Newport's Beacon Rock offers oceanfront luxury
Boston Business Journal, January 30, 2009 by Teri Borseti, Boston Business Journal Staff Writer
It's hard to believe that this 11,000-square-foot residence was once a carriage house, but it was actually built as part of an estate for the J.P. Morgan family in 1881. The main house and outbuildings were designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, which also designed Newport's Isaac Bell House, the Boston Public Library and New York City's Pennsylvania Station.
In the mid-20th century the property was bought by sculptor Felix de Weldon, who used the carriage house as a studio. It was there that he designed his famous sculpture of "The Flag Rising at Iwo Jima." In 2006 the carriage house was sold separately to the folks who now spend so much time at their other homes in Florida, Colorado and Boston, that they feel it's underutilized. The house is listed at $9.9 million with Lila Delman Real Estate in Newport.
The "U" shaped brick house dubbed Beacon Rock sits on three acres of landscaped waterfront land that includes a private, sandy beach. It has been transformed into a meticulously appointed 12-room, three-level home that's grand in scope but remains comfortable. Boxwood formal gardens lead to the front door, which faces the ocean. Inside is a magnificent salon with original barrel-vaulted ceiling, radiant-heated floors and exposed brick that's reminiscent of a European monastery. Enormous windows have replaced carriage house doors, offering incredible views of the Newport Bridge and Newport Harbor dotted with its ever-changing variety of yachts, racing boats and sailboats. "Owners have seen the Queen Mary pass by," said Robin Nicholson, a Lila Delman Real Estate associate.
It's a very inviting family house with a nice blend of interesting, unique features coupled with every modern convenience. The kitchen is large and well-equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, large pantry, pizza oven, dining area and pass-through (to the family room) wet bar.
Nicholson's favorite spot in the house is a cognac room. An arched brick entrance leads to the cozy room that has wood paneled walls and ceiling and a 5-foot sculpture niche. On the first floor there's also a music room, office/den, laundry/sewing room, and a six-car tandem garage with a 20-foot ceilings.
Like the first floor, the second floor is divided into two wings joined by the "club room." The country club-like setting serves as a gathering place for socializing and recreation, including billiards.
The east wing has three bedroom suites, one of which offers two-story living. In the west wing there's a guest bedroom and large master suite. Floors are covered with Stark carpeting, bathroom vanities are marble-topped, large windows have Juliet balconies, and there's a huge walk-in closet as well as a cedar storage closet.
The backyard has an infinity-edge swimming pool and bluestone terraces. A small building that was once a blacksmith's cottage is now an exercise studio.
"This section of Newport, known as the harbor estate area, is close to the Newport Country Club and the New York Yacht Club. Downtown Newport is just around the corner, and Manhattan is three hours by car," Nicholson said.
Boston Business Journal, January 30, 2009
by Teri Borseti, Boston Business Journal Writer
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