When you step onto the stunning grounds of OceanCliff, with its sweeping views of Narragansett Bay and timeless elegance, it’s easy to feel transported to another era. But long before it became one of Newport’s most sought-after wedding venues, OceanCliff was known by a different name: Shamrock Cliff.
Shamrock Cliff: A Gilded Age Legacy
Shamrock Cliff, now known as OceanCliff, was constructed between 1894 and 1896 for G.M. (Gaun McRobert) Hutton, a Baltimore steel industrialist, and his wife, Celeste Marguerite Winans. The mansion was designed in the Romanesque style by the architectural firms Peabody & Stearns of Boston and the McNeil Brothers. Notably, the landscape design was crafted by the esteemed Olmsted Brothers, with Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for designing New York’s Central Park, as a principal.
One of the largest of Newport’s summer cottages, Shamrock Cliff is characterized by its sprawling splayed-U-plan, rough-cut granite construction, and a complex polychrome-pantile cross-gable roof. Dominating its profile are two prominent towers: a four-story tower at the east end of the south wing and a three-story tower at the intersection of the main block and the north wing. The mansion’s design is further accentuated by large, regularly spaced chimneys that complement its low-slung profile.
Disco Nights at Shamrock Cliff
Fast forward to the 1970s, and Shamrock Cliff was enjoying a new kind of popularity. During this vibrant era, the mansion played host to glamorous disco parties that drew locals and visitors alike to dance the night away under glittering lights. The mansion’s waterfront ballroom and elegant setting made it the perfect backdrop for these lively gatherings, where the pulse of disco music filled the air and guests dressed to impress.
These parties became the stuff of legend, adding a colorful chapter to the mansion’s storied history. While the disco era eventually faded, its influence and energy left a lasting impression.
A vintage poster from this era reflects the venue’s lively atmosphere:
From Shamrock Cliff to OceanCliff
Initially serving as a private residence, the estate passed to the Huttons’ daughter, Elsie Celeste Hutton, upon her parents’ passing. In 1958, Elsie sold the property, leading to its transformation into a hotel and resort known as OceanCliff—a name that reflects its stunning coastal location and luxurious appeal. Today, OceanCliff stands as a premier destination for weddings and celebrations, drawing guests from near and far to experience its timeless charm.
While OceanCliff has transformed from its days as Shamrock Cliff, its history remains an essential part of its identity. The echoes of disco nights and Gilded Age grandeur still linger, providing a rich and fascinating history to the elegance and beauty of the venue today.
From disco nights to timeless weddings, OceanCliff continues to be a place where unforgettable memories are made.
