See the Historic Homes of Providence
May 21, 2011
The Providence Preservation Society’s Festival of Historic Homes has been a Providence favorite for the past 32 years. Each Spring, this city-wide preservation organization opens selected historic homes to the public, allowing locals to enjoy the remarkable real estate that makes Providence unique. Recent tours have been based in areas such as the West Side’s Stimson Avenue, and the Wayland Square and Fox Point neighborhoods on the East Side. In fact, my home was featured in 2008! This year’s event is especially exciting because the Boulevard is a highly visible area in Providence, due to the popular walking path that extends down the center. For more information on this upcoming event, visit the Providence Preservation Society website.
Attesting to its worth, 2 George Street has also been on several of the PPS walking tours. Built at perhaps the best location on the entire East Side, this home is right at the heart of one of Providence’s most popular cultural hubs. Set at the corner of Benefit and George Streets, the property is within walking distance to downtown, Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, the Providence Art Club, the RISD Art Museum, and the Providence Athenaeum, as well as the Hope and University Clubs. The home was built it 1814 for Eliza Ward by her father and this spectacular brick Georgian has been beautifully preserved inside and out. With unique attributes such as antique French hand-painted wallpaper and a beautiful courtyard, the property is truly one of a kind. These are only some of the many merits of 2 George Street, but you can view the whole list on the property’s website.
The Charming Secret of the Kingston Village Fair
May 19, 2011
Summertime in South County is Summertime at its best. This can be seen each year at the Kingston Village Fair in South Kingstown. Due to district’s close proximity to the University of Rhode Island, this historic neighborhood is often overlooked. But this all changes on the 3rd Saturday of May, when locals sustain the traditions of their forefathers and gather in the village center to celebrate the community and the promise of Summer.
A staple since the 1880s, the fair attracts hundreds of Rhode Islanders each year, but has remarkably managed to maintain an old time feel. Kingston was the first capital of Rhode Island and this event gives locals the opportunity to explore the state’s historic beginnings through walking tours of notable homes. Perhaps the most fascinating building is the Washington County Jail, now home to the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society, which is also open to the public. Along these lines, the Fair will host an abundance of antiques vendors, as well as a generous selection of pottery and art.
The Kingston Free Library will be holding its annual book sale, which is a Fair favorite, and the Kingston Hill Garden Association will feature an extensive plant selection at the Fayerweather House. Flower lovers can enjoy the Kinney Azalea Gardens which will also be open to the public. In addition, the town center will present many opportunities for family fun, including face painting, food, Kingston Syrup, crafts, a petting zoo at the Reynolds Barn, live music, and fire-truck rides.
The annual Kingston Village Fair is truly one of the states charming little secrets and will occur this Saturday, May 21 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. For more information on this beloved event, you can visit the Kingston Improvement Association website.
From London to Providence
May 16, 2011
We obviously think Rhode Island is one of New England’s best kept secrets, but it’s always nice to see others agree. The Telegraph, a newspaper based out of London, recently featured our capital city in an article entitled “Providence, Rhode Island: New England’s Coolest City,” which we think is pretty “Cool” as well. Roger Williams, great restaurants, historic architecture, and the prospering arts scene are all cited as proof of Providence’s prowess. The article goes on to discuss the attractions and venues, such as Water Fire, that make our capital unique, and also commends the educational institutions that foster diversity in the community. You can read the whole story on The Telegraph website.
The article ends with a statement to make Rhode Islanders proud— “Founding cities is unquestionably what Roger Williams did best.” Indeed.
How Does Your School Rank?
May 10, 2011
How important is the proficiency of a school system in the decision process for a new home? As the school year draws to a close it is a good time to evaluate that question.
GoLocalProv.com, the online newspaper for Rhode Island, posted their second annual ranking of public high schools around the state. During their research on the article, we were asked to give our opinion on that decision process from a first hand experience. Specifically, they wanted to report on how our clients evaluated the schools information.
According to the article the top five high schools in Rhode Island were East Greenwich, Narragansett, Exeter-West Greenwich, South Kingstown, and Barrington. To see where your school ranked and the rest of the extensive research visit the golocalprov’s site.
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Spring 2011 Photo Contest Winners!
May 4, 2011
As you may know, we hold a seasonal photo contest and the Spring Photo Contest is always the most challenging. The Spring weather in New England can be difficult to predict. It can be 70 degrees and sunny one day and a surprise snow shower can suddenly strike the next. However, this year’s Spring has brought some pleasant days and stunning scenery to our little state.
We get more and more submissions to the Photo Contest each season. In fact, we received a record number of submissions for this Spring’s contest. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, at Residential Properties we have some of the most creative and talented sales associates in the business!
I am excited to announce that CC Wall has submitted this season’s winning photograph. CC captured a stunning view of the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI. CC’s photo captures a natural vanishing point of the grand Victorian hotel deck leading to the ocean off in the distance.
An honorable mention goes to Liz Bodell, sales associate in our Providence office and super talented photographer. Liz submitted a fantastic shot of Richmond Square in Providence.
With so many quality photos submitted this Spring, it was certainly difficult choosing photos to be added to the home page slide show. We have included 5 photographs this season. Thank you to all the participants!
Winning Photo: CC Wall – The Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI
Runner-up: Liz Bodell – Richmond Square in Providence
Holly Applegate – Historic Homes on Benefit Street – The East Side of Providence
Holly Applegate – Roger Williams National Park – Providence, RI
Phil Retamoza – Old Stone Bank Building – Providence, RI
