by Larry Bunce
(Oak Park IL)
Hunter House is one of the smaller mansions in Newport, but it is most attractive and built on a human scale. The Breakers was designed by a millionaire primarily to impress other millionaires. The main entrance to the Breakers is bigger than most county courthouses in the Midwest. Hunter house was built by a prosperous merchant as a house to live and entertain in. It was the only Newport mansion where I felt at home. Its elegance does not jump out at you, but the longer you look, the more there is to see. Great house.