WRENTHAM HOUSE 

Wrentham house recognized in 2008 with the Rhode Island historic preservation and heritage commission award. The pedigree for this spectacular granite and brownstone oceanfront estate, originally known as Indian spring, reads like a who’s who of 19th-century American architecture. This first collaboration between Richard Morris hunt, legendary founder of the American institute of architects, and esteemed landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted resulted in this magnificent 14,400-square-foot mansion. It was created in 1891 for yachtsman and defender of the America’s Cup J.R. Busk and is on the market for the first time in more than 50 years. The residence: this twenty-two room masterpiece on 5 acres has undergone a meticulous restoration. Poised majestically on the highest point on Ocean Avenue, it offers spectacular ocean views from every room – even the windowed lower level. A long, winding driveway leads to the residence, which rests atop a cliff in a breathtaking natural setting. Fabulous woodwork is found throughout – along with beautiful arches, turrets, curved windows and fifteen fireplaces.

The home includes eight bedrooms, thirteen full baths, four half baths, and additional quarters for staff. Among the highlights are a grand 1,800-square-foot master suite with his and her marble baths and an adjoining study with mahogany built-ins and a wet bar. The breathtaking living room has a cathedral ceiling; a baronial fireplace, an orchestra balcony, and three sets of French doors opening to an 80-foot ocean front porch. The mahogany-paneled library and the elegant dining room feature ornamental plaster ceilings and handsome fireplaces. French doors in the dining room lead to a cozy stone terrace. Additional amenities include a multilevel home theater, a billiard room, a wine cellar, a pair of family rooms, a gourmet kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and servants’ quarters. A hallway paneled in quarter sawn oak; mahogany paneling and doors; central air conditioning; an elevator; and state-of-the-art systems, including security, intercom, and central vacuum, complete the main residence. Ocean Avenue is truly an address of prestige, located in an internationally renowned seaside resort with world-class sailing, private clubs, shopping, and fine dining.

Built in 1891. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt/Olmstead.

3 stories, 14,400 approximate square feet. 1 building. Patio, deck, porch. Masonry, shingles, wood exterior.

4.88 acre lot. 212,573 sq. ft. lot dim.