Belcourt of Newport

Response to Jennifer Manalio, previous reviewer.

I'm sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience during your recent visit to Belcourt Mansion. It's unfortunate that your expectations were not met, but I'd like to provide a different perspective based on my visits and understanding of the mansion.

I've had the opportunity to go on mansion tours several times, including the Ghost tour last year, and each time I've found the experience to be quite enlightening and unique. One thing that stood out to me was how Belcourt Mansion skillfully blends history with modern art, creating a distinctive atmosphere that's unlike any other mansion tour I've been on. The mansion offers a one-of-a-kind guided tour experience in Newport that's based on 12 years of meticulous research. I was particularly impressed by the extensive collection of magazine articles from 1894 to our days that I saw firsthand, which showcased the mansion's rich history.

After the time when the Tinney family owned the mansion, there was a period where the house had lost much of its historical significance. However, thanks to Carolyn Rafaelian's remarkable renovation efforts, the mansion was revitalized and brought back to life. Her dedication to restoring the mansion's former glory is truly commendable and has given visitors the chance to step back in time and appreciate its unique history.

Regarding the table in question, I'd like to clarify that it wasn't a marble table, it was a table from Marble House. Mistakes like this can sometimes happen, but I believe it's important to distinguish between the two.

As for the anecdotes and humor shared during the tour, I found them to be engaging and entertaining. While there might have been jokes made about the Mansion Society, they were intended to add a lighthearted touch to the experience and shouldn't be taken as embarrassing.

Jennifer Lawrence's wedding, as you mentioned, is now part of the mansion's history, and I found the information about it to be quite interesting. It's a testament to the mansion's continued relevance in the present day.

I appreciate your additional insight, and I'm glad you brought up the topic of the tour guide with the cup of coffee. It's worth noting that in many tour settings, guides often have beverages on hand to stay refreshed, especially during longer tours. It's quite common for guests to carry their own bottles of water or other beverages as well. Just as guests might have water bottles with them, tour guides having a cup of coffee is a practical and understandable practice to help them stay energized throughout the tour.

Lastly, I'd like to mention that Belcourt Mansion is indeed a mansion, not a castle, and it offers a unique charm that distinguishes it from other historical sites. It's worth noting that the review you mentioned seemed to focus on a single aspects of the hour-long tour, which might not provide a comprehensive view of the entire experience.

While I understand that everyone's expectations and experiences can vary, I hope this alternate perspective sheds light on some of the positive aspects of Belcourt Mansion that you may not have fully experienced during your visit. The mansion's blend of history, modern art, and engaging anecdotes make it a truly captivating and worthwhile destination for those interested in Newport's rich heritage.