Stonor Lodge (1870-1880) (Newport, Rhode Island)

USA / Rhode Island / Newport / Newport, Rhode Island
 estate (manor / mansion land)  Add category
Built between 1870 and 1880, Stonor Lodge was originally known as Mayfield Cottage. It's first owner was Mrs. William E. Glyn., who was known for her extremely fast carriages. A fire destroyed most of the house in 1916, leaving only a few rooms partially damaged by the fire.

The estate and ruins were purchased by Lord and Lady Camoys, Ralph Stonor and Mildred Sherman, who built a completely new home on the spot. When Mildred died she passed the estate to her son-in-law and daughter, John R Drexel III and Noreen Stonor in 1943. Mr Drexel had grown up in Newport, living at either Cliff Walk estate on Bellevue Avenue or Fairholme, next door to The Breakers. On the grounds, they built a large garage and connecting guest cottage.

Noreen was good friends with Janet Auchincloss and also became friends with her daughter, Jackie. The day before Jackie's marriage to President John F. Kennedy, Jackie rushed over to Stonor Lodge to escape the hubub of the wedding preparations. The maid let her in as Noreen walked down the stairs with a puzzled look on her face. "Oh Mrs Drexel" Jackie implored "May I stay here for the day? I need to get away from the house. I won't bother you- I brought a book to read" she said, indicating her to the book in her hand. "Of course Jackie" said Drexel "We are always happy to see you here". And so, Jackie spent the day before her wedding reading a book in the sunroom of Stonor Park.

John Drexel died in 2007. Noreen turned over the main house to her children and decided to turn the estate's garage into her residence. After 2 months of renovation, the garage was turned into a comfortable and luxurious residence. It was here that Noreen died on November 6 2012.

www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/news/local-obituaries/a...
www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10132760...
www.ri.gov/preservation/search/view.php?idnumber=NEWP03...
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Coordinates:   41°28'13"N   71°18'30"W

Comments

  • According to historic Newport maps, the house and property was first owned by a Charles B. Parkinson prior to 1876, then Walter Langdon Kane prior to 1882, then William E. Glyn prior to 1907.
  • Destroyed by fire this evening, February 25, 2016
  • An Immense Loss to the Historical Community, family, friends and Newport, Rhode Island
  • Incredible that 100 years late it burnt down again. Anyone know the actual date in 1916? Be weird if it was the same date.
  • Construction fire.... temporary power and light ...
This article was last modified 9 years ago