Fairholme (Newport, Rhode Island)

USA / Rhode Island / Newport / Newport, Rhode Island / Ruggles Avenue, 237
 house, place with historical importance, cottage, mansion / manor house / villa, Tudor (architecture)

(c. l860; enlarged 1875; altered 1930)
Designed by architect Frank Furness, the Tudor-style mansion was built ca. 1875 for Philadelphia arts patron and engineer Fairman Rogers, an author of the definitive book on coaching, a Sunday social outing for many summer residents in the Gilded Age until the automobile era.

Shortly before the turn of the century 'Fairholme' was purchased by Philadelphia banker John R. Drexel (1863-1935) and his wife, Alice Gordon (nee Troth) (1865-1947), who added the Trumbauer Ballroom. New York industrialist and investment banker Count Alfonso P. Villa (sometimes spelled Alphonso) and his wife, Helen (nee Lippincott) were the next owners of 'Fairholme', followed by financier and industrialist Robert R. Young.

[Later the sister of painter Georgia O'Keefe, Mrs. Anita Young and her husband Robert Young called it home. Guests of the Youngs included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and John F. Kennedy, who used the indoor swimming poor for therapy on his back.]
www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/1231592182/

c. l860; enlarged 1875; altered 1930, Rectangular two-and-one-half story structure with eastern wihg; originally a Stick Style building with a high, angular mansard and surrounding porches; in 1930 given some gables, applied timbering and stucco facing, corner tower at southwest, etc., to resemble English manor style; entrance on North side of main block.

As of 2020, 'Fairholme' is a private residence.

Robert Yarnall Richie aerial photo ca. 1932-1934 - digitalcollections.smu.edu/u?/ryr,394 and digitalcollections.smu.edu/u?/ryr,388
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   41°28'4"N   71°17'57"W

Comments

  • recently owned by Janet Annenberg Hooker (got her money from publishing) think tv guide, seventeen magazine, etc... her kids are selling it now I believe
  • http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/03/fairholme-estate-of-the-day/ sales listing
  • Currently listed for sale, $17,500,000.00
This article was last modified 5 years ago