, drawing the attention of the Atlantic Paranormal Society and leading to its feature on the television show Ghost Hunters.
Visiting Seaview Terrace Today
While Seaview Terrace remains a private residence and is not open to the general public, its legendary facade and the surrounding landscapes continue to draw the curiosity of passersby and paranormal aficionados. Its presence along the picturesque Cliff Walk ensures that it remains a significant icon in Newport’s cultural and historical narrative.
In conclusion, Seaview Terrace is more than just a mansion; it is a repository of narratives, waiting to be discovered by those who are fascinated by the blend of history, architecture, and the supernatural. Whether admired from afar or studied through tales of its past, Seaview Terrace continues to enchant and intrigue all who come across its storied walls.
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