Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its real estate scene is big on coastal luxury and Gilded Age grandeur. Mansions perched on Newport’s cliffs offer ocean views, intricate architecture, and deep ties to American aristocracy.
Now, let’s dive into some of the most expensive houses in Rhode Island that embody the state’s legacy of elegance and exclusivity.
5. South Kingstown, RI – $3,995,000
Set on over 22 acres in the Matunuck Hills of South Kingstown, this $3,995,000 vineyard estate spans 8,183 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The residence includes a first-floor primary suite, chef’s kitchen with vineyard views, multiple fireplaces, a screened porch, a den/library, and a lower level with bar, gym, game room, and 3-car garage.
The property also includes an outbuilding, a separate 6-acre lot with trails, and is located near conservation land, South County beaches, and transportation to Boston and New York.
Where is South Kingstown?
South Kingstown, Rhode Island, is a coastal town in Washington County that includes several villages such as Wakefield and Peace Dale. It is home to the main campus of the University of Rhode Island. The town offers beaches, parks, and access to coastal ponds and trails. South Kingstown operates under a council-manager form of government.
Living Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the formal living room with light, bordered by built-in cabinetry and coffered ceilings. Centered in the space is a matching arrangement of armchairs, sofas, and a coffee table, while a black grand piano anchors the corner. A telescope by the wall hints at a view-focused design.
Sunroom
Tucked into a corner of the house, the sunroom features wicker seating and a large stone fireplace with a protective screen. Surrounding windows and a wood-paneled ceiling frame sweeping views of the landscape. An ottoman and small side table complete the relaxed setup.
Rec Room
In the basement level, the recreation room combines entertainment and leisure with a foosball table, bar area, and sectional seating facing a mounted television. Built-in cabinetry lines the far wall under soft lighting. Dining-height tables and chairs expand the room’s function beyond games and lounging.
Bedroom
Light pours into the primary bedroom through a wide bay window, casting soft shadows across the floral wallpaper and neutral carpet. A four-poster bed stands opposite a built-in entertainment unit, flanked by framed art. Two blush chairs and a glass table are arranged in the window nook.
Bathroom
Off the primary suite, the bathroom features a built-in jetted tub beneath shuttered windows, and a walk-in glass shower with brass fixtures. Marble-tiled flooring runs throughout, tying together the white cabinetry and dark wood chest. Robes hang from hooks next to a framed botanical print.
Source: Judith Chace, Erin Marsh @ Mott & Chace Sotheby’S Intl. via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Portsmouth, RI – $4,250,000
Positioned on 1.42 acres in the Kings Grant neighborhood, this $4,250,000 home offers 9,176 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The property features an elevator to all three floors, radiant heat, and a newly constructed walk-out lower level with 2,602 additional square feet, a plumbed kitchenette, half bath, and covered patio.
A three-car garage with heated epoxy floors, mature gardens, and sunset views of Narragansett Bay complete the offering, with beach access nearby and convenient proximity to Bristol, Newport, and Route 24.
Where is Portsmouth?
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, stretches along the northern part of Aquidneck Island and includes both farmland and coastal neighborhoods. It was founded in 1638 as part of the Rhode Island colony with roots in religious freedom. The town offers access to sailing, beaches, and the historic Glen Farm area. Portsmouth is governed by a town council and town administrator.
Living Room
Seating is arranged around a carved wood fireplace in the living room, where coffered ceilings add dimension above. Large windows and French doors open to an exterior patio with water views. A neutral palette and plush furniture complete the space.
Kitchen
Island-centered kitchen features white cabinetry, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances, including a double oven. The layout opens to the adjacent spaces, visually connecting to the living and dining areas. A shell-inspired pendant light hangs over the center island.
Sitting Room
Bay windows and a curved mural wall depicting a seaside landscape define this upper-level sitting room. Multiple upholstered chairs are arranged around a glass coffee table under a vaulted ceiling. Views of rooftops and open water extend through the arched window.
Bedroom
Positioned under a vaulted ceiling, the bedroom features hardwood flooring and a tufted headboard against soft blue walls. Two windows flank the bed, each paired with a nightstand and draped in light curtains. Toward the back, a separate sitting area includes arched windows, a chandelier, and a small sofa arrangement.
Bathroom
Primary bathroom includes a built-in soaking tub beneath a window with a lawn view and an arched ceiling above. Vanities with granite tops and mirrored cabinets line one wall, flanked by sconce lighting. Tile flooring and a chandelier add decorative elements throughout.
Source: Stacie Mills, Mary Waddington @ Vanderbilt International Prop. via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Bristol, RI – $4,999,000
Anchored on the final waterfront parcel of Courageous Circle in exclusive Poppasquash Neck, this $4,999,000 home spans 4,148 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on 4 private acres. Originally built in 1988, the residence includes a Clive Christian-designed kitchen, a main-level primary suite with study and porch access, and upper-level bedrooms with French doors opening to a deck overlooking Narragansett Bay.
The property also features a private beach, expansive windows, multiple decks, a three-car garage, and a full-width lower level offering storage, hobby, and exercise space.
Where is Bristol?
Bristol, Rhode Island, curves along Narragansett Bay and is known for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the U.S. The town has a strong maritime history and features a deep-water harbor. It is home to Roger Williams University and Colt State Park. Bristol operates under a town council–town administrator form of government.
Living Room
Living room includes a sofa set arranged around a glass-top coffee table and facing a bay of large windows with views of the water. Painted floral wall covering sits behind a pair of brown upholstered chairs, and the coffered ceiling adds detail overhead. The room connects to the kitchen through two arched doorways with rich wood trim.
Kitchen
Kitchen is centered around a white island with gold trim and glass cabinets below a large chandelier. Behind the island, a mosaic tile backsplash surrounds a cooktop set beneath a wood-paneled range hood. Two sets of windows offer water views and bring light into the room, which includes built-in cabinetry throughout.
Dining Room
Dining room features a polished wooden table surrounded by matching chairs, all set on an ornate floral rug. Walls are finished with patterned silver damask wallpaper and traditional crown molding, and a chandelier hangs above the center of the space. A small office area opens beyond a short railing and columns near the window bank.
Bedroom
Canopy bed with carved wood posts stands at the center of this bedroom with warm peach-colored walls and high angled ceilings. Four large windows with red blinds line one side of the room while traditional furnishings, including a leather chair and matching nightstands, add contrast. A patterned area rug with red tones fills the floor, anchored by a painted storage chest at the foot of the bed.
Bathroom
Bathroom is laid out with a freestanding white tub framed by three tall windows looking onto greenery. A curved glass shower and single-sink vanity with dark cabinetry stand on one side, and wood flooring transitions into white tile. Decor includes framed art, a vintage lamp, and wall trim around the entire room.
Source: Tery Pedro-Matrone @ William Raveis Inspire via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Newport, RI – $10,500,000
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean near Ocean Drive, this $10,500,000 property spans 11,293 square feet and features 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Designed as a family retreat, the home includes 8,614 square feet above ground plus 2,679 square feet on the lower level with a media room, wet bar, and exercise room, all accessible by elevator.
Highlights include multiple fireplaces, a sunroom/observation deck, private beach access, and proximity to Castle Hill Inn.
Where is Newport?
Perched on the edge of Narragansett Bay, Newport, Rhode Island, once thrived as a colonial trade hub and naval base. It hosts the International Tennis Hall of Fame and features preserved colonial architecture. The city includes Salve Regina University and Fort Adams State Park. Newport also held strategic importance during the American Revolution.
Living Room
Front-facing living room features a set of French doors and multiple windows offering ocean views. Two matching sofas and a collection of armchairs are arranged around a rectangular coffee table on a patterned rug. The space is bright and expansive with light wood flooring throughout.
Kitchen
Large kitchen area includes a central island with a cooktop, granite counters, and dual-tone cabinetry. Pendant lights hang over the raised counter with seating for four, near several large windows. Off to the left, the open layout flows directly into a seating area near a columned archway.
Dining Area
Formal dining room holds a long table with seating for ten under a modern chandelier. A corner fireplace adds a focal point across from a wall of windows facing the garden. The room is connected to the kitchen and entry through wide openings and is bordered by floral rugs.
Home Office
Private home office sits by a wall of tall windows with a view of the hedged yard. A dark wood executive desk is positioned on a bordered rug, with two guest chairs in front and a bookshelf behind. A decorative globe stands near the window, and built-ins display books and framed items.
Bedroom
Spacious primary bedroom opens to a large deck through a full wall of glass French doors. A carved wood bed with a matching bench is placed on a large rug, framed by light-filled transoms. Furnishings and finishes follow a soft, neutral palette, with wood flooring continuing throughout.
Source: Kate Leonard @ Compass / Lila Delman Compass via Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Newport, RI – $13,250,000
Set on 14.85 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this $13,250,000 gated estate offers 7,640 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms, 7 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. Built in 2003, the property includes a main residence with ocean views from nearly every room, a 1-bedroom guest cottage, and a four-bay carriage house with heated brick floors and a potting shed.
Additional features include 7 garage spaces, a wraparound patio with firepit and grill, and proximity to Newport Country Club and protected open space.
Where is Newport?
Newport, Rhode Island, is a coastal city on Aquidneck Island known for its sailing history and Gilded Age mansions. It hosts the annual Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals. The city includes a historic downtown, naval presence, and access to scenic shoreline drives. Newport operates under a city council–city manager form of government.
Living Room
Large windows dominate the back wall of this main living room, offering unobstructed views of the ocean and terrace. Two facing sofas and four armchairs are arranged around a circular glass table with a sculptural gold base. Blue drapery, throw pillows, and accent chairs bring in color throughout.
Kitchen
Marble countertops span across this bright kitchen, which features white cabinetry with recessed paneling. A wide island with grooved panel details anchors the space, facing a cooktop wall with a built-in range hood. Just beyond, a breakfast nook is framed by sheer curtains and corner windows.
Dining Room
A long rectangular table sits centered beneath a modern chandelier in this formal dining room. Surrounded by ten upholstered chairs, the room is grounded by a patterned rug and trimmed in two-tone paneling—white below and deep navy above. Curtains frame a pair of wide windows and French doors.
Bedroom
Soft vertical stripes stretch across the walls of this bedroom that looks directly out to the ocean. Positioned between two windows, the glass door leads to a private balcony that brings in natural light. A woven chair and small table in one corner echo the relaxed coastal setting.
Covered Patio
Columns support a white-paneled ceiling over the main portion of this outdoor patio space, which extends into an open area under a pergola. Cushioned metal seating and a glass-top table rest on a blue patterned rug. A stack of firewood and potted plants sit tucked against the house siding.
Source: Gustave White Sotheby’s Realty via Coldwell Banker Realty
