Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty is honored to bring 12 Bluff Avenue to market. Perched on the oceanfront edge of Watch Hill overlooking the great Atlantic Ocean is this multigenerational dwelling. The property is listed at $11,950,000 and presented by Donna Simmons, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.
The home, located between The Ocean House and the property owned by Taylor Swift, is a gracious cottage style residence with large porches positioned to take advantage of the views. The lawn gently slopes toward the ocean and leads to the white sands of East Beach for which Watch Hill is known. Featuring nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, including a large in-law suite, this home was built with entertaining and large gatherings in mind.
Donna Simmons, a luxury real estate specialist in the Rhode Island and Connecticut markets since 2006, represented the buyers of the home next door at 10 Bluff Avenue last fall. The sale of 10 Bluff Avenue is the highest recorded single-family property sale ever in Watch Hill and statewide, according to data available from the Rhode Island Multiple Listing Service. In 2013, Taylor Swift privately purchased the home at 16 Bluff Avenue for $17,750,000 according to Business Insider. 10 Bluff Avenue is the highest known sale in Watch Hill since then.
“This is the quintessential Rhode Island “summer cottage” within walking distance to all that Watch Hill has to offer from beaches to dining to strolling to shopping,” Donna Simmons says about the home. Watch Hill is conveniently located between Boston and New York and is known for its charming lifestyle, natural beauty, and picturesque beaches.
WHETHER YOU’RE PREPARING TO SELL OR SIMPLY WANT TO UPGRADE YOUR HOME TO INCREASE THE FUNCTIONALITY AND AESTHETIC, NEWPORT INTERIOR DESIGNER ALLY MALONEY HAS YOU COVERED.
Does the idea of bright color or bold prints overwhelm you? If you tend to play it safe, adding an accent wall to your home is a great way to instantly update the overall vibe and aesthetic. Make a statement in any space with paint or wallpaper- our favorite spots to try this trend are the wall behind a bed, a powder room, or behind a fireplace.
A new area rug is typically a low cost and low commitment way to update your decor. The options are endless, from patterns to neutrals, and everything in between. Just make sure to pick the right size for your space!
For a dramatic change to your space, consider painting older furniture or cabinets in a fresh hue. Even wood-stained cabinetry can be painted when properly prepped.
For a quick transformation, consider updating or adding window treatments throughout your home. Window treatments elevate your home’s decor, while also adding privacy and saving you money by conserving energy costs.
Refacing your fireplace surround is a fairly small project that can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of your space. Pick a fun patterned tile to create a focal point, or stick to the classics with a neutral marble slab that will go with any decor. For an even bigger impact, consider painting or replacing the mantle.
While this update option may require hiring an expert depending on your skillset, replacing outdated plumbing fixtures can instantly modernize your kitchen and bathrooms. Consider switching out cabinetry hardware as well for a drastic transformation.
Please find the latest market activity comparisons for the state of Rhode Island.
Please note, we have moved to a biweekly format.
The trends are similar to the last report. There was a slight increase in new listings.
The properties under agreement continue to hold strong and have outpaced 2019 since May.
The properties sold were down from the prior two weeks but continue to be ahead of 2019.
It is an opportune time for sellers to take advantage of the appreciating market prices. With the limited inventory, correctly priced homes are still receiving multiple offers.
Every indication is that the market will remain strong in 2021. To learn what this may mean for you, please contact one of our talented real estate specialists. www.mottandchace.com/agents
601 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, R.I., is also known as “Champ Soleil.” Ellery Yahia for Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty
Megan O’Brien | Boston.com Contributor
November 17, 2020 12:00 pm
An old-money estate is looking for a new owner. The manion at 601 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, R.I. — known as “Champ Soleil” — has hit the market for $15,800,000.
Built by Polhemus & Coffin in 1929, it was one of the last Gilded Age mansions to be constructed and is now one of nine remaining Newport estates, according to the listing. The home was originally commissioned for the Drexel family, the founders of present-day J.P. Morgan. It has the air of a 17th-century French chateau, and a few features, such as the carriage houses and the wrought-iron gates with gilded edges, are original to the property.
The 11-bedroom main residence sits on 5.53 acres of lush grounds, with eight full bathrooms and three half bathrooms. There is 18,224 square feet of living space in total.
The listing states that the home’s elaborate interiors were designed by Maison Jansen, the Paris design firm that decorated the White House during the Kennedy administration. The interiors include a wood-paneled formal dining room with a Neo-Baroque chandelier, a ballroom that has hosted America’s Cup dinners and galas, as well as a library lined in Louis XV pine panels. Additional spaces include a 3,000-square-foot theater room, a greenhouse, and a massage parlor. The home comes with 26 Internet-controlled zones for heating and cooling, security and fire protection systems, and audio/visual systems.
Outside, the grounds designed by Umberto Innocenti include copper beech trees, a croquet court, rose gardens, and an in-ground swimming pool. Judy Chace and Kylie McCollough, both of Mott & Chance Sotheby’s International Realty, have the listing.
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the sale of 5 Ohio Road for $4,500,000. The home, part of the estate of John C. Whitehead, former Chairman of Goldman Sachs and ninth United States Deputy Secretary of State, is an extraordinary 4.7 acre oceanfront property with frontage on Lloyds Beach, surrounded by 20 acres of conservation land. The seller was represented by Judy Chace, Broker/Co-Owner and Cherry Arnold, Sales Associate: both of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Ted Marvell of Lila Delman Real Estate represented the buyer.
Located on the south-western tip of Sakonnet Point, the circa 1939 converted dairy barn features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean out to Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands, Sakonnet Lighthouse, and Aquidneck Island and is surrounded by 20 acres of conservation land.
“We’re thrilled to have represented this truly extraordinary property, helping to honor John Whitehead’s vision of a coastal nature sanctuary ,” adds Judy Chace.
According to data available from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service, this is the second most expensive home sale in Little Compton this year. The first most expensive, 82 Warrens Point Road sold just a few weeks ago, was also represented by Judy Chace and Cherry Arnold.
The firm, which recently announced plans to open a new office in Westport, MA currently holds over 30% of the total Little Compton market share in 2020. Agents of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty have represented clients in seven of the top ten single family sales in Little Compton this year.
“It’s been an honor to work on such a special Little Compton property,” says Cherry Arnold. “5 Ohio Road represents so much of what Little Compton is known for – stunning ocean vistas, a beautiful beach, protected land, and a home with a rich history.”
This information is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. These properties may have been sold by other real estate companies. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Data is based on information from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service for the period of 01/01/2008 through 11/23/2020.
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the sale of the Henry Mumford House. Both units of the home at 13 Cushing Street sold this week. Unit 1 has sold for $1,250,000 and Tyler Bernadyn of Remax Professionals of Newport represented the buyer. Unit 2 has sold for $975,000 and Rebecca Mayer of Residential Properties, Ltd. represented the buyer. The seller of both units was represented by The Blackstone Team of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.
According to data available from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service, the sale of 13 Cushing Street, Unit 1 is the highest condominium sale on the East Side of Providence since January of 2004 and the second highest recorded East Side condominium sale in MLS history. The sale of 13 Cushing Street, Unit 2 is the third highest condominium sale on the East Side of Providence this year and the twelfth highest recorded East Side condominium sale in MLS history.
The Henry Mumford House, a high style c.1847 Italianate located on the East Side of Providence’s sophisticated College Hill is comprised of two remodeled units featuring luxurious finishes, modern updates and opulent historic touches.
With over 4,300 square feet, Unit 1 boasts three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, high ceilings, original woodwork, a wine cellar, a masterfully designed cook’s kitchen, a heated two car garage, and private outdoor space round out this cultivated luxury experience.
Unit 2 is a two-story townhouse with 3,300 square feet of living space and three bedroom suites, a personal elevator accesses all floors, and a vaulted living room with 20-foot ceilings. The designated outdoor space includes a 300 square foot historic outbuilding, perfect for studio, office or homeschooling classroom.
“The Henry Mumford house is an exceptional condo offering that combines the elegance and style of historic Providence with smart home technology and best modern amenities available,” Robert Rutley says about the home. “It has been our pleasure to partner with the buyers’ agents and we wish all the new owners many years of happiness in this home that is like no other.”
This information is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. These properties may have been sold by other real estate companies. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Data is based on information from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service for the period of 01/01/2008 through 11/23/2020.
Please find the latest market activity comparisons for the state of Rhode Island.
Please note, we have moved to a biweekly format.
The new listings trend is moving towards 2019 levels but is still slightly ahead and has been since September.
The properties under agreement are still strong and have surpassed 2019 levels since May.
The sold properties have been ahead of 2019 levels since September but the gap is narrowing.
It continues to be a strong seller’s market going into the end of the year. In Rhode Island, the unit sales for single family were up 9.1% for the third quarter in a year over year comparison, with median price up 13.5% and Days on Market down 10%. The state is continuing to see an increase in buyers from Massachusetts (15.8%), New York (30.6%) and Florida (33.8%) based on Sold properties from April through September. Leading indicators such as demographics from younger generations, the trend towards work at home business models and low interest rates point to a momentum that will carry into 2021.
To learn what this may mean for you, please contact one of our talented real estate specialists. www.mottandchace.com/agents
Inside Champ Soleil, a Newport Mansion That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
These homeowners spent roughly $10 million putting their stamp on this historic Rhode Island estate. Now, following years of epic parties, they’re listing it for $14.8 million
By Candace Taylor | Nov. 5, 2020 12:05 pm ET
Behind the wrought-iron gates of this seemingly staid Rhode Island estate, a cedar-lined closet is brimming with sequined ball gowns belonging to homeowner Joshua McKinney-Zarrilli, 49. Since buying the Newport mansion with his husband in 2003, Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli has enjoyed dressing in drag for the benefit of passing tourists. “I’ll put on a hat or a wrap and go out there and scare them a little bit,” he chuckles.
This is not your grandma’s Newport.
Joshua McKinney-Zarrilli and Kenneth Zarrilli on the grounds of their Newport home, Champ Soleil.
PHOTO: JULIE BIDWELL FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli and his husband, real-estate developer Kenneth Zarrilli, 68, have lived for 17 years at Champ Soleil, one of Newport’s famously opulent historic mansions, and are now putting it on the market for $14.8 million. Along with the likes of Jay Leno, they are among the new generation of wealthy purchasers revitalizing Newport’s mansions. The Zarrillis spent just under $10 million to update and restore the 22-room manse, mixing period antiques with yard-sale finds to give the house a touch of the couple’s irreverent tastes. They also began throwing epic Halloween parties in the home for up to 2,000 people, including a bash with sword-swallowers and a live elephant.
The parties were “a lot of crazy people having a lot of fun,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli, “and also showing people that, you know, it doesn’t have to be so stuffy here in Newport.”
On a warm October day, a black-clad Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli is sipping a Truly hard seltzer by the swimming pool at Champ Soleil. Two glitter-filled, heart-shaped pink floaties drift in the water at his feet. The Kentucky-raised son of a Baptist minister, “I hadn’t even heard of Rhode Island” before the couple bought Champ Soleil, he says. But his husband, who had attended Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, was familiar with Newport and its Gilded Age mansions.
The couple met in a Miami Beach bar 23 years ago. At the time Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli worked in a disco, and Mr. Zarrilli was a wealthy New York investor buying up Florida hotels. “He’s a smart bitch,” Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli says affectionately of his husband. They were one of the first gay couples to wed in New York when same-sex marriage became legal there in 2011.
The exterior of Champ Soleil.
PHOTO: JULIE BIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Over the years, the two have purchased and flipped more than 20 houses, living in most of them along the way. But Champ Soleil is different. “This is hard for me to sell,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli. “It’s been a stabilization for us and our friends.”
Champ Soleil was built around 1930 for heiress Lucy Drexel Dahlgren of Philadelphia’s Drexel banking family, according to the book “Newport Villas: The Revival Styles 1885-1935” by Michael C. Kathrens.
In addition to the roughly 13,000-square-foot main house, the 5.5-acre grounds include a greenhouse, guest house, garage and a croquet court bounded by low hedges. Among the property’s towering trees is a massive Weeping Beech; the Zarrillis like to claim that three babies have been conceived under its branches.
Built around 1930, Champ Soleil has 22 rooms. The current owners restored many of the home’s original details, including light fixtures. The decor is a mix of antiques, new pieces and even yard-sale finds.
Later owners of the house included Russell Aitken and his wife Annie Laurie Aitken, according to the Kathrens book. Mrs. Aitken was the mother of the ill-fated socialite Sunny von Bülow, whose insulin-induced coma led to the sensational attempted murder trial and acquittal of her husband, Claus. When the Zarrillis bought the house they discovered a bathroom window concealed behind a mirrored panel; they guessed it was installed to discourage paparazzi during the von Bülow scandal.
The Aitkens were serious collectors of art and antiques—both have galleries named for them at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art—and during their tenure, the house contained items such as George II mahogany armchairs and Louis XVI giltwood furniture, according to Christie’s. When the Zarrillis first saw the house, by then owned by Mr. Aitken’s second wife, Irene, “It was old school,” Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli recalls. “I looked at Ken and said, ‘Do you think this is possible?’ He goes, ‘We can do this.’”
They bought the house for $4.739 million. Mrs. Aitken removed virtually all of the art and furniture, but the Zarrillis purchased a few of the Aitkens’ pieces at auction “to make it authentic,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli, who handled the home’s interior design. But he mixed the antiques with new furniture, a mirror from a yard sale and even a painting he found by the side of the road. “My goal in here was, I want a little bit of old, a little bit of new,” he says. “Because I want you to feel comfortable when you’re in here. I want you to feel like you’re not in an estate, you’re in a home.”
A New Newport
A spiral staircase is topped with a cheetah-print runner, left. The stair hall, center. A pop of pink in the foyer, right.PHOTOS: JULIE BIDWELL FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL(3)
The library, for example, is paneled in 18th-century carved oak imported from France and has its original marble fireplace mantel. But there’s also a set of half-inch tall, mostly nude male plastic figurines on display, each with names like “Cody” and “Brad” printed on their backsides. “These boys go on martini glasses,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli. “I put them there because I want everyone to get a little laugh as you walk through.”
A grand spiral staircase in the home’s entryway is topped with a cheetah-print rug. A powder room is decorated with Cartier gift boxes. In the grand salon, there’s an antique papier-mâché chair they bought from the Aitken collection, but also a framed photo of Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli in a white dress and wide-brimmed hat by the ocean on New York’s Fire Island, where the couple also has a home. “I am not a drag queen,” he says, “but every 4th of July on Fire Island I tend to dress up.” He keeps the dress in the cedar closet on the third floor, along with a crown that he says is the one worn by Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.”
The Zarrillis extensively updated the home’s plumbing, HVAC and other systems, but maintained details such as chandeliers and a walk-in silver closet. Most of the bathrooms still have their original tiles and hardware, although one on the third floor is new, with a large shower. “This is the ménage-à-trois bathroom,” Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli quips.
The library is paneled in 18th-century carved oak imported from France.
Central to their vision was sharing the house with family and friends, in part to change the perception of Newport as stodgy and old fashioned. When they bought the house, “Newport was sort of a dying town,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli. To help reverse that, “my goal was that every friend that I knew could come here and be part of this experience.” Champ Soleil’s 11 bedrooms are constantly in use by friends and family members; house guests arrive to find their rooms stocked with bubble bath and M&Ms. “It’s a long way downstairs to get snacks if you’re hungry,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli.
The house has 11 bedrooms, which are frequently in use by visiting friends and family.
A piano in the dining room.
The grounds span about 5.5 acres.
Julie Bidwell for The Wall Street Journal
In addition to Fire Island and Newport, the Zarrillis have homes in New York City, Florida and California, and usually spend time at Champ Soleil in the fall and spring. Their infrequent visits spurred rumors that the men purchased the house solely for their Great Danes, Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli says. In fact, the couple have long owned Great Danes who often spent time in the home with caretakers when the Zarrillis were not in residence. The dogs “spent more time here than I ever did,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli. The dogs had their own room in the house. Once the servants’ dining room, it has a chandelier, glass-front cabinets full of dog bowls, and a doggie door leading to a dog run.
A Newport Mansion With Lots of Personality
The Zarrillis combined period antiques and yard-sale finds to give Champ Soleil its character.
Champ Soleil, one of Newport’s famously opulent historic mansions, is going on the market for $14.8 million with Judy Chace and Kylie McCollough of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.
JULIE BIDWELL FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
The Zarrillis are currently dogless after the back-to-back deaths of their two Great Danes about a month ago, and that’s one of the reasons they’re now selling Champ Soleil.
“It’s hard to look at this place without the dogs,” says Mr. Zarrilli.
But mostly, they say they want to simplify. “I’m tired,” says Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli. “Everyone has come to visit, everyone has spent time here, everyone has done it, and it’s time for us to go.” They plan to spend the winter in Palm Springs.
All of the furniture, except for a few sentimental pieces, will likely be sold with the house. And Mr. McKinney-Zarrilli is planning to write down the history of the couple’s time at Champ Soleil.
“I want people to know,” he says, “that fun was had here.”
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty is honored to bring 601 Bellevue Avenue to market. One of the last grand houses to be built during the Gilded Age, Champ Soleil is a stunning 17th century French Chateau built by Polhemus & Coffin in 1929. One of only nine intact Newport estates, the property includes the original gate and carriage houses. The home is listed by Judy Chace, Broker/Co-Owner and Kylie McCollough, Sales Associate: both of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.
As seen in The Wall Street Journal, the home was originally commissioned for the Drexel family, one of America’s wealthiest families and founders of modern-day JP Morgan. Set behind gold gilded edge wrought iron gates, the magnificent estate spans over five and a half acres and features an eleven bedroom residence, a three car garage, a greenhouse and interiors designed by Maison Jansen of Paris, best known for decorating the White House during the Kennedy era.
Host to America’s Cup dinners and dazzling galas, the elegant ball room is adjacent to a formal dining room adorned with a spectacular Neo-Baroque chandelier and opens to a sunlit terrace. The library is built of Louis XV pine panels imported from France. Additional offerings include a chef’s kitchen, a massage parlor and a 3,000 square foot theatre room. Idyllic Umberto Innocenti designed grounds, feature fragrant rose gardens, colossal copper beech trees, a swimming pool and one of the finest croquet courts in the country.
Judy Chace states, “Champ Soleil is nothing short of spectacular. It is everything one would expect from a Newport mansion and we are thrilled the sellers trust Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty to represent this home.”
Champ Soleil offers the latest in green design and technology including 26 internet-controlled zones for heating and cooling efficiency, state-of-the-art security, fire protection, and audio/visual system.
“This extraordinary property is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity”, says Kylie McCollough. “The famed Bellevue Avenue residence is ready for its next chapter.”
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the sale of 82 Warrens Point Road for $7,300,000. The seller was represented by Cherry Arnold, Sales Associate and Judy Chace, Co-Owner/Broker: both of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Cliff Carlson of Realty One Group represented the buyer.
According to data available from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service, the sale of 82 Warrens Point Road is the highest residential sale in Little Compton since November of 2012.
The magnificent Little Compton oceanfront estate is sited on just over five acres of land on exclusive Warrens Point. Elevated to take in the panoramic views of the ocean, “Sealands” is considered to be one the most spectacular locations in Little Compton.
“As a Little Compton native, I have admired “Sealands” my whole life and I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work on such a significant and beloved property,” commented Cherry Arnold. “With its rich history going back to the early 1920’s, it is a truly treasured Little Compton estate.”
Since 2018, agents of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty have represented clients in the top five Little Compton sales.
“We are proud of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty’s luxury leadership position in the Sakonnet area, and we look forward to continuing to grow in this beautiful part of Southern New England,” adds Judy Chace.
This information is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. These properties may have been sold by other real estate companies. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Data is based on information from Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service for the period of 01/01/2020 through 11/06/2020.
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