This Beautiful $27M Mansion Built By a Titanic Survivor Has a Tragic History

Explore the breathtaking architecture of the Miramar estate in Rhode Island, a neo-classical beauty built in 1915 by a notable Titanic survivor as a memorial to her husband and eldest son, who both perished in the tragedy. 

In the early 1900s, Philadelphia tycoon George Dunton Widener commissioned the legendary Gilded Age architect Horace Trumbauer to craft a magnificent summer residence in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport was the playground for the upper echelons of American society, and Widener wanted a luxurious home that would befit his social standing. 

His unique architectural style was at the heart of the success of renowned architect Frank Trumbauer. In the late 1890s, he was hired by George Dunton Widener’s entrepreneurial father to design the magnificent 110-bedroom estate called Lynnewood Hall. Completed in 1900, it was a testament to Trumbauer’s skill and artistry, becoming one of Newport’s grandest and most sought-after summer retreats. 

When ambitious tycoon George Dunton Widener and his devoted wife Eleanor Elkins decided they wanted an extravagant vacation home, they knew just who to turn to. For years the couple and renowned architect Horace Trumbauer worked diligently to bring their dream ‘cottage’ to life. 

Eleanor Elkins was born into a life of luxury, being a scion of the super-rich Elkins family. Her husband’s wealth gave her the financial freedom to pursue her refined tastes. But the heiress was more than just a wealthy socialite – she was a brave and determined woman. 

The Widener family embarked on a journey of a lifetime as they set off on a European holiday in the spring of 1912. Accompanied by their valet, lady’s maid and eldest son, Harry, the family’s goal was to visit London and buy rare first editions for Harry’s book collection. 

On April 10th 1912, Eleanor Elkins and her family boarded the Titanic full of hope and excitement for the future. Little did they know that five days later, the liner would collide with an iceberg in the middle of the North Atlantic. 

Step back in time and follow in the footsteps of Eleanor Elkins, a woman whose deep love for her husband led her to embark on an inspiring journey of remembrance. 

Eleanor Elkins Widener was grief-stricken following the death of her beloved son, Harry. To honor his memory, she chose to fund the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard University, his alma mater, and assigned her go-to architect Trumbauer to design the building. 

Discover the grandeur and splendor of this unique American estate. Built in 1915, this sprawling limestone mansion spans over 30,982 square feet and costs a staggering $43 million (£32.3m) when adjusted for inflation. Its 42 windows were once covered with awnings to protect the priceless tapestries from the sun’s rays. 

Step into a world of opulence and grandeur! This sprawling mansion is the epitome of luxury, featuring all the modern amenities and comforts you could ever wish for. Boasting a spacious service court and 16 Rolls-Royce limousines which were reportedly polished to perfection every day, this was living in the lap of luxury. 

Step into the grandeur of the majestic entrance and be enthralled by the magnificent interiors crafted by Parisian firm Carlhian & Cie. From the polished marble floor to the Caen stone columns, no detail has been spared in the creation of this extraordinary space. 

In June 1915, Eleanor Elkins and Alexander H Rice Jr were brought together at the dedication of her son’s library. Little did either of them know that this would be the beginning of a remarkable romance. Despite the age gap, Eleanor fell head over heels for the intrepid Harvard professor and explorer. 

On a warm August night, 500 VIP guests were treated to a night of opulence and splendor at Eleanor Elkins’ inauguration ball at Miramar. Celebrated by the New York Times as the social event of the summer, the evening was full of extraordinary delights. 

When Eleanor Elkins and Alexander H Rice Jr. married in October 1915, they kept their beautiful love story a secret until the last minute. Their special day was made even more magical, as they said their vows in the grandest of spaces – the vast ballroom of the Elkins Estate. 

Step inside the magnificent drawing room of a French palace and you will be immediately dazzled by its grandeur. Ornate furnishings and decorations adorn the space, creating a breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere. Five luxurious Gobelin tapestries by the famed François Boucher adorn the walls – a sight to behold. 

From hosting glamorous parties to sparking a nationwide champagne craze, Eleanor Elkins and Alexander H Rice Jr. left behind an impressive legacy. Their renowned Tennis Week ball was the talk of the town, and the couple’s flair for entertaining was unmatched. 

Experience the grandeur of a French palace right here in the US. The incredibly decorative dining room of this property is one of the finest of its kind and is designed to accommodate up to 50 guests. 

Step into this room and you’ll be captivated by its charm. From the imposing marble fireplace and console table, to the exquisite gilded relief decoration on the walls, it’s nothing short of breathtaking. 

Step back in time to the stunning manse of Alexander and his wife. As you can see from the old photo of the dining room, the space has been beautifully preserved, complete with chandeliers that have been hanging for decades. Although much of the original furniture has been sold off or bequeathed, the manse still retains a timeless charm. 

Eleanor Elkins’ story of courage and bravery began long before the fateful day of the Titanic disaster. But on that day, in a display of her strength and determination, Eleanor is said to have taken charge of the lifeboat by grabbing the oars and helping to row it to safety. 

Step into the kitchen of this historic mansion, and you will be greeted with a sense of its enduring charm. From the bespoke wooden cabinetry to the original table from 1915, the space is rich with character. 

Experience the luxury and grandeur of a bygone era with a visit to this extraordinary living room. Adorned with a beautiful bas-relief mural depicting Diana, the goddess of hunting, the room is a testament to its original purpose as a bar and games room. 

Greet the day in style and luxury with breakfast in the stunning breakfast room! Housed in a bright loggia, the room is graced with magnificent ocean views that can be enjoyed through its multiple French doors. 

Take a journey back in time and explore the splendor of Eleanor and Alexander’s room! Admire the exquisite Persian carpet that still graces the floor and the delightful chandelier that has stood the test of time. 

For the ultimate party hosts, a unique feature of their home was a 10,000-bottle wine cellar. Designed to impress their guests and make entertaining a breeze, this room was truly one of a kind. 

Experience a journey through time as you ascend the sweeping staircase, adorned with an elegant wrought-iron handrail and gilded details. Eleanor, the beloved heiress of the Gilded Age, was an admirer of the finer things in life, and even in her dying days, she was living her passion. 

Welcome to the master suite of Eleanor Elkins’ incredible mansion. What began as her dream home, has now become a luxurious haven for Alexander Elkins, her second husband, and the high life he continues to relish. 

Alexander was living like a true king in the New York residence he shared with Eleanor. As per the 1940 census, 19 servants were at his beck and call, catering to his every need. 

The late Professor Everett had a life of privilege, and it showed in the ornate bedroom of Miramar Mansion. With its high ceilings, detailed wooden carvings, and vintage furniture, this room was fit for a king. After his first wife Eleanor passed away, the professor remarried and continued to spend summers in the mansion until his death in 1956. 

In 1964, Roy and Ruth Penner purchased the property and established the prestigious Miramar School for Girls. Located in the luxe mansion, the school welcomed privileged boarders to its grand bedrooms. However, the school did not last long and shut down in 1969. 

When we come across the next bedroom in the Miramar Realty Estate, our eyes cannot help but be drawn to the two wonderful double-aspect windows and curved corner doors. 

When Wall Street tycoon David B Ford purchased Miramar Mansion in 2006, he made Rhode Island history. The estate, which features a handsome carriage house and a tennis court, was sold to Ford for $17.2 million (£12.9m), smashing the record for the most expensive family home in the state. 

David B. Ford’s investment into the Miramar Estate was no small feat. With the help of architectural historian John Tschirch and other preservation experts, Ford restored the property to its original aesthetic and invested in the Miramar Arboretum, which covered the estate’s 7.8 acres of grounds. 

The majestic and much-loved Miramar estate has been restored to its former glory, with the handiwork of renowned landscape designer Jacques Gréber and a team of 17 gardeners. It’s no surprise that the property sold for an incredible $27 million (£20.3m) last September.