She was the niece of Lulu Vanderbilt, wife of Frederick Vanderbilt (grandson of the Commodore), and when he died her left her $10 million and his Hyde Park mansion (which she turned into a national park). Her husband James L. Van Alen's father had built Wakehurst cottage in Newport because he was depressed by the death of his wife Emily Astor. When Margaret's husband died he left her $26 million along with Wakehurst and their New York City mansion 871 Fifth Avenue. She sold 871 Fifth Avenue shortly after for $70,000. She became a year around resident of Newport and lived in grand style. She married yachtsman Louis Bruguiere but he died six years later leaving her $5 million. (thank you Tyler Hughes)
She was the niece of Lulu Vanderbilt, wife of Frederick Vanderbilt (grandson of the Commodore), and when he died her left her $10 million and his Hyde Park mansion (which she turned into a national park). Her husband James L. Van Alen's father had built Wakehurst cottage in Newport because he was depressed by the death of his wife Emily Astor. When Margaret's husband died he left her $26 million along with Wakehurst and their New York City mansion 871 Fifth Avenue. She sold 871 Fifth Avenue shortly after for $70,000. She became a year around resident of Newport and lived in grand style. She married yachtsman Louis Bruguiere but he died six years later leaving her $5 million. (thank you Tyler Hughes)