Newport was an early colonial powerhouse, one of the most important centers of maritime trade and commerce through the late 17^th and early 18^thcenturies. When the British occupied the city from 1776 to 1779, driving out half its residents, they not only permanently damaged the maritime trade, they also burned half of the clapboard houses as firewood.

By the mid-20^th century, Newport was in a marked slump, with litter-strewn neighborhoods and decrepit housing stock. Thankfully, a British couple (who eventually became year-round Newporters) Lt. Col. C.D.L. Pepys and his wife, Nadine, organized Operation Clapboard, a grassroots movement in which Newporters of means pooled their resources to restore derelict 18^th -century homes, saving Newport’s history and architectural heritage.

This remarkable home at 17 John St. is one of many saved by Operation Clapboard over the years. Built in 1790 by Samuel Yeats, whose name it bears, the Samuel Yeats House has been immaculately restored, sensitively retaining all its charm and historic character, yet updated to function as a modern 21^st-century home.

Beautiful pine and chestnut floors gleam on all three levels of living space. Four impeccable bedrooms are well-served by four full bathrooms. Central air conditioning throughout the home keeps things comfortable when the breeze off Newport Harbor isn’t enough. Seven working fireplaces, six wood-burning, with gas in the kitchen, make for cozy winters.

Stunning antique chestnut countertops highlighted by a copper farm sink create a kitchen that is the perfect marriage of form and function. The professional JennAir gas stove, Jennair French door bottom freezer refrigerator, and Miele dishwasher are all only four years old.

Whether entertaining on the private patio or walking to Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue to enjoy a meal at one of Newport’s fine restaurants, 17 John St. is quintessential Newport: rich in history, refined where it should be, and never dull.

By the numbers

• $999,000
• 4 bedrooms
• 4 bathrooms
• 7 fireplaces
• Lila Delman Real Estate
• Susan Gustavson
• 401-419-5783
• sgustavson@liladelman.com

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