Iconic 1880s Waterfront Social Club Hits Market for First Time in 50 Years—With a $1.2 Million Price Cut

Narragansett’s iconic Reading Room, a former social club that hit the market over the summer for $10.95 million, has recently received a $1.2 million price cut.

Now listed for $9.75 million, the five-bedroom waterfront residence still sits next to The Towers, the last surviving remnant of the 1880s Narragansett Pier Casino that has weathered many storms over the years.

The 5,099-square-foot dwelling with detached three-car garage is being offered for the first time in more than 50 years.

"It’s one of the few Italian Victorians left in our area with a tower room," said listing agent John Hodnett of Hopewell Real Estate.

"What makes this property so unique is that it is located in a village setting but it sits on three-quarters of an acre so there is a lot of space. It’s like a sanctuary in the middle of a village."

The structure was originally constructed in 1880 as a club where members like Jerome Bonaparte, a relative of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, are said to have visited.

"It was originally a social club in the 1880s and was a reading room where men would gather to smoke cigars," Hodnett said. "It was relocated to its current location to be a part of the casino. Now, it’s ideally located minutes away from the Town beach, cafes, and restaurants."

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property has also received historic preservation awards from both Preserve Rhode Island and the Rhody Awards.

"I think the next buyer will be someone who wants to live in a historic property with lots of space, yet be in the middle of everything on a super big lot," notes Hodnett.

"They will also be someone who appreciates a home with lots of historic charm and detail but without the associated headaches that often come with them. All of the heavy lifting has been done. You can just customize the home to your needs."

Overlooking Narragansett Bay and the seawall, the residence offers breathtaking panoramic waterfront views from nearly every room.

“It was totally restored in 2010 and offers amazing views,” Hodnett said.

Historic highlights remaining intact throughout the home include restored hardwood floors, bay windows, a grand staircase, custom millwork, stained glass, high ceilings, period chandeliers, and three fireplaces.

“A lot of homes in a higher price point like this one are secondary residences, but there is nothing that would prevent it from being a primary,” he said.

A covered front porch would be a nice spot to enjoy morning coffee while soaking in the stunning scenery, and multiple sunrooms offer a cozy spot to take in the water views year-round.

“It also has a whole-home generator, so you don’t have to sweat the storms,” Hodnett said.