Opis:

The John Banister House
c. 1751
Exceptionally rare and important John Banister House set in the heart of Newports famed Historic District is now available for sale. This generously proportioned gambrel contains 13 rooms, 9 bedrooms and 9 and baths. Tall ceilings, spacious rooms and an extraordinary amount of original detail underscore the importance of the original owners, Newports most prominent merchant and his socially distinguished wife, Hermione Pelham, a descendant of Queen Anne Boleyn, first wife of the notorious Henry VIII. The home is located in its original location in the heart of what was once a large family-owned tract stretching from Bellevue Avenue, encompassing the Benedict Arnolds Old Stone Mill, and running downhill to the familys waterfront business interests, now known as Banisters Wharf.
An elegant fan-light window peeks over the imposing front door and leads to a paneled wainscoted hallway that is amply sized even by modern standards. Doors on each side lead to the original public areas of the home, each with its own fireplace and adorned with period embellishments, multi-paned windows and beautiful paneling. An ornately carved bannister leads you upstairs to the rooms occupied after hours by the family and once again communicates by the original appointments the importance of the family. A secret stairway from the keeping room on the first floor wends its way to the servants stairwell leading to the 3rd floor where unusually tall ceilings and roomy accommodations with fireplace speak to the regard the family could afford to give to its domestics.
A funded archeological investigation was performed at one time and the discovery behind a wall of the original basement kitchen with a large fireplace and beehive oven along with an interior well and cistern provided further material evidence of the value inherent in a relatively unrestored historic edifice.
In more recent years, the home has been used at various times as a single family home, as up to 4 apartments, and as an inn. As the property is in the General Business zone, a wide variety of uses is allowed.
The home is looking for a new owner who is appreciative of the rarity and importance of an eighteenth century house in a remarkably untouched condition. Authentic restoration and prudent updating will soon polish this dusty gem into what should be a crown jewel in Newports already gilded collection of architectural treasures.

Key Features:

Walk To Water,Walk to Salt Water Ref: 36301-1093483