William Watts Sherman House, Newport

The William Watts Sherman House is a testament to the genius of American architect H. H. Richardson. This house, now owned by Salve Regina University, has earned the status of a National Historic Landmark and is widely regarded as one of Richardson's crowning achievements. It also serves as the prototype for the Shingle Style in American architecture, setting a precedent for the distinctive architectural form that emerged.

The William Watts Sherman House was constructed between 1875 and 1876 and stands as a tribute to the vision of William Watts Sherman, a prominent figure associated with the banking firm Duncan Sherman & Co. in New York. It was designed by the architectural firm of Gambrill and Richardson, although there's no definitive evidence of Gambrill's direct involvement in the design process. The construction was carried out by the renowned Norcross Brothers.

The house is a harmonious fusion of architectural elements borrowed from medieval Europe, Renaissance England, and Colonial America. However, its most distinguishing feature is the Shingle Style. It appears to draw inspiration from the architectural works of British architect Norman Shaw, particularly his houses in Surrey, which were published in 1874. Interestingly, when it was built, the architectural style of the house was so unique that even the builders, according to the Newport Mercury, couldn't find an appropriate name for it. The Sherman family themselves simply referred to it as Queen Anne style.

In honor of its architectural significance, the William Watts Sherman House was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior on December 30, 1970. This recognition pays homage to its unique blend of architectural styles and its role in shaping the Shingle Style, which would become a defining feature of American architecture.