Let me say this up front…my heart is in this blog.

Before building our home, Parterre, (1999), Jonathan and I resided in a condominium at the Waves, the former residence of architect John Russell Pope, a major exemplar of the classical tradition in America. Those fifteen years proved an invaluable opportunity that prepared us for creating our own home, absorbing details and gaining an appreciation for scale and proportion. I developed an abiding admiration for John Russell Pope’s talents.

There is only one other John Russell Pope residence in Newport – Bonniecrest, overlooking the vast Newport Harbor. This property comes with a fascinating story, which certainly qualifies it for a post on Private Newport. The wealth that made this home possible was generated by a condiment that became a staple in American homes almost 200 hundred years ago – Worcestershire sauce. In 1839, the Duncan family (New York merchants) began importing this elixir of the dining table from England; they were soon into banking and enjoying the lifestyle of the Gilded Age…Newport beckoned.

Today, John Russell Pope is known for his distinct approach to classical and eclectic architecture; his creations were equally elegant in design and materials, no matter the style. Almost all of his early career was focused on large residences, looking to Europe and the Continent for inspiration. Stunning Bonniecrest, built in 1912, is an idealized version of the fifteenth century English country estate, Compton Wynyatts, in Warwickshire.

The elements of early Tudor and Jacobean architectural style well suited the majestic presence one would expect for this twelve acre panoramic setting on the harbor. Consider the formal entrance…

and the wall at the western end of the house…a masterpiece in itself!

It is the exterior details, richer and more worked than the façade of the Waves, that are the focus of this post. Both houses provide an arresting example of the talent and contributions of John Russell Pope to the architectural canon of twentieth century America (he would go on to create monumental public buildings, like the Jefferson Memorial and The National Gallery in Washington). A late sunset’s glow truly brings out the architectural details of Bonniecrest, causing the patterned bricks to look as though on fire. A light which also points up the irregular stone blocks, limestone surround for the windows, decorative carved eaves, and downspouts (what a lovelier word than “gutters.)” John Russell Pope proved himself a master at capturing the details of an earlier period in time, right down to the crenellations that provide a romantic overtone to this residence…

And the chimneys, examples of elegant artisan terra cotta work, are one detail that stood out for me at the Waves, also.

Nooks, crannies, and charming entrances offer further enchantment (almost foretelling the house’s current status as a condominium).

Bonniecrest also provided the opportunity to entertain in Newport style, with a de riguer ballroom added later for the debut of a Duncan family daughter. But in contrast to the dramatic setting, much of the interior was smaller, “livable” rooms, a hallmark of John Russel Pope, affording the family the simple comforts of home (everything is relative). Though the soaring ceilings, walnut paneling, period mantels and doors, and leaded glass windows do provide a sense of stature to the “coziness.”

Perched on a hill with its landscape rolling gently to the water, the historic residence is surrounded by an Olmsted Brothers picturesque landscape to include an exceptional collection of trees. With a nod to the taste and judgement on the Duncan’s part back in 1912, this landscape became an accredited arboretum over one hundered years later.

NOTE. Like the Waves, Bonniecrest was sold to became a condominium in the 80s…a life-saving grace for these beauties which often suffered the vicissitudes of bad economies, or other unfavorable events. Kudos to all the owners (and a special thank you to George Clark, Ed Cloaninger, and Josh Betts), for their outstanding stewardship of this exceptional house and grounds. How fortunate we are that our town brings out the hidden preservationist in each of us…