Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/136432
JEWEL OF THE GILDED AGE 225 Ruggles Avenue, Newport Square feet: 10,275 on 2.16 acres Beds + Baths: 9; 7 full and 2 half Price: $9.225 million Amenities: A spacious greenhouse in the carriage house Agent: Melanie Delman, Lila Delman Real Estate, 401-2844820; liladelman.com THE PRESENT: Listing agent Melanie Delman of Lila Delman Real Estate lauds this home for its old-world charm but 21st-century updates. "Honeysuckle Lodge epitomizes the truly rare—an intact Cliff Walk estate boasting legendary provenance in its architecture and landscape design," she says. Conceived by the Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns and nestled on Frederick Law Olmsted–designed grounds, the main house captures extraordinary views of the ocean. Inside, original spaces are discreetly enhanced by modern amenities like air-conditioning. The cliffside summer home was built circa 1886 by Josiah M. Fiske, a Cambridge- PRESENT born New York banker. Delman adds that the estate is only minutes from Newport Harbor. In addition to the bedrooms in the main house, the 4,000-square-foot carriage house has two large apartments for guests. THE FUTURE, REDESIGNED: Interior designer Kathleen Hay says this property is perfectly situated because of its sweeping water views, but needs some aesthetic tweaks. "The house is regal, and I would preserve its formal structures, but update them in a sophisticated interior landscape of subtle colors and interesting textures," she says. "I would replace the heavy window treatments with quieter choices." Hay suggests "simple and subtle drapes fabricated from beautiful linen," such as options from Glant that would open the rooms to the views. She would also "incorporate grasscloths and wallcoverings in updated and fresh designs. Phillip Jeffries has myriad choices of gorgeous materials. The Extra Fine Arrowroot is one of my favorite materials," she adds. "I would trade the traditional rugs for wool and jute combinations in chunky, soft textures. Stark and Fibreworks both offer many choices in their product lines, and Casablanca in White Cloud from Fibreworks is a dreamy option." Kathleen Hay Designs, Nantucket, 508-228-1219; kathleenhaydesigns.com For this Newport estate, using subtle colors and lighter materials like linen creates a sophisticated interior that opens up to the sweeping water views. ILLUSTRATION BY KATHLEEN HAY REDESIGN 102 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 098-105_BC_F_RealEstate_SUM13.indd 102 6/10/13 3:16 PM