Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-07-27
VIEWPOINTS SNOBS.
The Homes of some of the Miilionaires
sketched.

Newport Or. l., correspondent Of the Boston
Between the assessment of the tax In the
year 1881 and the levyiug for the support
of the municipality In 1882, the real estate
had, according to the books, increased in
value to the extent of one million dollars,
and 1t is probable that the assessors this year
will go at least another million better. This
is not only eminently satisfactory, but at
first blush is surprising But it requires
little trouble to discover the reasons. Every
year secs one or more palatial residences
erected that cost oil the way from fifty to
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For
place and population like Newport this
increase in the value of property, as the
additions of new buildings invariably brings
about goes to prove that the future OF this
city is thoroughly well assured. 1t is rough
ly estimated that at least half of the real
estate in Newport is owned by summer
residents, who pay taxes on property varying
in assessed value from 10000 to 100000,
upon which latter sum Mrs. William
Gammel pays, while Mr.. George Peabody
Wetmorc contributes TO The general support
of the town with taxes on 100000 of land.
The cottages which these millionaire residents
occupy are in reality mansions aud fit for n
prince. The most striking are those of Mr..
John Jacob Astor, who is occupying "Beau-
ieu," once owned by Bareda, the Peruvian
minister, and for which Mr.. Astor paid over
100000; Mr.. George Peabody We,more
whose "chateau-sur- mer," built OF granite,
has cost him fabulous sum, the magniti-
Gently carved staircase, imported from Italy,
having cost no less than $40, 900; Mr.. II.
Goelet, whose beautiful house, commanding
a magnificent sea view, is erected on n lot
for which he paid the widow Of Colt, of
revolver fame, n level 100000; Mr.. Pierre
LorlIard. who is taxed for 1894 900, whose
latest real estate purchase here was the
famous Lawrence Staigg lot, which was in
| the court for nineteen years, and which in
| that time increased in value eleven times
what it was worth when the Boston artist
bought it Mrs. Gardener Brewer OF
Boston, whose estate is valued at Sl33, 900.
| This is most charming place, and is very
| appropriately named "Finsteirc,' being a,
| the end of Bellevue Avenue, and also of the
Island of Rhode Island. Here 1t was that
| in 1877 Mrs Brewster, assisted by her very
popular and charming daughter. gave a
delightful fcte for the benefit of the Old
South Church. Mr.. and Mrs. Brewster arc
| enthusiastic collectors of rare plants, and
spare no expense to secure the very latest
additions known to the world of horticulture
or Horticulture. Then there is Mr.. Thomas
| N Gushing of Boston whose charming house
| behind the rustic fence is the scene of many
brilliant entertainment during the summer
Mrs Catherine L. Wolfe is fairly astonishing
the natives by the palalial dimensions and
general magnificance of the brown stone
villa she is having erected on Ochre Poin
and the finishing touches of which will soOr
be put on. The land itself cost Sl92, 900
the house being built upon the site Of thu
| William Beach Lawrence homestead, which
Miss Wolfe would not sell to have moved of
because 1t would nccessitate the cutting
down,ofsa comparatively insignificant tree.
Miss Wolfe is now in Europe purchasin.
furniture, carpets, rugs, tric-a-brac, ETC., fo
the house. 1t is believed that when tn,
building is entirely completed and furnished
a very big hole will be knocked IN a hal
million dollars. Thousands upon thousand
of dollars are being expended upon TIN
grounds, terraces are charmingly arranged
beautiful flower gardens and 50 on. TIL
latest addition to our wealthy cottage owner
is Mr.. L. j. Montgomery, of Boston, wilt
planked down $500 cash for Genera
Robert B. Potters beautiful place. TIT
Rocks Kiss is situated at the south end o
the Island, commanding magnificent viev
of the Atlantic Ocean.
| There are many more of these millionaire
residents. Their summer houses are bull
regardless of expense; in fact, they give IL
heed to money matters where comfort is t,
be had Some OF these have TO pay prett,
dearly for their seaside outing Take pierr
Loriard, for instance. His estate is taxet
for S234,000. 1ntcrest money. taxes, in
surance and repairs cannot be reckoned at
fraction less than 10 per cent. MIR. Lorillar,
is never here more than eight weeks IL
year therefore tenth part Of his property
which is only taxed at two-thirds Of ii
value, would equal about $4,000, and thi
sum divided by eight would bring his ren
per week at about 81 500. From thes
| figures it will readily be seen that owning
cottage in Newport for summer occupanc'
is an expensive luxury, and one in whic
| the ordinary run of mOltuls cannot indulge