Seaview Terrace, Newport's largest privately owned Gilded Age mansion, has been sold for $16 million. The sale marks the highest-priced residential transaction in the city since 2021, signaling a significant moment for the area's luxury real estate market.
The sprawling estate, located at 207 Ruggles Avenue, boasts over 43,000 square feet of living space on nearly eight acres of prime coastal land. The transaction was handled by the local real estate firm STAY Newport.
Key Takeaways
- Seaview Terrace, a historic Newport mansion, sold for $16,000,000.
- This is the most expensive home sale in Newport, Rhode Island, in the last five years.
- The estate features 29 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms across more than 43,000 square feet.
- The property is known for its Gilded Age architecture and as a filming location for the TV series Dark Shadows.
A Landmark Transaction in a Storied City
The sale of Seaview Terrace is more than just a real estate deal; it represents the transfer of a major piece of American history. The $16 million price tag makes it the most significant residential sale recorded on the Rhode Island Statewide MLS since 2021. The property's last owners held it for more than half a century, acting as stewards for the historic home.
The sale was managed by STAY Newport, a firm founded by sisters Marielle Clair and Brianna Ferrara. They navigated what they described as a highly confidential and strategic process to find a new owner for one of Newport's most iconic private residences.
"This sale represented far more than a transaction," said Marielle Clair, co-founder of STAY Newport. "Our clients spent over fifty years loving and stewarding Seaview Terrace. Guiding them through this transition — with care, discretion, and respect for the estate’s legacy — was a true honor."
Inside the Gilded Age 'Cottage'
Seaview Terrace is a monumental structure, ranking as the fourth-largest of Newport's famous Gilded Age "cottages." Only The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Belcourt are larger. The estate's sheer scale is impressive, with 29 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms distributed throughout its vast interior.
The property sits on an enviable nearly eight-acre parcel of land, nestled between the prestigious Bellevue Avenue and the scenic Cliff Walk. This location offers both privacy and unparalleled access to Newport's most famous attractions.
Seaview Terrace by the Numbers
- Sale Price: $16,000,000
- Living Space: 43,000+ square feet
- Bedrooms: 29
- Bathrooms: 18
- Land: Nearly 8 acres
A Storied Past
The mansion's history is as grand as its architecture. It was originally commissioned by Edson Bradley Jr., a bourbon magnate, as an extravagant 50th wedding anniversary present for his wife, Julia Wentworth. For over a century, it has remained a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age.
Beyond its architectural significance, Seaview Terrace holds a unique place in popular culture. From 1966 to 1971, its exterior served as the setting for Collinwood Mansion in the gothic television soap opera Dark Shadows. This role cemented the estate's image in the minds of millions of viewers and continues to draw fans to this day.
What are Newport's 'Cottages'?
During the Gilded Age (roughly 1870-1900), America's wealthiest families, such as the Vanderbilts and Astors, built lavish summer homes in Newport, Rhode Island. These mansions were ironically referred to as "cottages." They were designed by prominent architects and served as venues for extravagant parties and social events, showcasing the immense wealth of the industrial era.
The Newport Luxury Market
The sale of Seaview Terrace underscores the enduring appeal of Newport's high-end real estate market. Historic properties with significant cultural and architectural value continue to command premium prices. Such transactions often involve a level of discretion not seen in typical home sales due to the prominence of both the properties and the individuals involved.
The successful transfer of Seaview Terrace after more than 50 years under the same ownership highlights the complexities involved. According to the representing firm, the process required careful management to honor the estate's legacy while securing its future. This sale sets a new benchmark for luxury properties in the region and will likely be watched closely by market analysts and historians alike.
