This week on my radio show, Jen Ruhling, an agent in our Narragansett Office, is describing a wonderful property as our weekly home feature. This property was also the feature in Saturday’s Providence Journal as the “House of the Week.” So what’s so special about this property? Let’s read what Jen had to say about it.

Finding the right location for “Hoofprints Farm” was always the deciding factor in the initial search which found 160 Kingston Road in Exeter, Rhode Island. Located within sight of the Connecticut border, it is on a peaceful country road and carved out of the surrounding pine trees and stone walls. Each decision in placement of the home, barn, arenas, and turnouts was meticulously planned.

Set on 13.9 green acres, this sprawling farm is beautiful and peaceful. The landscape gives the property a cheerful feeling, and this residence would be a dream for animal enthusiasts or people who love country living. This is truly a remarkable property. You can see the details at the website.

Jen Ruhling was born in Lyme, Connecticut and grew up boating on the Connecticut River. She moved to Rhode Island 20 years ago and has been in love with the state ever since. A realtor for the past 16 years, she has been a top producing agent receiving gold and silver awards over the years. Her hobbies are focused around equestrian activities. She is a member of Rhode Island Horseman’s Association, the New England Horseman’s Council and the United States Hunter Jumper Association.

Transportation may get a little better in the East Bay. In coalition with the RIDOT, the town of Barrington is working to build a new bridge connecting the Hampden Meadows neighborhood to Barrington Village. The standing 2 lane bridge conveniently joins the area with County Road at the local High School and the Barrington Congregational Church. The new construction over Hundred Acre Cove will stay in the same location. The bridge was proposed in order to combat the heavy traffic flow between the two areas, and the design includes 3 traffic lanes to ease right hand turns.

While this new addition is a welcome improvement to the community, there is some debate over the prospective bridge height. RIDOT plans to elevate the structure 10 inches, but that is 16 inches less than the HarborMaster’s recommendation. However, the number of piers below the bridge will be reduced, so that boaters have more room for travel.

The bridge will be assembled in a way that ensures the present travel patterns will not be affected. Roadway construction will take place offsite, and the final product will be put in place sometime around Spring 2014. The RIDOT and the town of Barrington are shaping this project with the convenience of the community in mind.

Hampden Meadows is a more affordable neighborhood in Barrington. Known for it’s privacy, this quiet area is surrounded on 3 sides by water and is home to the Barrington Yacht Club. It is also an easy commute to Providence.

Newport is legendary and has been the summer home to the rich and famous since the age when America’s industrial barons built their “cottages”. With the renewed interest in Newport during the “America’s Cup” siting for the next challenge (Larry Ellison’s defender syndicate ultimately chose San Francisco), light was again shining on our city in the bay. But this interest has been growing for years, a reprise from the days when Newport sagged.

In 2009, Deborah Davis published a book titled “Gilded – How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort” which highlighted the history of this fabled town’s past from the 1900 century to the present day. In it she recalls a story told to her from our Narragansett Realtor, Judy Chace, about the beginning of the invasion by the “modern day buccanneer[s] who [are] as high-rolling and freewheeling as any of the Gilded Age tycoons.”

Recently, the Red Carpet Gala added some sparkle to the city once again. Held by the Friends of Jane Pickens Theater, many of Newport’s residents watched the 2011 Oscar’s, while wining and dining at the Theater and Event Center on Sunday the 27th of February. The event included two comedians who guided the people through the evening and an auction for additional fund raising.  According to Board member Marisa Ferris, also a Narragansett Agent, the fundraising evening was a fantastic way to view the pageantry of the Oscar ceremonies, with Hollywood’s Stars decked out to the nines and parading down the real “Red Carpet.” The “Friends” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help preserve the 178 year old building and allow the center to function. Besides movies or live screenings, like that of the Bolshoi Ballet and the upcoming royal wedding in England, the venue can be booked for special events.