# Belcourt Castle

- **Country:** the United States
- **Location Text:** Newport, Rhode Island, a Châteauesque mansion built 1891–94 for Oliver Belmont.

Belcourt, formerly known as Belcourt Castle, is a historic mansion located at 657 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. Constructed between 1891 and 1894, this grand residence was designed by the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont. The building exemplifies the Châteauesque architectural style, drawing specific inspiration from the Louis XIII hunting lodge at the Palace of Versailles. Its design incorporates a rich blend of European influences, heavily featuring French Renaissance and Gothic decor while also borrowing elements from German, English, and Italian traditions. Originally intended as a seasonal summer cottage for use during only six to eight weeks annually, the structure spans 50,000 square feet across three floors and contains sixty rooms.

The estate holds significant historical value as a symbol of Gilded Age opulence and was notably unique for integrating extensive stables and carriage areas directly into the main living structure, reflecting Belmont's passion for horses and pageantry. The project cost $3.2 million at the time, equivalent to roughly $80 million today. Following its completion, the mansion underwent several renovations between 1896 and 1914 under architects John Russell Pope and Horace Trumbauer. Although it began as a private retreat for the Belmont family, the property has changed hands over the decades and is currently owned by Carolyn Rafaelian.

Today, Belcourt stands as a preserved landmark within the Bellevue Avenue Historic District. Unlike many contemporaries that were demolished or converted into institutions, this castle remains a testament to the extravagant lifestyles of America's industrial elite in the late nineteenth century. Its enduring condition allows visitors to appreciate the intricate load-bearing masonry walls, steel I-beams, and heavy timber construction that supported its creation. The site continues to serve as a cultural touchstone in Newport, offering a glimpse into the architectural ambition and social history of the era when it hosted grand balls and served as a backdrop for high society gatherings.

![Photo of Belcourt Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Belcourt_mansion%2C_Newport_Rhode_Island.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belcourt_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)