Rhode Island’s rich history as the playground for the rich and famous began during the “Gilded Age “at the end of the 19th century as Newport Rhode Island became the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Astors and the Morgans, America’s elite summered here, usually for only six weeks.
They raced their yachts in Narragansett Bay, relaxed at Bailey’s Beach, played tennis at the Newport Casino (the current site of the International Tennis Hall of Fame) on Bellevue Avenue, and hosted extravagant parties at their homes at night. Today luxury ocean front and ocean view stately residences are found throughout the coastal shorelines of Rhode Island.
The smallest state in the United States has some of the most magnificent estate homes in the world.
John F. Kennedy at the America’s Cup Races in Newport, Rhode Island to America’s Cup Crews, September 14, 1962, “I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it’s because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.”
Here are 10 Magnificent Residences in the “Ocean State.”
Poppasquash Rd, Bristol, RI – 11 Br 12 Ba 13,516 SF
A stunning waterfront English Revival mansion offering an enchanting world of its own to explore – the amenities of a five-star resort within 12.29 sprawling acres, privately sheltered by unbroken forest and 611 feet of crushed shell beach shoreline on one of the largest waterfront parcels in Rhode Island. $7,450,000
Carnegie Harbor Dr, Portsmouth, RI – 5 Bd 7 Ba 12,022 SF
Exquisite waterfront shingle-style home with expansive westerly & southerly views of Narragansett Bay from virtually all rooms. Offering 3 floors of gracious living, this residence benefits from superb millwork, extensive wainscoting, coffered ceilings, built-in cabinetry & beautiful maple hardwood floors. $6,900,000
Southern Way, Charlestown, RI – 3 Bd 4 Ba 6,023 SF
A contemporary gem in the coastal crown of tranquil Charlestown, this four-level, architect-designed waterfront home on serene Ninigret Pond merges luxury living with laid-back comfort with exquisite design elements. Home is elevated over 11 feet above sea level. $10,900,000
Courageous Cir, Bristol, RI – 6 bd 7 Ba 4,135 SF
This stunning, 3.2-acre, seaside compound in Rhode Island is set on a sprawling lawn that gently rolls down to its own dock, mooring, and a secluded beach. Impeccably renovated, every feature, finish, appliance, and system are new. $6,250,000
Ocean Lane Newport, RI – 8 Bd – 10 Ba 12,040 SF
Built and completed in 2017 by Horan Building Company, this stunning stone and shingled home is in a private, gated estate of Ocean Lawn, originally part of the historic and exclusive Firestone Estate. $11,995,000
Harbor View Dr, Newport, RI – 4 Bd 5 Ba 5,225 SF
Incredible opportunity to own in a premier location of Rhode Island with panoramic water views overlooking Newport Harbor. This turnkey cottage estate spans over an acre in a private gated community. $6,000,000
Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI – 9 Bd 8 Ba 7,373 SF
Ivy Tower, a stunning classic Tudor-Style estate built in 1887-1888 by architect J.D. Johnston. Located on the desirable South End of Bellevue Avenue, Ivy Tower is a historic gem that boasts an impressive stone facade that exudes an aura of magnificence and refinement, $6,500,000
Harrison Ave, Newport, RI – 5 Bd 9 Ba 7,640 SF
Sweeping ocean views await from this spectacular, seaside, gated compound. Extraordinary construction and finishes with absolute privacy. Water views from nearly every room in the residence adjacent to Newport Country Club. $17,000,000
Kane Ave, Middletown, RI – 4 Bd 5 Ba 9,390 SF
Exquisite detail and finish work in this extraordinary residence on Easton’s Point, reflects a carefully planned design with consideration for quality, beauty, and every comfort. Custom built by Horan Construction. $7,950,000
229 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI – 5 Bd 4 Ba 3,509 SF
A timeless jewel that offers the chance of a lifetime to own a part of history and prime piece of Narragansett, Rhode Island waterfront real estate. Comprised of 4 lots that collectively lend over 12 acres of tranquil saltwater front plus a single-family residence. $12,000,000
