First bought, in 1850 for $270, the Lodge was a humble farmhouse owned by John Wilbour. Passed between owners, in 1880, Civil War General James Van Alen bought the deed to the land and reconstructed the property.

The Van Alen family fortune came from railroads and was doubled by interests in banking. The general’s son, James Van Alen Jr., married the luxurious Mary Astor, who unfortunately, died giving birth to their third child. Over time, in 1954, Jimmy Van Alen, the great grandson, transformed Newport Casino into the world-famous Tennis Hall of Fame, which still prospers today.

General James Van Alen sold the property to Dr. Leroy Satterlee in 1884. Dr. Satterlee is best known for having taken the first x-ray picture. Dr. Satterlee particularly did not think the house was arranged well for their summer purposes; so, in 1886, the farmhouse was fully torn down with intensions to make a summer house for his family. He created an elegant structure that lent itself to being called one of the historic, “Cottage Mansions,” of Newport. The alterations and improvements were executed by Mr. J.D. Johnston, the builder, of which he added one more to the many famous “cottages” he had erected in Newport.

The fireplace in the Foyer is of similar design to one designed by Stanford White which resides in the Breakers. Stanford White is best known for the designing the Rosecliff mansion and the Newport Casino.

The design of the foyer entry has been critically acclaimed as one of the most standout foyers in Newport. It is finished in old English oak, up to the peak of the roof and is about 33 feet from floor to ceiling. The walls are paneled and there is no plaster in any part of the hall. The heavy beams of the roof are exposed and produce an effect from the floor below. The house features 15 working fireplaces and 9 guest rooms.

The house features a mural which depicts Newport in 1740. The mural is a replica of a famous lithograph by JP Newell a local artist who created the Lithograph in 1865.