Updating a Piece of Newport History

Artist rendering depicting restoration plans for Astor’s Beechwood. 
Courtesy of Northeast Collaborative Architects

We’re very intrigued by the recent plans to completely restore Astor’s Beechwood, one of the prominent Bellevue mansions here in Newport.  Purchased in 2010 by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison the mansions fate is now in his hands.  Ellison’s plans include an art museum to be open to the public featuring art from Ellison’s private collection on the main floor with a private residence on the second floor.  He has also purchased the carriage house which will be made into an artist gallery with living quarters above.  Ellison also plans to restore the properties greenhouse as well as plans for an extensive 19th century style landscape design that includes two ponds, a stream and luscious gardens. Plans for Beechwood’s restoration were submitted to the city at the end of 2011 and it is now up to Newport’s Zoning Board and Historic District Commission among others to approve the plans.  We hope to be among some of the first visitors once the restoration is complete!