Here are some fascinating and lesser-known fun facts about The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island:

1. **Architectural Marvel**: Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, The Breakers was completed in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family.

2. **Italian Renaissance Influence**: The mansion's architecture draws inspiration from 16th-century Italian Renaissance palaces, particularly those in Genoa and Turin.

3. **Luxurious Interiors**: The Breakers boasts interiors featuring lavish materials imported from around the world, including marble from Italy, alabaster from France, and rare woods from Africa and South America.

4. **Resilience Through History**: Despite challenges like the New England Hurricane of 1938 and threats of demolition, The Breakers stands today as a National Historic Landmark.

5. **Technological Innovations**: When constructed, The Breakers included modern amenities such as electric lighting, central heating, and one of America's earliest private elevators.

6. **Gardens and Landscapes**: The estate is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens designed by Ernest W. Bowditch and Frederick Law Olmsted's firm, enhancing its grandeur.

7. **Society Gatherings**: During the Gilded Age, The Breakers was a social center, hosting lavish parties attended by American and European aristocracy.

8. **Preservation Efforts**: The Preservation Society of Newport County meticulously maintains The Breakers, preserving its original furnishings, artworks, and architectural details.

9. **Cultural Influence**: The mansion has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of Newport's architectural and historical significance.

10. **Visitor Experience**: Today, The Breakers welcomes visitors worldwide to explore its opulence and learn about the Vanderbilt family's impact on American society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.