On the 20-plus mile, harborless passage from Point Judith, it is this building I first spot as I make my way west towards Long Island Sound. There is a lighthouse nearby, but it is no match for the large yellow victorian with the mansard roof, rising high above the bluff.
Built in 1868, the Ocean House was one of many grand hotels that dotted the shoreline. While Block Island still boasts several of these grand old ladies, most others have been lost to fire, redevelopement, and plain old decay. In the past few decades, it seemed as if the Ocean House would meet a similar fate. Each time I saw her, she looked a little more rundown, and by the late 1990's large portions of the building were no longer in use. Unable to meet the fire-code, she closed in 2003. A new owner drew up plans to build 5 McMansions on the site.
Efforts were made to save the hotel, but it was not until New York investor Charles M Royce stepped in that it became a possibility. Hoping to restore the building, it was soon determined that the structure was too far gone and would need to be replaced. Rather than restore, Royce would replicate. Thousand of items including fireplaces and moldings were salvaged before the original Ocean House met the wrecking ball in 2005.
The rebuilt Ocean House is now open, though after looking at their rates ($1700/weekend for 2-meals not included) I won't be staying there tonight. Yet when I am in Watch Hill, I will often walk by and take a look. And when I am 7 miles from shore, I will be looking for her too. As with all good landmarks, I just like knowing she is there.
Art In Ruins: Original Ocean House (photos)
Hartford Courant: New Ocean House Opens
Ocean House.com
Centerbrook: To Save It We Had To Destroy It
Map
References: Summer By The Seaside: New England Coastal Resorts
photo credit: original Ocean House (bottom) Art In Ruins
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8 comments:
Beautiful. Reminds me of the lake house that I've been to at Yellowstone.
Unfortunately, we cannot always save the first structure. However, it is wonderful that they were willing to put up a replica using some of the old materials. It looks much like the Wentworth up here in Portsmouth, NH.
I remember seeing the old structure when we visited Watch Hill in 2000, but I had no idea they rebuilt the building. Beautiful!
Thanks Ocean Girl!
Steve,
If you get a chance, take a look at the Summer By The Seaside book. I've noticed a lot of libraries carry it.
Erica,
I showed up in Watch Hill 3-4 years ago and the building was gone. They were starting work on the new one.
A bittersweet post. One can be grateful that they replicated the beautiful building. But one can also be frustrated that they priced out most people, especially the local people. But this is a beautiful post.
I like the way you bring historical buildings and such alive by building an emotional connection.$1700 a night is a little too steep for me. If only they offered a sandwich or something for supper I might be able to swing it.
Andree,
Agree, it is extremely expensive.
Larry,
Sometimes old buildings are like old boats; they take on a personality.
Also, just to clear up the rates; it is $1700 for two people to stay two nights during the summer season.
Maybe if they gave you a slice of cantaloupe in the morning, it would be worth it.
If the cantaloupe were sliced properly I might consider it. The manner in which the cantaloupe is presented is also very important.I am very particular about these things.
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