Extraordinary Rhode Island Estate Offers Timeless Grandeur and Unmatched Potential, Asking $28.5 Million
Listed for $28,500,000, 207 Ruggles Ave stands as a living testament to America’s Gilded Age—a time when opulence was not merely a lifestyle but an art form. Known as Seaview Terrace, this architectural masterpiece is Newport’s largest privately held estate and the third-largest mansion in the city. With 29 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms, and over 43,772 square feet of interior space, it captures both historic grandeur and modern potential.
Originally built in 1925 for Edson Bradley, a wealthy liquor magnate from Washington, D.C., Seaview Terrace is one of the last great mansions of the Belle Époque era still in private hands. Perched on 7.76 acres between Bellevue Avenue and the world-famous Cliff Walk, this home offers unparalleled privacy, proximity to the ocean, and deep roots in Newport Real Estate history.
Listing agent Marielle Clair of RI Properties told Luxury Houses Magazine, “The homeowner poured his heart into every detail. Every stone, every stained-glass window reflects a love for art, heritage, and architecture. This isn’t just a property—it’s a part of America’s soul.”
Architectural Splendor and Timeless Craftsmanship
The mansion’s design evokes a French Renaissance château, with soaring 40-foot ceilings, sweeping ballrooms, and museum-quality frescoes that date to the 15th century. Every space is richly adorned, from Venetian plaster walls to twenty-two stained-glass panels meticulously documented by the Corpus Vitrearum.
Beyond the main residence, the 6,000-square-foot gatehouse mirrors the estate’s aesthetic grandeur. According to historical archives, Seaview Terrace was partially moved from Bradley’s Washington mansion—stone by stone—to Newport, a feat of early 20th-century engineering. The craftsmanship endures today, offering future owners an architectural rarity unmatched in Rhode Island Real Estate.
Brianna Ferrara, co-listing agent with RI Properties, noted, “Many buyers see 207 Ruggles Ave as more than a home. It’s a landmark—an opportunity to continue a story written by the most ambitious builders of the past century.”
SEE MORE: Bayberry Farm: An Extraordinary 108-Acre Waterfront Estate in Rhode Island Lists for $22.5 Million
A Lifestyle of Culture, Ocean, and Refinement
Life at 207 Ruggles Ave is more than historical prestige—it’s about lifestyle. The estate lies steps from the iconic Cliff Walk, where ocean waves crash below Newport’s cliffside mansions. Residents can enjoy access to yacht clubs, fine dining along Bellevue Avenue, and a vibrant arts community celebrated through events such as the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals.
The Ochre Point neighborhood remains one of the most coveted enclaves in Newport Real Estate, where heritage properties are cherished and meticulously preserved. The proximity to downtown Newport offers residents the perfect balance between privacy and accessibility, making Seaview Terrace not just a statement of wealth but a celebration of Newport’s cultural heart.
“Living here means owning a piece of history that still breathes,” Ferrara shared with Luxury Houses. “From sunrise over the Atlantic to evening galas in the ballroom, every moment at Seaview Terrace feels timeless.”
History and Market Significance
Built during the roaring 1920s, the estate was a grand relocation project completed between 1923 and 1925. It later served as a military facility, a boarding school, and even appeared in television productions such as Dark Shadows. It was acquired by preservationist Martin Carey in 1974, who maintained its integrity for decades.
Today, Seaview Terrace represents a unique investment opportunity in Rhode Island Real Estate, combining architectural prestige with potential development value. The nearly eight-acre parcel may allow subdivision for multiple luxury homes—offering both preservation and progress in one address.
As Marielle Clair emphasized to Luxury Houses Magazine, “Properties like this are generational. You’re not just buying a home; you’re preserving a legacy that defines Newport’s identity.”
A Rare Chance to Own a Newport Legacy
Few estates embody such scale, craftsmanship, and history. 207 Ruggles Ave is more than real estate—it’s a cultural treasure and an irreplaceable piece of the American story. With its commanding presence, architectural mastery, and unmatched location, Seaview Terrace offers a lifestyle of grandeur and grace that continues to inspire.
Explore more about this extraordinary residence through the Zillow Listing or connect directly with listing agents Marielle Clair and Brianna Ferrara of RI Properties for additional details and private tours.
* This property might not for sale at the moment you read this post; please check property status at the above Zillow or Agent website links*
More Homes in Rhode-Island here:
- $10.9 Million Luxury Quail West Estate Exceptional Modern Resort Style Home in Naples
- Extraordinary Rhode Island Estate Offers Timeless Grandeur and Unmatched Potential, Asking $28.5 Million
- A Texas Icon: Sebastian Construction Group Crafts a $35 Million Masterpiece of Privacy and Luxury Living
- S 1 House by GSQUARED Architects Redefines Modern Coastal Living in Cape Town with Sculptural Minimalism
