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.
#hometour #interiordesign #homedecor
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Homeworthy's KZbin channel for more home tours and design content
Be sure to visit www.homeworthy.com/shop to discover amazing furniture, art, and accessories handpicked by our editors to help transform your house into a home - all of the items are inspired by the episodes you see here on this channel!
Follow us on Instagram: / homeworthy
Follow us on TikTok: / homeworthy
Follow Nick on Instagram: / a.social.life
Buy Nick's book HERE! rstyle.me/+TlIGb3PhmoNmVm-XmY...
Filmed by Luis Vargas of www.vargasvideography.com

[@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.

[@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. ✨✨✨✨✨

[@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.

[@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]

😊😊

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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

[@catherine3684]

The photography by the son is wonderful!

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@lauramason5667]

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

[@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.

[@kevinhogue1784]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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. :)

[@sophial.6633]

@@MTMF.london you described them perfectly!

[@gailmiller6333]

@@MTMF.london Agree, 100%.

[@davidcattin7006]

Old money whispers; new money screams.

[@lisafield4154]

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

[@Am-dp3jy]

beautiful place, very real, warm, great family history

[@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

[@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%.

[@marionsnipes3586]

This family has a great sense of humor.

[@OriginalBigThing]

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

[@jeanjones2281]

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

[@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 🤮

[@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...

[@JB-pd3ir]

The gardening shed with the rose is absolutely charming.

[@michaelmercurio2312]

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

[@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.

[@user-os7om7ef9k]

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

[@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 ❤️

[@Fellec01]

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

[@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!

[@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 !

[@rfranksensey]

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

[@JustCallMeLiberty]

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

[@raffinee_3763]

Ahh......money is a beautiful thing...........

[@jackieclark817]

Isn't it?

[@pinkowl4738]

Old money. The new wealthy are bores. Mostly.

[@14judita]

Money is right

[@susanstacy2493]

@@pinkowl4738 I agree! As I just wrote in a prior post, look at Kim Kardashian's home if you want to see boring. All gray and dull with no color or no real art of any sort! Very boring!

[@athinaforouli]

Old money is a better thing

[@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.

[@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!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DennisKing94]

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

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@shanechang2015]

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

[@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.

[@ng3807]

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

[@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.

[@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❣

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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. 👶

[@Rita-ol7ow]

This lady is a real beauty and treasure by herself!

[@angelaberni8873]

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

[@HLB512]

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

[@anitalaydonmiller1433]

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

[@nelleferrara812]

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

[@shawndacooper7585]

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

[@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! 👞

[@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!

[@lauramclaine504]

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

[@JulesFahey]

Also, gorgeous house and style. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@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.

[@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.❤

[@SonsWrays]

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

[@nata3467]

Donate the Anti Slavery works to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. Just a thought based on your mother's life. Beautiful home, the stories . Thank you for opening up your home to us.

[@luci1474]

I appreciate how honest and fresh her comments are.

[@katewade9992]

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

[@asianangie7209]

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

[@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.

[@Samantha-ys2pp]

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

[@jacquiwmch]

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

[@joyce3790]

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

[@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.

[@carlenemcdonald9625]

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

[@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!

[@Bartha_Stewit]

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

[@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!

[@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 😊 ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@jonboy8181]

I love how real she is.

[@atomisticpartb525]

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

[@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💕

[@cherylcorso6660]

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

[@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.

[@gailboots1072]

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

[@jaclynsmith3563]

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

[@SolWaid1965]

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

[@Jack-eo5fn]

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

[@lwitt8448]

Simply love this woman’s energy!

[@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.

[@DrRichardMarques]

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

[@karaf5419]

I think he wants us to buy his book 😂 Beautiful home!!

[@vintagewidow]

What an amazing property. So mind boggling how different life Could be, and IS, for some people. The beautiful things available to just a few…Ha. Makes me wish we all got a go around with every “Station” in life. And at the end…would be so interesting to figure out “who” had it best. 😊

[@laurapearson3370]

Wonder how they accumulated so much wealth?

[@MTMF.london]

@@laurapearson3370 Hard work and luck.

[@katie8325]

@@MTMF.london her mother was born into wealth and status and then married into more wealth and status. She was a socialite. I doubt she worked a day in her life.

[@MTMF.london]

@@katie8325 You don't know that she never worked a day in her life. Even people born into wealth and status work. That is how they keep their legacy/inheritance that can be pass on to the future generations. As I said it also involves luck - some people have the luck to have been born into better circumstances than others.

[@yourmother2739]

@@MTMF.london The American lie.

[@zenaidagonzalez6343]

Beautiful house with so many memories and interesting people.

[@margolovesflowers]

This house is spectacularly beautiful! The art! The gardens! And the family seems so down to earth….One of the other commenters mentioned money: Shoot, if you’ve got it, flaunt it….I’d love to be their neighbors!

[@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!!

[@nllove7937]

Adored this family and property , so cozy and real

[@janetsodders851]

I could watch this over and over. A gorgeous home with interesting people with fascinating anecdotes . Loved! ❤️

[@susanasselstine6311]

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