Rough Point

Rough Point Review

The late tobacco heiress and preservationist Doris Duke hosted such celebs as Elizabeth Taylor at her Newport mansion perched on Cliff Walk. The 105-room home (with 49 principal rooms) was built in the English-manor style in 1889. An avid collector of art and antiques, Duke filled Rough Point with works by such masters as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Joshua Reynolds (of all the Newport mansions, Duke's has the best art collection). Furnishings range from the elaborate to the peculiar (count the mother-of-pearl bedroom suite among the latter) and reflect the look of the mansion during Duke's final days. Tours include an annual changing exhibit. To tour the mansion, take the Rough Point shuttle from the Newport Visitors' Information Center. If you prefer to drive, you must make an online reservation.