Newport opens mansions for summer season

The Preservation Society of Newport County kicks off the 2008 season on Saturday, April 5, with the opening of five properties for daily tours - The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff. Kingscote and Green Animals Topiary Garden will open for the season on Tuesday, May 20, and the other Newport Mansions: Chepstow, Hunter House and Isaac Bell House-will open for the season on Saturday, June 21.

New this year, visitors will be able to see Kingscote (1841) and Isaac Bell House (1883) on a single admission. Architects McKim, Mead and White redesigned Kingscote, and went on to build Isaac Bell House. Together, these two picturesque cottages illustrate Newport's evolution as a premier place for great design, fine living and the creation of a distinctly American style of architecture.

Visit www.NewportMansions.org or call 847- 1000 for the complete schedule.