If there were a definitive list of things that you think of when thinking of Rhode Island, it would be safe to say that the Newport mansions would top that list. With their stunning silhouettes and connection to the oh so romanticized gilded age, it’s tough not to think of these homes when Rhode Island comes up in conversation. While some of these gorgeous homes have gone the way of museums and others are still residential homes for people as well known as Taylor Swift, a few of these mansions did not meet the same lucky fate. One such home being The Bells.
The ruins of the Bells can be found inside Brenton Point State Park, an impressive 89 acre park with breathtaking views of the water and lots of large fields perfect for gatherings.
Christine Riggle/Flickr
However, further away from the water you will find a wooded trail that leads to ruins both fascinating and slightly creepy.
Josh McGinn/Flickr
The Bells were originally called The Reefs when they were built as the ideal home for a local lawyer named Theodore Davis.
Josh McGinn/Flickr
Theodore packed the home with treasures from his travels abroad and kept up the home with utmost care until he passed away.
Kelly264/Flickr Whilst a new family bought the home and renamed it The Bells, it was quickly seized during World War II so the land could be repurposed for defense.
After the war the home was returned to those second owners, but for some unexplained reason, they left the home to rot in its place.
Kelly264/Flickr A little over a decade later, most of the home succumbed to a large fire and the main building was torn down for safety reasons.
All that remains of the once great estate now are the dilapidated stables and carriage house.
Josh McGinn/Flickr The ruins are chained off now, but you can still see them from afar and they are more than well worth the visit.
This seems like the perfect creepy little hike to us! When do you think you’ll be making your way to The Bells? If you’d like to know more about staying in one of the more intact mansions while you explore Newport, this article may be of interest.
Christine Riggle/Flickr
Josh McGinn/Flickr
Kelly264/Flickr
Whilst a new family bought the home and renamed it The Bells, it was quickly seized during World War II so the land could be repurposed for defense.
A little over a decade later, most of the home succumbed to a large fire and the main building was torn down for safety reasons.
The ruins are chained off now, but you can still see them from afar and they are more than well worth the visit.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
