Newport, Rhode Island, has a way of making you slow down. Maybe it’s the salt air, maybe it’s the centuries of history tucked into every shingled facade, but drive the ten-mile stretch of Ocean Drive, and you’ll understand. This is where the Atlantic meets sprawling lawns, where Gilded Age mansions perch above the cliffs, and where the scenery is as grand as the architecture. Whether you’re daydreaming about a waterfront retreat or just here for the views, Ocean Drive is Newport at its most breathtaking: timeless, elegant, and impossibly scenic.
The History of Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive has been Newport’s crown jewel since the Gilded Age, when America’s wealthiest families turned this quiet coastal town into a hub of extravagant summer living. Farmland gave way to grand estates as the Vanderbilts, Astors, and their peers built along Bellevue Avenue and the rocky shore, drawn by panoramic ocean views and cool breezes.
Notable Estates Along Ocean Drive
Real estate along Ocean Drive is defined by exclusivity, architectural pedigree, and direct ocean access. Many homes sit on expansive grounds, offering privacy and uninterrupted vistas. Here are some of the most iconic estates:
Land’s End: Edith Wharton’s Seaside Escape
42 Ledge Road, Newport, RI
Built in 1864 for Boston banker Samuel Gray Ward, Land’s End became the summer retreat of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton and her husband, Edward Robbins Wharton, in 1893. Wharton, critical of the ornate Victorian interiors of the time, collaborated with architect Ogden Codman Jr. to simplify the home’s design. Set on 5.6 oceanfront acres, the 11,000-square-foot estate features nine bedrooms, a saltwater pool, and a carriage house known as “The Whim.” In 2020, it sold for $8.6 million, continuing its legacy as a refined and storied Newport retreat.
The Waves: John Russell Pope’s Cliffside Masterpiece
61 Ledge Rd, Newport, RI
Perched at the southern tip of Ledge Road, The Waves was designed in 1927 by renowned architect John Russell Pope as his personal residence. Incorporating the stone foundations of the previous Lippitt Castle, Pope created a Tudor/Cotswold-style home that harmonizes with the rocky coastline. With its dramatic ocean views and timeless design, The Waves has long attracted the elite, from heiresses and U.S. senators to wartime military leaders. Even today, it remains one of Newport’s most sought-after addresses, now home to a handful of luxury condominiums.
Crossways: The Gilded Age Retreat of Stuyvesant and Mamie Fish
83 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
Completed in 1897 for Stuyvesant Fish, president of the Illinois Central Railroad, and his wife, Marion “Mamie” Fish, Crossways stands as a testament to American Colonial Revival architecture. Mamie Fish, a leading Gilded Age hostess known for her wit and lavish parties, ensured the estate was a hub of high society. Unlike the more opulent Newport “cottages,” Crossways emphasized American architectural traditions over European influences. Today, the mansion has been thoughtfully divided into luxury condominiums, preserving its historical charm.
Normandie: A French Château by the Sea
232 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
Designed in 1914, Normandie is a French-style château that appears to emerge organically from its rocky surroundings. The 8,200-square-foot estate features seven bedrooms, beechwood-paneled interiors, and a distinctive curved wooden-arched ceiling in the dining room. Set on 4.4 secluded oceanfront acres, the property includes three private swimming coves. In 2021, Normandie sold for $12.5 million, reflecting its status as one of Newport’s most coveted residences.
Seafair: The Castle by the Sea with a Star-Studded Past
254 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
Nicknamed “The Castle by the Sea,” Seafair is a crescent-shaped estate constructed in 1936 to complement the curve of the coastline. Built with sturdy rubble-stone and featuring limestone quoins and a slate roof, the residence offers expansive ocean views from every room. After suffering damage during the 1938 hurricane, Seafair underwent various transformations, including a period as condominiums. In 1997, businessman Rick Bready restored it to a single-family home, hosting notable events such as a fundraiser attended by President Obama. In 2017, former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno purchased the estate for $13.5 million.
Experience Ocean Drive
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the architecture, or the oceanfront tranquility, Ocean Drive remains one of Newport’s most coveted addresses. With its grand estates, scenic beauty, and timeless charm, this iconic stretch of coastline continues to define luxury living in Rhode Island.
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