Search / Newport / 57 Farewell Street

Active · 10 days on market

$1,850,000

57 Farewell Street, Newport, RI 02840

6 bd · 5 ba · built 1750

Listing courtesy of Gustave White Sotheby's Realty, Shana Speer

About this home

Every Newporter knows this house, the iconic red duplex marking the drive into town on Farewell Street. Local tradition holds it as America's first duplex, built circa 1750, a claim legendary architectural historian Antoinette Downing called a rare and significant example of Colonial-era duplex construction. Built by brothers Joseph and William Cozzens, a hat maker and a wig maker, the house features 12 working fireplaces with original tile surrounds, generously scaled rooms with high ceilings, and original staircases with ornate period detail. Both sides offer formal living rooms, dining rooms, and a study with built-in bookcases, plus two bedrooms and a full bath. 59 Farewell also has a finished third floor with two bedrooms and a bath. One of the original Operation Clapboard restorations, the house was purchased in 1965 by its current owners and lovingly brought back to life as a demonstration project, earning a place in countless books, magazines, and newspaper articles. Outside, a secret garden enclosed by a tall paneled fence offers a private retreat, while dedicated parking on either side serves both residences. Not in the Historic District, the property offers flexibility with renovations and can be converted to two condos without zoning approval, a great investment opportunity. Offered for the first time in over 50 years, this is a rare chance to own one of Newport's true landmarks. Sold AS IS, pre-inspection report available.

Property facts

Property type
Multi Family
Year built
1750
Lot size (acres)
0.18
Total rooms
18
Garage spaces
0
Total parking
3
Annual taxes
$30,091
Tax year
2026
Neighborhood
Farewell
County
Newport

Features

Heating
Oil, Baseboard
Cooling
None
Basement
Full, Interior and Exterior, Unfinished, Storage Space
Interior
Wall (Plaster), Attic, Attic Stairs, Attic Storage, Plumbing (Mixed), Insulation (Unknown)
Fireplace
Brick
Laundry
In Building
Parking
No Garage
Construction
Plaster, Clapboard
Sewer
Public Sewer
Water
Municipal
Lot
Corner Lot

Location

MLS# 1422890 · Source: State-Wide Multiple Listing Service, Inc. · Listing courtesy of Gustave White Sotheby's Realty

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