A first look at The Ocean House
May 21st, 2010 by JoeC
My wife and I have been looking forward to visiting the completely reconstructed Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI for a couple of years. This is a project that was several years and $140+million in the making. The “old” Ocean House was originally built on a spectacular piece of oceanfront property in 1868 and served the wealthy residents and visitors to Watch Hill until 2003, when age and neglect finally rendered it beyond repair to modern building codes. The property lay empty while various proposals were floated for it use. Finally, a group of local residents, headed by one Chuck Royce put together a proposal to rebuild the resort to its original splendor. And splendid it is.
We visited the resort tonight for drinks on the Verandah, a porch on one side of the building, overlooking the championship croquet court. Yes, a championship croquet court. I will let the pictures speak for themselves, but will add that the level of architectural faithfulness and the attention to detail in this project are beyond compare. This kind of project that pays homage to a grand history without scrimping on single detail is almost unheard of in modern-day America. If you are ever in New England, take a day and visit The Ocean House for beach outing, dinner or just drinks. The views are spectacular, the comforts opulent, and the service friendly and relaxed.
-
- The Seaside Terrace. It doesn’t get much better than this.
-
- It was a little cool here in May, but in June, July and August it will be perfection.
-
- These steps lead eventually to the beach, which is part of the property.
-
- This little guy was getting a walk down the steps toward the beach and the ocean.
-
- What more could you ask for on a summer evening than this view toward the eastern tip of Long Island and the mighty Atlantic?
-
- This is an immaculately created and maintained grass court, appropriate for championship play.
-
- The restaurant draws fresh produce from this garden alongside the hotel.
-
- This grand porch is reproduced from the original hotel. The decor is calm and beautiful, the furniture very comfortable and conducive to a leisurely cocktail hour.
-
- Drinks are reasonably priced. This Stoli and tonic was only $10. Frankly, I was surprised that a property of this sophistication would offer such accessible pricing.
-
- Classical piano music graces the main lobby, grand staircase and reception area. Very elegant.
-
- These window seats are very comfy and welcoming and are part of the conference room facility. From here you can look out over the herb garden and the ocean.
-
- The resort is grand, but appropriate for the Watch Hill neighborhood in which it sits.
-
- My wife looks out to the Atlantic from the driveway while we wait for the valet to fetch our car.
-
- The “Ocean House” sign is one of 5000 pieces of finish and architectural detail harvested from the original property and restored to the new construction.
-
- Even the small walkway from the street to the main entrance is perfectly designed and maintained
-
- This is the view from the front driveway over the croquet court south over the Atlantic
Great report Joe, thanks for taking the time to capture and convey! I love the way they used the extra-long granite slabs for the steps. Add this place to the list of “Where to go when the college loans are paid off”!