The architectural fabric of Newport reflects more than three hundred years of significant contributions to American architectural history. From 18th century colonial examples in the Point neighborhood to the 19th century Gothic Revival, Shingle Style, and Beaux Arts “cottages” of Bellevue Avenue, Newport’s buildings demonstrate the progression of American architectural styles.  The properties maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County help illustrate the architectural diversity of Newport and the place of the house in American history.

The following pages offer an overview of the important sites maintained by the Preservation Society as well as historic images of Newport’s lost buildings. 

Architectural Highlights

The architectural fabric of Newport reflects more than three hundred years of significant contributions to American architectural history. From 18th century colonial examples in the Point neighborhood to the 19th century Gothic Revival, Shingle Style, and Beaux Arts “cottages” of Bellevue Avenue, Newport’s buildings demonstrate the progression of American architectural styles.  The properties maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County help illustrate the architectural diversity of Newport and the place of the house in American history.

Click here to learn more about Newport's historic architecture

The Merservey Photographic Survey

In the late 1940s the Preservation Society of Newport County commissioned Robert Meservey to capture images of Newport's Colonial to Edwardian architectural heritage.  These photographs were to accompany the ground breaking study by Antoinette Downing and Vincent Scully, The Architectural Heritage of Newport Rhode Island: 1640-1915.  Many of these photographs were not included in the 1952 publication.

See the Meservey photos

The Lost Houses of Newport

This collection of photographs highlights the perils facing Newport's architectural heritage in the years between 1945 and 1973, when more than 30 estates of national historical significance vanished in favor of residential and commercial subdivision.

Learn more about the Lost Houses of Newport