BELCOURT CASTLE Welcome!

 Thank you for your continued interest.  

Last year, Mrs. Donald (Harle) Tinney made the tough decision to sell her family's home. 

Belcourt Castle as it had been known, was in the Tinney family for 56 years, beginning  in November of 1956 when it was bought and ending in the sale completed in November of 2012.  

Donald Tinney only 19 already lived in Newport with his family at Seaverge, when then only called Belcourt, was purchased. Coming from the Cumberland area of Rhode Island, the family preferred Newport for the architectural history and the ability to preserve the past. This young man had a dream...his mission was to own a large enough home, mansion to be able to collect things from all over the world and let people see them closer, maybe touch them but see these objects of art as their friend. Restoration of a home and these antiques were now the family's goal. 

Comprehension from others would follow and many believed he knew this, but " Donald's Dream " didn't end with his leaving this world, some feel it, understand his talent, practice his dream but as an artist, few know he did live it. Those who have visited Belcourt Castle before, worked there, enjoyed and respected it through the years.....Thank You for doing so! It was Donald's joy and his his dream along with his family's to see this happen, to create this museum.  

He showed his passion to his mother Ruth, and father Harold, later his wife, Harle and many. He inspired his Aunt Nellie Fuller and along with her and his parents were known then as " The Fabulous Four ". They changed Newport when Belcourt Castle came to life again. Harle Tinney after their deaths maintained that and when left to sell this vast architectural gem, guided by numerous memories since 1960 and even before, needed to know that the dream of long ago had been fulfilled and she did.  

Countless memories have been brought to us all by Belcourt Castle over the years. Share those moments of time with us now! Show us and others what Belcourt Castle meant to you.....send us your stories, pictures if you have them. Let this vision continue by letting us know your words and also if possible, visually experience those moments. Share that gift given to you! 

The great news is when you send us your memory you will have the opportunity to get a copy of Harle Tinney's book about the Ghosts of Belcourt Castle. She writes about her experiences living at Belcourt Castle in the beginning as a young bride and forward.  

Join us again, help us share what Belcourt Castle and the Tinney family legacy, to a Richard Morris Hunt masterpiece meant. Just email us your thoughts, pictures and details will follow. If you need a physical address to send to, we shall provide that upon inquiry and discretion. Thank you again, and as many around Belcourt Castle and the Tinney family would have said...We make the Magic!  

All inquiries may be sent to staff@belcourtcastle.org and thank you for letting history stay alive.

 Friends of Belcourt Castle