The 15 Coolest Houses in Rhode Island!

It’s no secret that Rhode Island boasts some of the most immaculate, lavish, beachside homes in the country. From the iconic mansions in Newport, to the celebrity homes in Watch Hills, and historic houses in Coventry, Rhode Island has a little bit of it all when it comes to architecture. Here are 15 of the coolest houses in the Ocean State. 

1. Ocean House, Little Compton, RI

No, we’re not talking about the hotel! Although this home may be located in Little Compton, at 5,500 square-feet it’s certainly not little. Built in recent years by firm Roger Ferris + Partners, the contemporary masterpiece is structurally simple and incredibly elegant.

2. Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, Newport, RI

This little red home is the oldest surviving house in Newport. Would you believe that this home, constructed in 1697 was passed between the hands of merchants, lawyers and Quakers, dating all the way back to the age of Colonists! 

3. The Breakers, Newport, RI

This is truly a home that is sure to stun all. The former Vanderbilt mansion is now open to visit for Newport tourists. Let a guide show you the lavishly furnished rooms and incredibly manicured grounds that have been preserved since the building’s construction in 1893.

4. Cook-Cohen House, Elmwood, RI

On the verge of collapse, this home was saved by a couple willing to keep up its historic preservation. The Rhody Awards honored them as winners of the homeowner category last year due to their efforts. The house is full of fantastic character, representative of that classic New England spirit.

5. Marble House, Newport, RI

Another Vanderbilt home, this is a summer “cottage” dating back to the 19th century. It dates back to the Gilded Age, and is a staple among the opulence and lavish design in so many Newport homes.

6. Quonochontaug House, Charlestown, RI

Designed by Bernheimer Architecture, this home has won multiple awards for its architecture. The home was intended as the weekend home for a family, and was designed to let in optimal quantities of natural light.

7. Rosecliff, Newport, RI

This Newport mansion was modeled off of the French king’s home in Versailles. The home was owned by silver heiress Therese Fair Oelrichs, who completed construction on the house in 1902.

8. Cottage in the Woods, Foster, RI

This home’s tight, clean design is exactly what you’d imagine a beautiful modern cabin would look like. Its wood detail reflects the look of the forest area right outside. Expansive sliding glass doors open out onto a landscaped, yet wild-looking, garden. 

9. Watch Hill House, Watch Hill, RI

In designing this home, architect Lubrano Ciavarra aimed to create expansive wilderness views. This wood and slate holiday home overlooks a nature reserve, and sits on an isolated 3.5-acre patch of land.

10. Rough Point, Newport, RI

Tobacco heiress Doris Duke was the former owner of this home. It looks more lived-in than some other mansions in Newport, so that you can get a real feel for what the life of millionaires might have been like.

11. General Nathanael Greene Homestead, Coventry, RI

Come to this historic home on Independence Day and you’ll be greeted by historical re-enactors who can tell you the history of this little house home to one of Rhode Island’s heroes—General Greene. 

12. Pettasquamcutt Guest Residence

This incredible modern home was built by Rhode Island design firm 3six0. The home is constructed with warm, Western red cedar and is full of open floor plan spaces. 

13. Chateau Sur Mer, Newport, RI

This mansion, the first of the mansions on Bellevue Avenue constructed during the Gilded Age, is currently owned by Newport’s Preservation Society. It is located on 17 magnificent acres of land.

14. Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, Providence, RI

Located on College Hill, this former home of Governor Henry Lippitt has since been turned into a museum. Inside, the Victorian-era décor remains intact.

15. Seafair, Newport, RI

Recently on sale for $19 million, this home located on Ocean Avenue boasts a whopping eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and nearly 16,000 square-feet of space. It has incredible ocean views, nearly making it seem like you’re on your own private island.

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