Beechwood (Astor mansion)

Beechwood is a historic Gilded Age mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, originally built in the 1850s and famously owned by the Astor family. Designed by architects Andrew Jackson Downing and Calvert Vaux, the estate features Italianate architecture and has undergone several renovations, notably by Richard Morris Hunt in the late 19th century. The mansion served as a social hub for high society events, particularly under Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor, known for her extravagant dinner parties. Although it is currently a private residence owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Beechwood's rich history and architectural significance make it a point of interest for tourists and researchers alike.