Chinese Tea House at Marble House

We loved this experience! Everything was great! I loved everything about it. Thank you Newport Mansions and Stoneacre Brasserie!

Set on the ocean side of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House in Newport stands out with its bright roofline and sweeping views of the Atlantic. It sits at the end of the estate’s back lawn, right where the property meets the Cliff Walk. Built in 1914 for Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, the structure was designed by the firm Hunt & Hunt, who modeled it after Song-dynasty architecture. Its carved brackets, tiled roof, and decorative figures were meant to contrast with the Gilded Age mansion behind it, turning the lawn into a deliberate display of global style. Alva later used the Tea House as a platform for women’s suffrage events, making it one of the few Newport garden structures tied directly to political history. Today it’s open to visitors through the Preservation Society, offering a close l

went for afternoon tea after touring the Marble House. What a unique way to spend the afternoon, and enjoy the ambiance of the Tea House. The food was great, and we even got a much welcomed history lesson (brief but informative!) about the Tea Hose. If you never had a Tea, you should try it.

Although I am giving three stars I actually do recommend doing the afternoon tea if you go to marble house and are into that kind of thing! It was very fun to have a multi course tea at the tea house as an experience, I am only giving three stars because the food was hit or miss. Stars of the show were the finger sandwiches and the desserts (except the bread pudding, that was not too great). Lackluster were the entrees (ordered the salmon and burrata - salmon was very fishy and burrata was alright). If I went back I would go with the wedge salad because it is simpler so I think it would be more satisfying. Honestly though I think with the welcome drink, full tea, and entree, plus unlimited tea, the $65/person is worth it!

The Chinese Tea House at Marble House is truly a hidden gem in Newport—steeped in history and perched above the Atlantic with sweeping ocean views. Do note that you need to either be a member or purchase a ticket to the Marble House in order to dine at the tea house, but it’s well worth it for the experience. At $65 per person, this felt more like a high tea than a traditional afternoon tea. In addition to the expected tea sandwiches and sweets (which were not overly sugary—thankfully!), the meal includes a savory entrée of your choice (some have supplemental add-on charges). I chose the braised short rib ($8 add-on) which was tender and flavorful, while my friend enjoyed a fresh salad topped with salmon ($12 add-on). You’re also welcomed with a drink of your choice—either a glass of spar