A hidden jewel in South County

The Providence Journal, September 9, 2007 by Christine Dunn, Journal Staff Writer

For the most part, "Quonnie," as it is also known, is a second-home community.

There are three distinct communities within Quonochontaug, a quiet, exclusive beach village in Charlestown.  Bordered by Quonochontaug Pond to the west and Ninigret Pond to the east, this oceanfront haven includes the sections of East Beach, Central Beach and West Beach.

For the most part, "Quonnie," as it is also known, "is a second-home-community," said Lori Joyal, who is a year-round resident of East Beach and an agent with Lila Delman Real Estate.  "It's a beautiful neighborhood, quiet and peaceful," she said.  "And I think it has the most beautiful beaches in all of Rhode Island."

Charlestown has two state beaches, East Beach and Charlestown Breachway Beach, and two municipal beaches, Blue Shutters Beach, at the end of East Beach Road, and Charlestown Beach, but Quonochontaug residents enjoy their private association-owned beaches.  The East Beach Association owns one of the longest private beachfronts in Rhode Island; Joyal said East Beach is very "family-oriented," and the association allows picnics on the beach.  The Central Beach association doesn't allow food on its beachfront property, she said...

...Although it is largely a summer colony, many people have owned vacation houses in Quonochontaug for years, lending a sense of community, Joyal said.  "Everybody really does know each other," she said.  In the off season, however, neighbors are few and far between.  Joyal's mother lives next door to her, but in the winter, the neighborhood often seems "a little desolate," she said.

Quonochontaug attracts buyers who are willing and able to pay a premium for the privacy, peace, quiet and natural beauty, far from traffic and stores, that the village offers, Joyal said.  "Charlestown in and of itself doesn't have much business," she said.  It's a very sought-after community."

Joyal said Lila Delman agents Althea Rothmeyer and Arthur Russo listed a house in Quonochontaug on Aug. 31 for $875,000 and it was under agreement to be sold the very  next day, Sept 1.  "Unlike the rest of the market...Quonnie always maintains its value," she said...

The Providence Journal, September 9, 2007

Christine Dunn, Journal Staff Reporter