FULL HOUSE 

"Full House" as currently known, is a circa 1893 Classic Shingle Style Summer cottage with Greek Revival influenced front porch details. This home is perched high on a rock outcropping in the heart of "The Dumplings" area of Jamestown. The "Dumplings" as commonly referred to now, was once known as "Ocean Highlands". This tract of land extends south from the village, with its irregular rocky shoreline, from the Dumplings area to Southwest Point, forming the southern boundary, and Mackerel Cove bounds this district to the west, and the East Passage defines its eastern shoreline. Many of the island's architecturally significant summer cottages are located in this area taking full advantage of the hills and rock formations to provide amazing panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and beyond to the open ocean. The Ocean Highlands Company, developer of this land tract dates back to 1873. The area was once comprised of 240 acres of farmland owned by the Cottrell family. The speculation of this company led by Phillip Caswell, Jr., a Jamestown native, whom became a druggist in Newport, and then moved on to New York; to start up Caswell-Massey,Inc. He then led a group of investors including one of the Cottrell family members, to divide up parts of the farmland into house lots. Along with the plan to sell parcels to summer folk for their cottages, his intent was to include a resort hotel. The hotel would have been called Hotel Conanicus. Unfortunately it was never built, partly because this area was remote from the village as there was no direct road connecting it to town. To access the area it was easier to sail from Newport to the adjacent shore. With an idea to inspire folks to purchase lots in the area, Mr. Caswell gave a building site to the marine artist, William Trost Richards of Philadelphia. The rock formations of this unique shoreline provided an abundance of scenery for which to create his paintings. Many of the Richards paintings, now highly desirable collectibles, depicts scenes of this shoreline. This home was originally built for Thomas C. Potter, the style of which is a prominent, hip-roof summer cottage with Greek Revival influence, as noted by the wraparound porch and bold columns set upon rock faced pillars. The entrance steps lead from the driveway and carriage house to a wonderful Dutch door, opening to a grand parlor complete with brick fireplace and views across to Newport. A cozy living room with French doors opens on to the covered porch providing a wonderful meeting area. Adjacent to the parlor is a formal dining room complete with fireplace. The expansive wraparound porch is a gathering place for guests to mingle and share in the scenic vista overlooking Narragansett Bay and across to the entrance to Newport Harbor. The spectacular staircase with its landings lead to the multiple bedrooms and baths. A back staircase provides easy access to the butler’s pantry and kitchen area, where house staff once prepared and served the vacationing owners of that time period. The third floor which has additional rooms and a full bath, once provided sleeping quarters for additional family guests or house staff. The property once three parcels of land, is currently two lots of record. The house and carriage house are set upon nearly 4 1/2 acres, and a separate parcel with frontage along Newport Street is 1 1/3 acres. Winding paths lead through vegetation and provide easy access to Newport Street; from there it is just a short stroll to the "Dumplings" beach area and pier, which upon membership can provide a great swimming area and social gathering. Please contact us for a private tour of this wonderful property, which has been in the same family since the Summer of 1923.