Design & Décor, Living with Style, The Newport Diary


The Orchard, A Notable Newport Estate

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Summer is just around the corner, when friends return from all parts of the country and houses are “opened for the season.” One of those homes has been beautifully readied for this annual tradition (and is awaiting a new owner…it could be you!). Let’s take a peek at the listing images. The Orchard is just around the corner from Parterre but a house that I have never visited so this post will be a special treat. I’ve walked past this noteworthy home many, many times and have always found the gates refreshing and welcoming, with their celadon color set off with gold leaf detailing.

Providing you the perfect entreé to glorious sights beyond and the 4.75 acres parklike grounds that are dreamy, to say the least.

For the Orchard is one of Newport’s famed Gilded Age cottages (1873) that has recently come on the market, totally restored and fully furnished! Additionally this 24,332 sq. ft. jewel was built by the famed Newport architectural firm, George Champlin Mason & Son.

Not one, but two adjacent swimming pools (one a lap pool and the other the largest private swimming pool in Rhode Island), are off the generous entertaining terrace and look down the axis of the beautifully landscaped gardens. To complete the picture, a greenhouse and two gazebos grace the grounds.

Houses of old were thinking ahead with their long list of rooms for many purposes, just perfect for these pre- and post-Covid times. From breakfast room to billiard room, from reception room to cigar bar, feeling “at home” and comfortable was a top priority for all residents (which, of course, would include an elevator).

Sensitively maintaining all the original characteristics of this jewel was a high priority of the restoration team. The mansion’s interiors include some of the finest craftsmanship and art throughout including dentil molding, handsome paneling, marble floors, handcrafted mahogany doors, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and marble fireplaces. 

High ceilings, a multitude of elegant sash windows, and elegantly patterned hardwood floors continue this attention to detail.

It’s quite a statement that one of Newport’s famed Gilded Age cottages is on the market, not only totally restored but fully furnished, from the main house to the carriage house to the garden’s statuary, for a lucky someone.

In addition to the spa/fitness area with heated indoor pool, other amenities include a games room, staff rooms, movie theater…and a dedicated space for arranging flowers brought in from the gardens!

Finally, the well equipped large, sunny kitchen maintains its original Art Deco style with a large pantry and mud room.

Available by separate negotiation is the owner’s 1958 Mercedes 220S convertible (to be seen in the front courtyard below) and a 1960’s mahogany Riva speedboat.

Which will, of course, be kept in the 5741 sq. ft. carriage house (with heated conservatory and garages, two self-contained apartments, offices and workshop).

In a town of many old mansions, most have become house museums or condominiums or have been turned into dormitories and classrooms for a local university. Only a special few, like The Orchard, remain in private hands. A distinction in itself!

11 bedrooms, 11 baths, 3 powder rooms.
24,332 total square feet of mansion and carriage house.
Price $14 million…contact the listing agent, Stacie Mills, for further details.


All images courtesy of Vanderbilt International Properties, Ltd.

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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

14 thoughts on “The Orchard, A Notable Newport Estate

  1. Wowza! You got me at the flower room.
    Someone very lucky will be living in paradise.

    1. Agreed about paradise…and I had no idea how deep the property was!! B

  2. If I could I would buy this house tonight it’s everything you could ever want in a home and it’s absolutely magnificent. one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen. This home truly has it all!

    1. I agree with you on all counts, Keith. And what added to all these pluses is that I didn’t realize how dramatically deep the property is!! xB

    1. Wouldn’t that be nice!!! And you 4 would be right around the corner…xxG

  3. Oh Bettie!
    What a fantastic post! What an exquisite house, and so beautifully done. A rare and lovely example of a comfortable, beautiful way to live.
    Being from Southern California; with the outrageous things happening to houses and real estate, this is a calm and lovely example of taste and refinement.
    And, it sounds silly, but it is truly a bargain. Someone will be lucky indeed. A rare gem.

    1. Thank you for sharing these fabulous photos,

      Thank you for sharing these fabulous photos.

    2. Hello dear Penny, great praise from one with such fine taste…come back and we’ll have a tour, xB

  4. Hey Bettie,
    I will LOVE being your neighbor as soon as I speak to the loan officer at BANK OF MADISON and arrange for the loan!!
    I’ll get that Neale Kitchens to be my first house guest, and we’ll have you over!!
    Always love your posts!
    Chris Lambert

    1. Hi down there, guess who’s with me right now?! Hate to steal your thunder but we can share her after you purchase The Orchard. We’re having such fun…sending xx B

  5. The entry gates, the landscaping, the pool – fit for Royalty! The dining room and living room floors are beautiful, as is the wrought iron entry staircase, and the chandeliers. That library! Wow. Somebody lucky will enjoy living there:)

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