The Rhode Island coastline is a living museum of architectural treasures. Various renowned architects and distinguished landscape designers have left their mark on our City-by-the-Sea. Take a stroll with us as we delve into the architectural brilliance of four iconic residences: Sturges at 194 Poppasquash Drive, Boothden, Bancroft House, and Anna Pell House.
Sturges at 194 Poppasquash Drive: Timeless Sophistication by Philemon Sturges
Bristol, Rhode Island
For enthusiasts of mid-century architecture, this residence is a true gem – a single-level marvel crafted by the renowned Rhode Island architect, Philemon Sturges. Sturges was celebrated for his ability to seamlessly integrate buildings with their surroundings. Constructed in 1965 as his personal residence, this contemporary home graces over five acres of breathtaking waterfront property at the end of private Clamshell Rd on Poppasquash Point. Sturges’ legacy in architecture endures through this exceptional dwelling, where every detail echoes his dedication to the timeless principles of Mid-Century Modern design.
Boothden: Calvert Vaux’s Colonial Revival Gem
Middletown, Rhode Island
Architect Calvert Vaux crafted the original Boothden in 1883 for the globally acclaimed Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, who was also the older brother of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. This seaside Queen Anne Stick Style home is a prime example of Vaux’s skill in adapting historical styles to create modern yet timeless homes. Calvert Vaux, an English-American architect and landscape designer, achieved prominence through his collaborations with his protégé and junior partner, Frederick Law Olmsted. Vaux’s attention to detail both inside and outside the home showcases his ability to seamlessly blend the past with the present, leaving an indelible mark on Newport’s architectural landscape. Rhode Island architect David Andreozzi restored Boothden to its former grandeur after a complete restoration in 2016.
Bancroft on the Bluffs: Historic Masterpiece Transformed into Luxury Oceanfront Residences
Middletown, Rhode Island
Formerly known as Bancroft House, Bancroft on The Bluffs is a prestigious luxury oceanfront residential complex. Set on a four-acre elevated oceanfront landscape, the property offers breathtaking views of the Rhode Island coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of this development is the beautifully restored Bancroft House built by John Chandler Bancroft in the late nineteenth century as his summer residence. Bancroft was recognized for his contributions as an artist, businessman, and member of a progressive group of New England landscape painters. In 2006, Bancroft House underwent a transformative conversion into luxury condominiums comprising nine private residences.
The original Bancroft House, designed by architect William Ralph Emerson in 1893, boasted a handsome Shingle/Arts & Crafts Cottage. Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind New York’s Central Park, contributed a stunning Chinese garden overlooking the rocky bluffs and water. This captivating home served as a favored haven for local artists, including stained glass artist William LaFarge and painter Thomas Eakins.
Anna Pell House: A Timeless Haven in Newport’s Historic Heart
Newport, Rhode Island
In the heart of Newport stands a brightly painted Victorian home, known as the Anna Pell House. This three-story Exotic Revival Swiss Chalet is nestled in Historic Hill, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with Victorian abodes lining cobblestone streets. Originally part of a verdant garden purchased by Samuel Vernon in 1782, it became the Anna Pell House in 1870. Anna Pell, the great-grandaunt of the late Senator Claiborne Pell, hosted lavish parties here for decades. Transitioning from a single-family mansion to a two-unit property, it has undergone meticulous renovations, preserving historic details while adding modern conveniences. Stunning architectural details include fireplaces, fir flooring, radiators, and the original mahogany banister.
These architectural treasures narrate the captivating saga of our region’s identity. Many homes in addition to the four mentioned here have been influenced by celebrated architects, landscape designers, and artisans. Want to learn more about living in Rhode Island? Call (401) 680-6588 or send a message to info@hoganri.com.
