115 Narragansett Avenue, Newport, RI

115 Narragansett Avenue Newport, Rhode Island 02840 United States

Built in 1927 by renowned New York architect Charles A. Platt, Bois Dor is gracefully sited on four private acres off Bellevue Avenue. The 23 Bedroom French Chateau was originally commissioned for William Fahnestock, founder of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., and is approached though wrought iron gates and a dramatic tree-lined driveway. Wrought iron and glass front doors complement the timeless limestone faade and center the two wings of the home. The marble foyer entrance and loggia open to a beautiful brick terrace overlooking the expansive rear yard. An 85 ft great hall extends to either side, giving the space a sense of balance and grandeur. The East Wing is anchored by the chefs kitchen which features dual Viking ranges beneath an antique white cast iron hood a Butlers pantry, family room and sun porch. The adjacent dining room is adorned with Martin Battersby trompe loeil art and a marble fireplace, one of eight in the estate. In the West Wing lies the drawing room, study and the nearly 2000 sq ft ballroom, the largest of any private residence in Newport. An 8ft antique Regency chandelier sparkles from the ceiling and harkens guests to a by-gone era of glitz and glamour. The upper levels can be accessed by two staircases or an elevator. Bois Dore has an illustrious history, notable ownership includes Campbell Soup heiress Elinor Winifred Dorrance Hill Ingersoll and later Oil baroness Carolyn Mary Skelly. An architectural masterpiece steeped in Newport society.