560 OCEAN RD., NARRAGANSETT
Dunmere Cottage is a landmark in Narragansett along prestigious Ocean Road. The gate, house and grounds are on the National Register of Historic Places. This castle-like cottage sits high on a granite outcropping overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The three and one half acre site is the most noteworthy portion of the original 13-acre estate built in the 1880's for Robert Graham Dun of Dun and Bradstreet. Dunmere was considered the premier showplace property for Narragansett's wealthy summer crowd. The picturesque and original entry way to the estate consists of an elliptical rough stone masonry arch with footbridge, a thirty-foot turret, and decorative wrought iron gates. Within the gates, in flowing script is the name "Dunmere". Dunmere was designed by John Merrick of New York City. The location of the house, gate and landscaping were part of a commissioned design by Nathan Barrett, a colleague of Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. It included two gazebos, garden terraces, a man-made lake, exposed stone retaining walls, and a small ornamental bridge that gives access to the granite ledges of the Atlantic. Small pleasure craft once graced the lake, mimicking the ocean going traffic on the horizon beyond. A saltwater swimming pool, that could be resurrected, is now covered by the rolling lawn. Remnants of the fishing pier where Dun entertained President Chester Arthur and the Vanderbilts remain at the water's edge. Fourteen steps, beautifully carved out a shelf of exposed granite lead to a cobblestone terrace in front of the main entrance to the house. A pair of large, round arched, oak panel doors provide a grand entrance to Dunmere. They open to a spacious living hall with charming fireplace inglenook, which incorporates an arched array of beach stones in a mosaic pattern. Pressed wooden tiles and a fish-scale pattern of shingles decorate the walls of the living hall. Doors leading to the living room, den and street-front are paneled oak with large, single glass panes at the top surrounded by borders of colored, leaded glass bull's eyes. To the left of the hall and up two granite steps is the lowest level of the original forty-three foot water tower. It includes a powder room and large closet. Above it is a study/library that is accessed from the second floor. From the study area is a spiral staircase that leads to a breathtaking aerie with panoramic views. To the right of the living hall, in a fan-like arrangement are the den, living room and dining room. All have fireplaces with the latter two having beautiful views of the coastline. An oak Eastlake staircase in the living hall climbs past seven rectangular windows to a large sculpted skylight above. The second floor of the original house has three bedrooms and a full bath. The master bedroom and one of the others have fireplaces. Off of the master bedroom above and the dining room below is the expansive two-story addition based on the design of Bill Kite and modified by Jim Estes. Both are award winning Rhode Island architects. The large open kitchen and deck have spectacular views of the ocean as do the master bath and sleeping porch above. A laundry room is located on the second floor as well. On the lowest level of the house there is a charming guest apartment with full bath and kitchenette. There is an attached garage. Dunmere is truly magical in architecture and setting. Its dramatic and breathtaking vista is unique along the coast of Rhode Island.
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Melanie Delman
President
401-284-4820 x108
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