Your Chance to Live Like Newport's Elite

The Live the Gilded Life sweepstakes offers a chance to win a three-day getaway for two, including transportation, accommodations and exclusive access and experiences at the Newport Mansions.
Jamie Coelho

The invitation arrived in my mailbox and I immediately felt like I was Cinderella being invited to the ball. Gilded brocade fabric frames the book-like summons, and it’s accompanied by postcard photographs of the Breakers, the Elms and Marble House mansions, as well as an elaborate gold key (which happens to be a flash drive that includes press releases and photos).

The materials are part of a remarkable sweepstakes campaign, Live the Gilded Life, organized by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The nonprofit will grant the winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy private tours, meals at the mansions and exclusive opportunities within the gates of the Preservation Society’s properties as well as airfare, transportation and luxury accommodations.

Donations are accepted for entry and all the money raised from the promotion will benefit Newport Preservation Society’s efforts in preservation, education and special events. $5 online donations can be made for a chance to win the Live the Gilded Life sweepstakes at livethegildedlife.org. Each donation to the Preservation Society will help protect, preserve and present some of America's most important buildings, furnishings and landscapes. The prize package includes:

  • Round-trip airfare for two within continental U.S. with all transfers;
  • Three nights’ luxury accommodations in Newport;
  • In-room flower arrangement from the Preservation Society greenhouse;
  • Photo portrait taken in one of the mansions or on the grounds;
  • Breakfast in the Conservatory at The Elms;
  • Personal tours of all the Newport Mansions;
  • “White Glove”  tour of treasures from the Preservation Society archives;
  • Croquet lesson on the lawn and afternoon tea at Chateau-Sur-Mer;
  • Five-course dinner with wine pairings in the Gold Room at Marble House.
The Breakers morning room.

Let’s face it, you may never have another opportunity to live like a Vanderbilt, so now is the time to enter. "The Newport Mansions represent the height of luxury of a bygone era, when America's wealthiest families enjoyed a lifestyle that few of us can imagine today," says Trudy Coxe, CEO and executive director of the Preservation Society of Newport County, in a release. "By entering this sweepstakes with just a $5 donation to the Preservation Society, one lucky couple will enjoy a taste of that lifestyle."

Sweepstakes entries, rules and additional details can be obtained by visiting any of the Preservation Society of Newport County properties or online at livethegildedlife.org. No donation is necessary and will not increase your chances of winning. The free entry process can be found at Free Entry Without a Donation. The giveaway is open to legal residents of the continental United States, age eighteen and older. The contest will end on December 31, 2016. A winner will be chosen through a random drawing that will take place on or about January 16, 2017.