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Although the headline says "Lighthouse For Sale," this is much more than just a lighthouse.
Imagine a home on Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, in one of the absolute wealthiest areas of the state. This home has it all . . . A magnificent 270 degree view from the Providence skyline to the Mt. Hope Bridge. It has fourteen oversized rooms with five fireplaces, two heated porches, a large eat in kitchen with brand new appliances, 3 1/2 baths, butlers pantry, maid's bedroom, gated wine cellar, two car garage, workroom, and built in cabinets, desks and bookcases throughout the house.
Due to the Point's geographical location from the increased boat traffic into Providence, it was the ideal spot for a lighthouse. The station was first established in 1828, but torn down and replaced with the current station in 1856, making it the oldest standing keepers quarters in Rhode Island.
In 1868, the fourth order lens was removed from the tower and transferred to nearby Conimicut Point Light and Nyatt Point was decommissioned. Finally, in 1890, it was sold at public auction and has remained in private hands ever since.
About this same time, Providence businessman, Nathaniel Potter came to the area to build a brick making company and took notice. He convinced Benjamin Viall and his brothers to build a summer resort, which became the famous Bay House. The brothers also had plans for building some inexpensive cottages here, but the Civil War interrupted those ideas.
After the war, wealthy Providence families bought the surrounding land and built exquisite summer homes. As more houses were built, the Bay House continued to attract tourists into the late 1880's, when it was demolished. Later, the area transformed itself from an area of summer homes to a residential community. The Point is also home to the Rhode Island Country Club, a historic golf course designed in 1911 by renown golf course architect Donald Ross.
This fourteen room light-station is truly an executive mansion. With its 450 feet of water frontage on a private drive with underground utilities, this is the spot we all have dreamed about living at.
Now you're wondering about the price. It's only $1,275,000.
If you're interested you can contact Hollie Delaney or Michell Kirby at Gustave White Real Estate at 37 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840. Their phone number is 401-849-3000. If you buy it, give us a call.
This story appeared in the September 1997 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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