New 'Modern Mansion' Suites in Newport Allow Members and Guests to Vacation Like a Vanderbilt in Gilded Age Style

NEWPORT, R.I., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating a multi-million dollar refurbishment project by Cornish Associates along with Boutique Club International, the historic Vanderbilt Hall opens as the Vanderbilt Residence Club this month. With 33 oversized suites offering an idyllic combination of modern luxury and historic distinction, Vanderbilt presents members with exclusive access to this landmark "Gilded Age" mansion, and special introductory 21-day memberships begin at $75,000 plus annual dues. Individual stays are also available as owner occupancy permits starting at $295 per night.

Vanderbilt guests also have access to the mansion's private club room, a full theatre-style screening room, member wine room and lounge, a private dining courtyard, a robe lounge and full pillow library. An intimate full-service spa will open in October.

While keeping the traditional architecture and historic detailing, the property was thoughtfully redesigned with a focus on green materials for maximum energy efficiency and conservation. Green elements include carpeting made from recyclable material, rapidly renewable cork hardwood flooring, and occupancy sensors in suites to conserve energy while returning the suite to the guests' preferred thermal comfort levels upon return. The indoor pool features a continual warming system using the room's warmth to re-heat water to a steady temperature.

Each suite has a distinct personality from the 400-square-foot loft suites with custom-controlled skylights and rain sensors to the expansive Cornelius Suite, featuring a private elevator and entrance, two fireplaces, a full living area, two bedrooms and a dining area accommodating up to 10 people.

All suites feature 14-foot ceilings allowing abundant natural light to bounce off the chic eclectic decor of local antiques recalling vacations past whimsically paired with sleek modern furniture. Sage colored walls, maple accents and white chair railing and trim work continue the comfortable contemporary character throughout. Each suite also boasts an eight-foot open bookshelf that is home to an extensive media center with two plasma screens, and an optional iPod docking station.

To encourage guests to use the property as they would a second home, lounges are placed throughout the mansion. Instead of limiting members and guests merely to their own suites, the household is fully staffed, ensuring full service throughout the property at all times -- from the second-floor robe lounge for morning coffee to the nightly deliveries of Chef Maureen LaPierre's freshly baked gourmet cookie creations.

Newport's breathtaking scenery and active culture provide a gracious and classic New England experience. Vanderbilt guests are steps from Narragansett Bay sailing regattas, downtown boutique shopping and fine dining. Newport partnerships include private access to Newport National Golf Club, Gooseberry Beach and court privileges at the Newport Tennis Hall of Fame.

Further information can be obtained by calling 401.846.6200 or via http://www.vanderbiltrc.com/.

About Boutique Club International

Vanderbilt members have access to Boutique Club's wide array of partner destinations, including: Scotland, England, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Aruba, British Columbia, Bahamas, Mexico, California, Arizona, Colorado and Las Vegas.

Boutique Club International specializes in the complete development, sales, and marketing of luxury residence clubs and boutique hotels -- from locations in the Berkshire Mountains, New York, Costa Rica, Arizona, and now Newport, RI. BCI provides a variety of custom-tailored ownership options, including: whole ownership fractional ownership, condominium ownership with capital recovery from rental programs, and products that afford the consumer the ability to use other resorts and properties within the BCI network. http://www.boutiqueclub.com/.