HOUSE TOUR | Oceanfront Newport Mansion with Beautiful Gardens

Victoria Leiter Mele, the daughter of one of Newport Rhode Island's most beloved grande dames, opens up her family's home affectionately named, The Whim (which was once an eight-car garage!) Her mother was Marion "Oatsie" Charles a prominent Washington, D.C., socialite known for rubbing shoulders with the likes of John F. Kennedy, Truman Capote and Nancy Reagan.
For many years Oatsie (and later Victoria and her family) lived next door at Land's End, an 11,000 square foot mansion once owned by author Edith Wharton.
Victoria's son, Nick Mele, is the author of the new coffee table book "A Newport Summer," and is one of Newport's most celebrated photographers capturing the life of Newport's high society in this idyllic summer setting.
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[@deniseokanlawon6023]

She has this big gorgeous house full of art and then she bought some stick on tiles for the kitchen from Amazon. Love that story.

[@katherinespencer2073]

Always happy to see a grandmother who is not a high -flying, high heal booted, tight leather clad painted botoxed scary woman. That you and your son, his wife care enough about history to take care of so many pcs of memorabilia for the next generation, & hopefully the one to follow is a testament to true class. My God always smile down upon you.

[@annahanu1808]

Finally. A beautifully designed and elegantly decorated home that is full of real (not "just for looks") books and is not slathered in white paint. Everything speaks to comfort and not do not touch. A mansion that actually looks homey.

[@orangemanbad]

I don’t think a single video posted on these tours is all white

[@christopherone1]

AMEN. So glad we're moving past the "all white walls' looks like everything bought from Target, no color neutral era...the worst.

[@davidcattin7006]

Exactly! Old money whispers; new money screams. What a wonderful house! No, much more than a house-- a HOME!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

beautifully designed and wonderful colors??? yikes ok!

[@JohnFromAccounting]

I hate white paint. So boring.

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Watch and learn people. This is taste! Style! A home not a house... full of stories and treasures. Eclectic wonder...like a jewel box. Why oh why would anyone want a bland, minimalist over stylised, hotel like house? The owners are people I'd actually love to hang out with. Her mother was such a character...i love that. Such a tonne of history. What's not to love? The location, the views, that garden picturesque. AND could we just recognise the sculpture of Angela Davis...wow...icing on the cake..I could watch videos like this all day. Thank you Homeworthy.

[@susanstacy2493]

I agree!

[@joshr9417]

Not everyone wants to live surrounded by lots of stuff, some people enjoy more minimal environments.

[@crizzy8373]

You had me until Angela Davis…

[@rockjockchick]

@@joshr9417 true, but a home should be comfortable to the owner, not just styled to impress others. I think that is what was really meant here.

[@lauramason5667]

This woman is the real New England thing. No pretense whatsoever and all about enjoyment and what is real. I love it.

[@LoverofLife863]

When I clicked on this video, I had NO idea I would fall in love with the matriarch of this family. Miss. Victoria is as delightful as she must have been. ✨✨✨✨✨

[@wholesome122]

“Anything with a pattern can be thrown up on or pooped on; it doesn’t matter!” I’m cataloging that quote and going to live it out in my own home decor journey lol

[@DSmith-gs4tr]

I absolutely love Miss Victoria. She's a riot. Her no-nonsense personality and willingness to tell it like it is made this beautiful house tour extra special. I laughed so hard when she alluded to the extra prep work they did for this tour despite her son talking about liking to photograph homes in their natural state. I can only imagine what her mom was like. She seemed tough as nails, but a lot of fun. Thanks for really making my day. The house and the family were incredible.

[@LillianHenegar]

I love how she calls him out on his pompous bs. LOL

[@DSmith-gs4tr]

@@LillianHenegar That she did, lol

[@denisefrandsen5106]

I did see painters tape on a window shade in the office. So its at least somewhat in ots natural state

[@rebekkad.2092]

What an interesting family. I love the fact that they don't take themselves too seriously. I love people that have every right to be impressed but aren't. The home was, at the same time, whimsical yet rich.

[@MTMF.london]

They are old-money WASPs and their wealth speaks softly. I have nothing in common with them culturally, ethnically or socio-economically but they are my kind of people, I get them. They are so comfortable with themselves and their place in the world, there ought to be more people like them - and I am not talking about their wealth.

[@AShoegazer]

@@MTMF.london You are absolutely right. :)

[@Someonecomegether]

@@MTMF.london you described them perfectly!

[@gailmiller6333]

@@MTMF.london Agree, 100%.

[@davidcattin7006]

Old money whispers; new money screams.

[@catherine3684]

The photography by the son is wonderful!

[@judithclark2823]

The land, the house, the history, the family, and that view!! Enjoyed this tour and the family so much. Such unpretentiousness from this family with a rich history is so refreshing. Thank you for letting us venture into your very private lives and home.

[@Maja.73]

😊😊

[@marionsnipes3586]

This family has a great sense of humor.

[@Marietta30064]

I thoroughly I enjoyed this house tour. I enjoyed the people as much as the fascinating stories and beautiful surroundings. Thank you for allowing us a peek in your home and being so open and genuine.

[@AShoegazer]

I couldn´t agree more! :)

[@annjohnson8437]

Well said ... I feel the same way!

[@kevinhogue1784]

What a great down to earth lady. Wealth without pretentiousness.

[@camuchacustodio2661]

I loved the history of this home but most of all what this lovely lady said. She does not care where you come from or what you do for a living...but she appreciates charisma and a great personality with a sense of humor 👏🏼✨👏🏼✨💓

[@IGuess...]

That part!!!

[@lorrielebeaux2760]

You look like your mother. And yes, women from the South, we are raised to entertain, and make people feel good. I am from NewOrleans, so I know. Thanks for allowing me to see a bit of your fabulous life!

[@AMATEURDECORATINGLIKEAPRO]

This home looks like the owner loves LIFE to the most. Loved the stories.

[@evelynecasteres3520]

A down to earth family, funny and approachable. A great family with an incredible house

[@kummonyeomso6912]

Down to earth ?

[@deannab9511]

Of all the estates you've shared this is the most homey, beautiful and classic! The owner is so down to earth, I could talk to her all day 💓

[@carissafisher7514]

That’s weird because I felt like they were so pretentious! Or maybe mostly the son?

[@wingolamo]

Same. For people with that kind of pedigree, they seemed totally approachable and quite funny. Like when she said that she loved chintz fabric because it doesn't show the throw up and the poop. LOL. I also love how she said "I don't care where you come from or what you do as long as you're interesting." Amen to that.

[@rockjockchick]

@@carissafisher7514 ya. He seemed a little insecure and like he wanted to impress, but still seemed over all fairly kind hearted.

[@vivienmcnaul109]

Wonderful. Nick is nice that he wants his mums things, he appreciates beautiful things. Great style never gets old.

[@lisathompson5048]

I think he wants them too badly...

[@michelleaw1325]

🥴

[@Smilinggal]

If he plugs that book one more time! 🙄🙄😴💤😴

[@GoddessY1968]

​@@Smilinggal exactly 🤮

[@jeanjones2281]

Their house is one big treasure, Art, books, antiques, personality!!!

[@huub1989]

Let’s all be gracious and appreciate it when people invite us into their home. People are people, rich or poor.

[@gailmiller6333]

Exactly, agree100%.

[@JustCallMeLiberty]

I love the blue and white bathroom with the clawfoot tub and the hydrangeas!

[@patriciasalem3606]

I'd love to have people like this living next door to me. You'd never have boring conversations. They're not trying to impress anyone or be something they're not. As a fellow dog owner, I like that philosophy about making the house feel lived in with lots of books and well-loved upholstery. I enjoy seeing houses like this where it couldn't possibly belong to anyone else because it's so unique. That's why I subscribe to this channel!

[@shanechang2015]

I adore her.. she actually made me feel like she was showing ME around her beautiful home.

[@DennisKing94]

What brilliant humor that Lady has... I like her stories!!!:)))

[@squirreloflove]

I was in Newport in the fall and did the Cliff walk specifically to see Land's End - I am a huge fan of Edith Wharton and the house itself. So glad I happened upon this video! What an amazingly beautiful property to live on!

[@natefrench8595]

Best yet. Lovely interesting and amusing lady. She carries the family legacy well and wonderful son and family. Truly charming and best feature yet ❤️

[@lukethomas658]

Oh my gosh, I remember her mother from Stephen Fry's travel series about America, she was memorably witty. I love this style of home with layers and history.

[@chs75]

I didn't realize this was the same house and family!

[@tanyam5471]

Oh I need to find this video. Steven and this witty lady...

[@Am-dp3jy]

beautiful place, very real, warm, great family history

[@luci1474]

I appreciate how honest and fresh her comments are.

[@bradfordholmgren]

It's great to see this house. The family is lucky to have such a house in Newport. The house is lucky to have a family that has the flair to create such wonderful rooms! You can tell this has been a labor of love over generations.

[@lisafield4154]

Quirky fun family. My kind of people. Victoria appears so real and unpretentious. Fabulous tour!

[@ginahamlyn2569]

What a wonderful family with such a sense of history. This home is beautiful, the garden is exquisite and must be one of the most outstanding locations in the world. Love from South Africa

[@michaelmercurio2312]

Wow! I'm kind of speechless. That is an amazing property and what an interesting family.

[@hv1946FLUSA]

Ah, Oatsie Charles! What an icon. Thank you for a look inside a real home with real people who are comfortable with their real history. The Whim is revealed pentimenti.

[@aeriheirsling2735]

The property is really nice. I love the whimsical touches like the witches legs and the needlepoint. The Xanax on the memo made me laugh out loud. 👶

[@OriginalBigThing]

Lovely home, lovely gardens, lovely stories and “the book,” “the book,” “the book.”

[@cissy2194]

I love the focus on family. Like, no matter your income, or where you live family is the foundation for your legacy. The house reminds me of my grandmother’s home. Filled with things that are loved with memories.

[@rfranksensey]

I adore her eclectic style of combing all the things she loves!

[@nelleferrara812]

Love that woman’s personality, so casual and honoring of family

[@Fellec01]

I smiled through this entire video!!! Simply Beautiful!!! The Host has a warm presence.

[@machpodfan]

Nothing can beat beauty and warmth that is solidly grounded. I think living well always means going your own way somehow, using the tools and material of design to create one's own unique zone.

[@rockjockchick]

Agreed

[@whatiswe]

Now this is a home! filled with Humor, Love, Children, Family history, whimsey. Oh the property! Thank you for posting. I WANT THOSE PEACOCKS!!!

[@Samantha-ys2pp]

The pictures of interiors and exteriors in the books are amazing. I love this photographer!

[@seacoast4950]

The house and location is beautiful, but my favorite was the family and their dog. They seemed super nice, with good humor and down to earth. Love that.❤

[@helenconnolly6805]

Neither dull nor tedious, but charming and interesting in spades! Refreshingly candid and self-deprecating people, lovely home, wonderful location. Thank you for sharing your happy place. Newport is ❤️

[@Ferdy1969]

I LOVE the wiseness and humor of Lady of the house, I also have moved many times from representative rooms around the world and know how much trouble its to preserve style proporties and furniture . Kudos and brava !

[@JB-pd3ir]

The gardening shed with the rose is absolutely charming.

[@AcornHillHomestead]

I once heard a man who had his NY apartment on tour say Everything good goes with anything good. Just put it all together and it will work. I think he was onto something. His home was eclectic, evolved, collected and gorgeous.

[@lisaoloughlin6476]

Just love your home and the history and sharing your private world and family. It reminds me of my Aunt Imy who lived in the country with a huge house with lots of lovely and homey things and a real sense of comfort and ease in living!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dreamrafters]

Nice house! Love her affinity for stuffed birds. Glad her son used this opportunity to plug his book every two minutes 😂

[@MichelleWhitingAssoc]

exactly!

[@camuchacustodio2661]

That’s so funny he was on it😂😂😂

[@sarsol19]

Same here! I laugh every time her son would pull out his book with a huge smile on his face. 🤣

[@darlenechandler2403]

I thought that kind of ruined the ambience of the home tour and actually found it a bit annoying.

[@cocobutterchin6768]

He Moved in with his wife/family, that house will be his inheritance.

[@michaelmoore7337]

I was born in Newport. My parents and I would go to the beaches often. Sometimes we would fish from the rocks. It was fun. Nice to see it again.

[@Rita-ol7ow]

This lady is a real beauty and treasure by herself!

[@ng3807]

I love these long-form videos!! what a beautiful home ❤

[@the_holiday_hutch4414]

I would have to say this is one of my favorite home tours and primarily because I just love the woman that lives there. Her charm, grace and humor made me smile.

[@gailboots1072]

What a lovely woman and property. The garden is lovely. The fact that she tells on herself is charming haha

[@HLB512]

Seems unpretentious and down to earth. Love that she bought peel and stick tiles for the kitchen. Her home is lovely!

[@elizabethann9152]

Ok, Nick. I just ordered your book on Amazon. I put it in my cart at about five minutes in, and bought at minute 22:02. It was the blue-patterned upholstery on the cover. So all that plugging really worked.

[@Laura-g1c1l]

I am about to go and buy it now=same detail sold me!

[@anitalaydonmiller1433]

It is so incredibly kind of her to share her home and memories. Big thanks!

[@angelaberni8873]

God I just LOVE this lady !!! She is witty and extremely sincere. Hats off to you dear .ps love your home.

[@MsBritishwoman]

What a fabulous generational utopia. Thank you for sharing. Continue to enjoy the house's splendour. P.s. the gardens are stunning...I can see why no one wears shoes! 👞

[@cherylcorso6660]

I love this woman! What a delightful, down to earth person.

[@shawndacooper7585]

The House Tour was a Fantasia of Wealth. I love the photos by N. Mele. Excellent…

[@59Drauz]

I appreciate the relaxed atmosphere that allows the homeowner to talk uninterrupted! I want to hear what they have to say. And I also appreciate the occasional question from the show’s host. A throughly enjoyable visit.

[@blueinghouse5564]

I remember Oatsie Charles when I lived in Washington, D.C. back in the 80's and 90's. What a fabulous house and wonderful tour!

[@SonsWrays]

Wonderful tour, great house and history. Love the Mother and Son banter.

[@joyce3790]

Loved this house tour and this woman. I would have loved meeting her mother.

[@jennifersutton3115]

I love this beautiful home. It's spectacular. This home is very interesting. A lot of personality. Many unique trinkets and pictures. To start a conversation right away. What really matters to me is the stories. And character. Thanks for sharing 😊 ❤️

[@lauramclaine504]

Beautiful home the Son seems very grounded and someone you can have a good conversation with.

[@tigermoon44]

Great house, lovely lady and family! Just warm, friendly and down to earth and the rooms are eye candy in a antique store kind of way with an elegance that only comes from being lived in with family. Thank you all for sharing!

[@nancykintner9177]

I absolutely loved this video!! My home is tiny in comparison, but filled with things I love and reflect who I am. Thank you for sharing the home and the family❣

[@jacquiwmch]

Beautiful family, beautiful home and gardens. A home is not a home without humour, it is abundant here.

[@Bartha_Stewit]

loved the lived-in look, all the treasures, and the history.

[@jonboy8181]

I love how real she is.

[@DrRichardMarques]

What a wonderful look at a close family who hold and carry their heritage forwards through the generations! 🌟

[@ChristyStoerm]

What a welcoming home that you can have a life in. I love that your son and grandkids could join you this summer. Thank you for sharing your home with us!

[@suewilson163]

What a nice family. Beautiful place. I also love staying home & being in my garden. Lovely family. Thank You for inviting us into your beautiful home. Love the books.

[@asianangie7209]

Love the owners, great sense of humor and easy going. The garden and that view is perfect!

[@TNGunn51]

Thank you for showing your amazing home! I'm from Massachusetts and worked in DC for a long time. Newport is my favorite escape--any season. As a black woman, I say with candor that Victoria seems like the real deal. Love her wit and honesty.

[@TheJohnebey]

I dearly loved this film, thank you for creating it. My Partner and I fell in love with Newport just about 2 years ago. The history of the Home and the Family is amazing. One can only imagine all that was lived in and still lives upon that lovely tract of property.

[@katewade9992]

The colors on the walls in the rooms are beautiful. The blue & white fabric is stunning.

[@chriswashburn9039]

What a wonderful home. I just want to sit in that library and read all day.

[@nancyhoskins197]

Thank you for sharing you lovely home, it's history and the back story of your family! I am completely charmed by the exterior setting, landcapes and the lovely interiors! God has blessed you with a wonderful heritage, and you are carry that legacy into future generations! What a joy that must be to treasure, cherishing the shabby, chic and charming!

[@claudiamann7111]

What a stunning house and wonderful family. I live in Montgomery, Alabama about 4 blocks from where Ms. Marion grew up. Thanks so much for another fabulous video.

[@fabiancollins1952]

Alison I absolutely love the trajectory your videos have taken from the start of the pandemic to today, sumptuous comes to mine when I think of these homes you've visit and this home is not only grand and a lot of house but it seems loved and full of memories. The host is so charming as is her history and family. I'd love to see some tropical homes as I have lived for the most part in warmer climates: South Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America and more Instagram content lol. Awesome home. Thanks again.

[@lisadonahue537]

What a beautiful place to wake up to everyday. I love that you really seem to enjoy it and share it with others. The Cliff walk is on my bucket list someday.

[@lwitt8448]

Simply love this woman’s energy!

[@patriciakelly69]

Thank you soo much for showing your home. You have a beautiful eclectic home. The colours are vibrant with lots of personal items that make a home a dream. It’s extraordinary clever have you’ve incorporated such treasures with beauty charm and wit. I love how you all enjoy your home and the fact that it’s child friendly. Beautiful views and a dream of a garden. It is truly a special place.

[@ChocolateAristocrat]

Loved everything about Grande Dame Oatsie!💕 I read so much about her lifestyle and attempted to live her example of a charmed, committed and beautiful life of integrity. Thank you for sharing her💕

[@carlenemcdonald9625]

I didn't want this to end. Such a beautiful home and fascinating stories.

[@Jack-eo5fn]

Wonderful home on the sea, and a wonderful family to keep on loving it!

[@mnqolivia]

I love her affinity for Amazon shopping! I can relate. They seem like a charming family with an interesting house.

[@jaclynsmith3563]

The garden shed with the roses around the roof is fantastic!

[@SolWaid1965]

Oh my goodness, yes! I thought so, too!!

[@janetstear8906]

Beautiful home and family. Thank you for sharing what we drive past and wonder who lives in there?..What are the owners like? .. What does the decor look like? … and most importantly, thank you for your interesting stories as you toured your home with us! Bravo!!

[@zenaidagonzalez6343]

Beautiful house with so many memories and interesting people.

[@nllove7937]

Adored this family and property , so cozy and real

[@joannlyons9639]

Thank you for the the tour! What a hoot! The gardens and views are amazing. jd

[@susanasselstine6311]

What a beautiful treat to see this incredible home and story!

[@atomisticpartb525]

So beautiful. Thank you for covering this. I would not have ever known this story of this gracious lady, family, home, and community.