Isaac Bell House, Newport

The Isaac Bell House, also known as Edna Villa, is a historical gem nestled in Newport. This architectural masterpiece is a National Historic Landmark and stands as a shining example of the Shingle Style in the United States. Designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White during the opulent Gilded Age, the house reflects an era when Newport was the preferred summer retreat for America's elite.

Isaac Bell Jr., a prosperous cotton broker and investor, and the brother-in-law of James Gordon Bennett Jr., the publisher of the New York Herald, decided to create his summer sanctuary in Newport. To bring his vision to life, he enlisted the services of the distinguished New York architectural firm, McKim, Mead, and White. This architectural trio, known for their notable works like the Newport Casino, Boston Public Library, and New York City's Pennsylvania Station, embarked on the project, turning it into an architectural masterpiece.

The Isaac Bell House epitomizes the Shingle Style, an architectural movement credited to Henry Hobson Richardson in his design of the William Watts Sherman House, also located in Newport. This style, prevalent in the late nineteenth century, is characterized by the abundant use of wooden shingles on the exterior. The house's charm lies in its unpainted wood shingles, understated window and trim details, and numerous welcoming porches. It ingeniously combines elements of the English Arts and Crafts movement philosophy, colonial American detailing, and boasts a Japanese-inspired open floor plan along with bamboo-style porch columns. Inside, the house features delightful inglenook fireplaces, natural rattan wall coverings, wall paneling, and elegant narrow-band wooden floors.

Over the years, the Isaac Bell House has undergone various transformations, serving as both apartments and a nursing home at different times. The house's remarkable journey took a significant turn when, with the assistance of Carol Chiles Ballard, it was acquired by the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1994. Their dedicated efforts led to a meticulous restoration, which received awards for its excellence. Today, the Isaac Bell House is a vibrant museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural and historical splendor of Newport.

In recognition of its architectural significance and the efforts put forth for its preservation, the Isaac Bell House earned the prestigious title of National Historic Landmark in 1997.