Cliff Lawn, now The Chanler, was built as a summer home for Congressman John Winthrop Chanler and his wife, Margaret Astor Ward. When construction was completed in 1873, a Newport newspaper touted the mansion's location as "one of the finest on the island." This was the first of many colossal homes built along what is now Newport's famous Cliff Walk. Some of the "mansion row" homes are now public museums; others remain private property. The Chanler is the only mansion overlooking the Atlantic that now welcomes guests, affording visitors a taste of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by Newport's turn-of-the-century elite.
Popular Easton's Beach, which I could see from my window, is just a short walk away. However, The Chanler also offers beach butler service, whisking guests off in a Mercedes or Lexus to semi-private Gooseberry Beach. You'll be provided with a beach bag packed with everything you need including towels, magazines, Fiji water and a cell phone so that you can request a ride back to the inn when you've had enough sun and sand.
