Rough Point, Newport, Rhode Island

Forbes.com: America's Most Beautiful Mansions

This 105-room Gilded Age mansion was built for Frederick William Vanderbilt in 1887. Unlike so many historic mansions, this one has a very recent social history. Owned by tobacco heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke until her death in 1993, the home is now a museum featuring art works by Renoir, Gainsborough and van Dyck. The property allows visitors a glimpse of Duke’s world-class collection, the home and her fascinating life. The mansion overlooks the coastline and is surrounded by grounds designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

(Credit: Visions of America/UIG via Getty Images)

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Biltmore Mansion... Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the style of a chateau, this residence is considered one of the most outstanding examples of the Gilded Age. At 175,000 square feet, it is the largest privately-owned house in the United States. Its formal French gardens and rolling English landscape draw thousands of visitors every year.

(Credit: The Biltmore Company/Newscom)

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Biltmore Mansion... (Credit: The Biltmore Company/Newscom)

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Homes With Amazing Front Yards
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Vizcaya, Miami, ... Surrounded by 10-acres of European-inspired gardens and a private sculpture garden, this Miami mansion overlooks Biscayne Bay. Completed in 1916, the opulent residence features room after room of elaborate arches, classical columns and decorative detail. The library hides a secret passage through its bookcase and the tea room features stained glass doors that splash colorful light on the smooth marble floors.

(Credit: Mark and Audrey Gibson/Newscom)

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Vizcaya, Miami, ... (Credit: Mark and Audrey Gibson/Newscom)

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Homes With Amazing Front Yards
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Lyndhurst, Tarry... Sitting on a knoll with a lawn that stretches toward the mighty Hudson River, this Gothic Revival mansion was built in an early Gilded Age style. Designed in 1838 and expanded in 1865, its turrets and a four-story tower are a tribute to original architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Narrow hallways lead to rooms with vaulted ceilings and pointed arched windows. Now open to the public, Lyndhurst was originally the home of William Pauldring, Jr., who was the mayor of New York City in the 1820s. The home was later purchased by merchant George Merrittand eventually by the railroad tycoon Jay Gould.

(Credit: Andre Jenny/Newscom)

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Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Lyndhurst, Tarry... (Credit: Andre Jenny/Newscom)

More From Forbes:
Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Rough Point, New... This 105-room Gilded Age mansion was built for Frederick William Vanderbilt in 1887. Unlike so many historic mansions, this one has a very recent social history. Owned by tobacco heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke until her death in 1993, the home is now a museum featuring art works by Renoir, Gainsborough and van Dyck. The property allows visitors a glimpse of Duke’s world-class collection, the home and her fascinating life. The mansion overlooks the coastline and is surrounded by grounds designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

(Credit: Visions of America/UIG via Getty Images)

More From Forbes:
Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Rough Point, New...

More From Forbes:
Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Woolworth Mansio... This exquisite neo-French Renaissance mansion was designed by C.H.P. Gilbert and completed in 1916. Rife with gilding and carved stone, the home makes a glamorous first impression. Once inside the entry foyer, visitors are treated to beautifully rendered floor mosaics, a stained-glass skylight and grand staircase. Throughout the seven-story home, floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate the high ceilings. And its paneled library is as lovely as it is distinguished.

(Credit: Brown, Harris, Stevens)

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Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Woolworth Mansio... Credit: Brown, Harris, Stevens)

More From Forbes:
Homes With Amazing Front Yards
Incredible Showers And Bathtubs
Amazing Playrooms For Children

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
That's Not All..... Click here to see the rest of America’s Most Beautiful Mansions.

(Credit: Villagesite.com)