Elm Court is today the Newport home of Guy and Mary Van Pelt. It was originally built in the 1860's by a wealthy farmer, who named it The Cedars. From them it was bought by Frances Ellen Work Roche, heiress of a large New York City fortune and a twice divorcee. She lived at The Cedars (which she had renamed Elm Court) with her daughter, Cynthia, who later married Guy Fairfax Cary. Cynthia Cary lived in the home until her death in 1966, after which it passed to her daughter Cynthia Van Pelt. Her son, Guy, lives in the home today, along with his young wife, Mary.
Guy And Mary Van Pelt In The Reception Room of Elm Court, Which Is Famous For It's Large Collection of Furniture (Photo: New York Times)
The Lovely Painting In The Reception Room of Elm Court
(New York Times)
In 2008 a fire completely destroyed the second and third floors of the carriage house, although the building was salvaged. Mr Van Pelt saw the fire and attempted to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but failed and sounded the fire alarm. The fire department quickly arrived and put out the fire.
Frances Ellen Work’s father was the farmer who owned the property before his daughter inherited it
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