Tiverton recently lost a historical site, a piece of local history that had stood for generations. While it was never officially declared a historical landmark, there is a Quonset Hut not far from where the Lafayette House was recently demolished. The Quonset Hut, unlike a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or cottage beach rental, serves as an Airbnb with a unique connection to Rhode Island's past. 

The previous owner, deeply attached to the site, was reluctant to sell because he wanted to preserve the hut’s integrity. Potential buyers, however, sought to demolish it, which would have erased its historical significance. Fortunately, the new owners had a different vision. Instead of tearing it down, they remodeled the Quonset Hut, transforming it into a welcoming home where locals can now enjoy a staycation that’s close to home yet full of charm and a fascinating history. 

It’s a rare and special space that blends the past with the present, offering both comfort and a reminder of the state’s rich history. 

According to the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, a Quonset Hut is simple to manufacture, easy to assemble, and appears in a distinct semicircular form. The name comes from where it was first built, at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island. The structure was designed to be quickly set up by untrained personnel and had to serve a variety of military purposes, according to DAHP. 

This bit of local history brings interest to this oddly shaped building in Tiverton and provides appeal for why guests might want to stay here while on a vacation — or a staycation. 

Meet the hosts 

When Mark and Sharon Moore first stepped into the hut, there was no floor — just dirt. Sharon recalled, “After purchasing the hut in 2014, we noticed there was a sign inside that said ‘step down’ upon entering.” She turned to her husband and jokingly said, “Oh, yeah, Mark, we’ve really stepped down on this one.” The hut was in bad shape. 

Without disturbing it’s shape, they added a new entrance on the side, leading to a patio where guests can now enjoy a hot tub, grill, fire pit, and plenty of seating, all surrounded by nature and a “naturally wild” design created by Mark. Sharon affectionately joked, “That’s my husband, Mr. Wild Man.” 

Mark, who did the renovation work himself, repurposed materials already on the property. He wanted the feeling of the hut to remain natural and somewhat “wild.” He even left a message for guests on the chalkboard at the new entrance, saying “The wild old Quonset Hut wants you to have fun.” In front of the sign are three large glass jars filled with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows — ingredients Sharon leaves for guests to enjoy s’mores by the fire pit. 

A fence woven from natural materials found on the property lines what used to be the front entrance of the hut. Mark also added a faux chimney, which looks like it came straight out of a fictional children’s storybook. Large at the bottom, with an almost brick-like design that utilizes light colored wooden pieces that overlap one another —  it almost seems like a magical entryway. 

Inside the hut, beyond the faux chimney, is a stove. The kitchen island holds a fridge and freezer, and its top was made from wood salvaged from the hut. The two other countertops were crafted from the same wood. 

This is a fully functional kitchen that guests can use. A baby grand piano, once played by a pianist from the Boston Pops, connects the kitchen area to the dining area, where a long table is the main spot for guests to gather before heading out to the patio and into the “wild” outdoors. 

The rest of the hut 

Moving beyond the main hut area, a hall leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom in between. Another hallway leads to a cozy living room area, decorated with a green sofa and natural elements throughout, like tree branches with lights and a brick floor made by Mark from repurposed bricks from Newport. 

Sharon shared, “The woodwork in the room, painted black, is repurposed from a fence that was used on the set of an old TV show called Victory Gardens.”Upstairs, there’s another bedroom and bathroom. 

Horns found on the farm where Mark and Sharon currently reside decorate a bookshelf wall made from the same wooden fences — a true “wild” element. Another magical feature is the sliding wall panel that looks like a bookshelf but opens to reveal a secret kids’ game room. This is the full scope of the Quonset Hut in Tiverton.

Returning to the hut’s main structure, the goal of the renovation was to preserve that unique semicircular shape, allowing guests to connect with the history of the building. To do this, the metal structure holding the hut’s unique shape was kept intact.

Sharon shared, “Because of this, on rainy days, the sound of rain hitting the metal roof is often mesmerizing.” It is another natural “wild” element of the Quonset Hut — a little piece of local history, where anyone is invited to stay.