The show’s true heart beats in Newport, Rhode Island. This isn’t a backlot; it’s the actual playground of old money. Think real mansions, not movie sets.
The exteriors of the Russell mansion? That’s The Breakers. Yes, the Vanderbilt summer home. You’re basically watching history throw shade at itself.
And the elaborate gardens? They roam through Marble House and Rosecliff. These places are dripping in gold you could actually lick (please don’t).
The “Shady” Side of Newport
But wait, there’s more. The Berwind Mansion (aka The Elms) stands in for the Russell house’s interior halls. It’s like the show cherry-picked the best rooms from three different castles.
Why Newport? Because it’s still preserved like a gilded butterfly in amber. You can literally walk the same halls as the Astors. It’s spooky and fabulous.
Fun fact: The production team often shoots in Newport during the off-season. So if you see a snowy lawn in a summer episode? That’s movie magic, baby.
