Society of Newport County Announces Completion of Isaac Bell House Restoration

NEWPORT, R.I. (July 29, 2024) –  The Preservation Society of Newport County announces the completion of the extensive restoration of the Isaac Bell House, celebrated for its elegance and innovative design as one of the finest surviving examples of Shingle Style architecture in the United States. Built between 1881 and 1883 by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White for Isaac Bell Jr., a cotton broker, investor, and ambassador to the Netherlands, this architectural gem has recently undergone a comprehensive $3.3 million restoration project.

This National Historic Landmark blends English Queen Anne, New England Colonial, Japanese, and French/Breton design influences, featuring unique elements such as sliding doors, a pinwheel floor plan, and a focus on natural light and ventilation. Its design significantly impacted the later domestic work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The restoration, overseen by general contractor Kirby-Perkins Construction, included replacing the exterior shingles with striking new Alaskan yellow cedar shingles, stripping and repainting the exterior woodwork to preserve the historical integrity, and completely restoring all original windows along with the fabrication of new storm windows. Additionally, the original shutters were meticulously restored, rotted wood in columns and other exterior features was replaced, and the chimneys and lower-level brick were repointed.

This restoration marks the first major work on the house since it was acquired by the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1996 and initially restored and opened to the public in 1999. The previous restoration took place more than 25 years ago, making this recent project crucial for the preservation of this historic structure.

Isaac Bell Jr. commissioned McKim, Mead & White to design a summer home that would stand out among Newport’s architectural landscape. Drawing from colonial, Queen Anne Revival, Japanese, and Moorish influences, the Isaac Bell House is considered a turning point in American architecture. Its design incorporates elements from the Newport Casino, another McKim, Mead & White project, including gables, a tower, double doors, and piazzas.

The house’s floor-to-ceiling windows and extra-wide doorways allow sunlight to illuminate the warm wood paneling and intricate interior details, showcasing its unique design. Today, the Isaac Bell House remains sparsely furnished to emphasize its architectural features.

High resolution photos can be found here

About The Preservation Society of Newport County

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

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