8 Shingle Homes That Could Showcase Classic Rhode Island Coastal Character
Rhode Island’s coastline is dotted with stunning shingle-style homes that capture the essence of New England maritime charm.
These architectural treasures combine weathered cedar shakes, asymmetrical designs, and panoramic ocean views to create dwellings that feel both luxurious and perfectly at home in their rugged surroundings.
Let me take you on a tour of eight remarkable shingle homes that embody Rhode Island’s distinctive coastal character.
1. Newport Cliffside Shingle Home Rhode Island
Perched dramatically on Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, this magnificent shingle home commands breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Weathered cedar shakes in varying patterns wrap the multi-gabled structure, creating a tapestry that grows more beautiful with each passing year.
I’ve always admired how these homes blend seamlessly with Newport’s natural landscape. The wide covered porches provide perfect spots for watching sailboats drift across the horizon while the rounded turret rooms offer panoramic vistas of crashing waves below.
Stone chimneys rise majestically above the roofline, anchoring the home against coastal winds. Inside, oak-paneled walls and large windows frame ocean views, creating an elegant yet comfortable retreat that honors Rhode Island’s Gilded Age heritage.
2. Jamestown Coastal Shingle Home Rhode Island
Tucked away on Conanicut Island, this charming Jamestown shingle home embodies understated coastal elegance. Unlike its grander Newport cousins, this dwelling showcases a more relaxed interpretation of the shingle style with its simple gambrel roof and thoughtfully placed dormers.
What makes this home special is how it embraces its natural setting. Native stone foundations anchor it to the rocky shoreline while weathered gray shingles mirror the misty harbor views. The wraparound porch, supported by simple squared columns, serves as an outdoor living room during summer months.
Though more modest in scale, this home perfectly captures Jamestown’s maritime heritage with nautical-inspired details like porthole windows and ship’s lantern lighting fixtures that nod to Rhode Island’s seafaring past.
3. Block Island Seaside Shingle Home – Rhode Island
If you’re seeking true island character, this Block Island beauty delivers with its weather-beaten charm and spectacular ocean vistas. Windswept and wonderfully rustic, the home’s asymmetrical silhouette rises organically from its grassy bluff setting.
The deep porch wrapping three sides serves as the heart of summer living here. I love how the cedar shingles have silvered to a gorgeous patina that perfectly complements the granite stone foundation. Distinctive diamond-paned windows add historical character while framing postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic.
Did you know these Block Island homes were built to withstand fierce nor’easters? The steeply pitched roof and sturdy construction have weathered countless storms, creating a dwelling that feels both protective and connected to the wild beauty surrounding it.
4. Narragansett Beachfront Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Mere steps from the golden sands of Narragansett Town Beach, this sprawling shingle residence celebrates Rhode Island’s beach culture with flair. The home’s horizontal silhouette seems to echo the coastline itself, with multiple gabled sections creating a rhythmic architectural composition.
Though relatively new construction, this dwelling honors traditional shingle style through thoughtful details. The cedar shake exterior transitions seamlessly from walls to roof, creating that distinctive unifying envelope so characteristic of classic Rhode Island coastal homes.
When summer arrives, the stone terrace and outdoor shower become essential features for sandy-footed beachgoers. Inside, white-painted woodwork contrasts beautifully with the warm wood floors, while oversized windows frame views of surfers riding Narragansett’s famous waves a perfect balance of historic charm and modern beach living.
5. Watch Hill Historic Shingle Home Rhode Island
Hidden behind mature hedges in prestigious Watch Hill sits this extraordinary example of late 19th-century shingle architecture. The home’s distinctive octagonal tower, topped with a whimsical witch’s hat roof, has served as a landmark for generations of sailors navigating these waters.
Are you curious about the intricate details? Hand-carved brackets support deep eaves while delicate shell motifs adorn window surrounds all evidence of the craftsmanship lavished on these summer “cottages” during Rhode Island’s resort heyday. The massive fieldstone chimney anchors the composition, providing visual weight to balance the soaring tower.
My favorite feature is the gracious porte-cochère, a covered carriage entrance that welcomes visitors with old-world elegance. Though grand in scale, the home’s weathered shingles and rambling profile give it an organic quality that feels perfectly suited to Watch Hill’s understated luxury.
6. Bristol Waterfront Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Steeped in maritime history, this Bristol harbor home showcases the perfect marriage of Colonial and shingle architectural styles. The symmetrical main block with its center chimney and formal entry speaks to Rhode Island’s Colonial past, while the shingled exterior and casual waterfront wings reflect more relaxed coastal living.
Looking at the details reveals Bristol’s shipbuilding heritage. Decorative brackets reminiscent of ship construction support the entry portico, while nautical-inspired oval windows punctuate the facade. The home’s deep blue shutters provide striking contrast against the natural cedar shingles.
When summer evenings arrive, the bluestone terrace overlooking Bristol Harbor becomes the perfect spot for watching America’s oldest Fourth of July parade pass by. This home brilliantly balances formal architecture with the casual elegance that makes Rhode Island coastal living so appealing.
7. Wickford Harbor Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Nestled in historic Wickford Village, this petite shingle gem captures the quintessential charm of Rhode Island’s working harbors. Unlike the grander Newport mansions, this modest dwelling speaks to the practical maritime heritage of Wickford with its simple lines and functional design.
The home’s weathered gray shingles blend harmoniously with the foggy harbor palette while white trim around windows and doors provides crisp definition. Multi-paned windows larger on the harbor side maximize natural light and frame picturesque views of bobbing sailboats.
Though compact, clever design makes the most of every inch. The covered side porch serves as an outdoor dining room during summer months, while window boxes overflowing with geraniums add cheerful color. This perfectly proportioned cottage proves that Rhode Island coastal character doesn’t require massive scale to make a lasting impression.
8. Little Compton Coastal Shingle Home Rhode Island
Surrounded by rolling farmland that meets the sea, this Little Compton residence embodies the agricultural-coastal character that makes this corner of Rhode Island so unique. The rambling farmhouse silhouette, wrapped entirely in cedar shingles, appears to have grown organically over generations.
Stone walls, built by early settlers, crisscross the property and blend with the home’s substantial fieldstone foundation. The weathered shingles have developed that coveted silver patina that only comes with decades of salt air exposure. Multiple chimneys hint at cozy fireplaces within essential for foggy Little Compton evenings.
My favorite aspect is how the screened porch transitions seamlessly to a fieldstone terrace overlooking gardens and ocean beyond. This home perfectly captures the understated rural-coastal elegance that has attracted artists and writers to Little Compton for generations a true Rhode Island treasure.
Rhode Island’s coastline is dotted with stunning shingle-style homes that capture the essence of New England maritime charm.
These architectural treasures combine weathered cedar shakes, asymmetrical designs, and panoramic ocean views to create dwellings that feel both luxurious and perfectly at home in their rugged surroundings.
Let me take you on a tour of eight remarkable shingle homes that embody Rhode Island’s distinctive coastal character.
1. Newport Cliffside Shingle Home Rhode Island
Perched dramatically on Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, this magnificent shingle home commands breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Weathered cedar shakes in varying patterns wrap the multi-gabled structure, creating a tapestry that grows more beautiful with each passing year.
I’ve always admired how these homes blend seamlessly with Newport’s natural landscape. The wide covered porches provide perfect spots for watching sailboats drift across the horizon while the rounded turret rooms offer panoramic vistas of crashing waves below.
Stone chimneys rise majestically above the roofline, anchoring the home against coastal winds. Inside, oak-paneled walls and large windows frame ocean views, creating an elegant yet comfortable retreat that honors Rhode Island’s Gilded Age heritage.
2. Jamestown Coastal Shingle Home Rhode Island
Tucked away on Conanicut Island, this charming Jamestown shingle home embodies understated coastal elegance. Unlike its grander Newport cousins, this dwelling showcases a more relaxed interpretation of the shingle style with its simple gambrel roof and thoughtfully placed dormers.
What makes this home special is how it embraces its natural setting. Native stone foundations anchor it to the rocky shoreline while weathered gray shingles mirror the misty harbor views. The wraparound porch, supported by simple squared columns, serves as an outdoor living room during summer months.
Though more modest in scale, this home perfectly captures Jamestown’s maritime heritage with nautical-inspired details like porthole windows and ship’s lantern lighting fixtures that nod to Rhode Island’s seafaring past.
3. Block Island Seaside Shingle Home – Rhode Island
If you’re seeking true island character, this Block Island beauty delivers with its weather-beaten charm and spectacular ocean vistas. Windswept and wonderfully rustic, the home’s asymmetrical silhouette rises organically from its grassy bluff setting.
The deep porch wrapping three sides serves as the heart of summer living here. I love how the cedar shingles have silvered to a gorgeous patina that perfectly complements the granite stone foundation. Distinctive diamond-paned windows add historical character while framing postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic.
Did you know these Block Island homes were built to withstand fierce nor’easters? The steeply pitched roof and sturdy construction have weathered countless storms, creating a dwelling that feels both protective and connected to the wild beauty surrounding it.
4. Narragansett Beachfront Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Mere steps from the golden sands of Narragansett Town Beach, this sprawling shingle residence celebrates Rhode Island’s beach culture with flair. The home’s horizontal silhouette seems to echo the coastline itself, with multiple gabled sections creating a rhythmic architectural composition.
Though relatively new construction, this dwelling honors traditional shingle style through thoughtful details. The cedar shake exterior transitions seamlessly from walls to roof, creating that distinctive unifying envelope so characteristic of classic Rhode Island coastal homes.
When summer arrives, the stone terrace and outdoor shower become essential features for sandy-footed beachgoers. Inside, white-painted woodwork contrasts beautifully with the warm wood floors, while oversized windows frame views of surfers riding Narragansett’s famous waves a perfect balance of historic charm and modern beach living.
5. Watch Hill Historic Shingle Home Rhode Island
Hidden behind mature hedges in prestigious Watch Hill sits this extraordinary example of late 19th-century shingle architecture. The home’s distinctive octagonal tower, topped with a whimsical witch’s hat roof, has served as a landmark for generations of sailors navigating these waters.
Are you curious about the intricate details? Hand-carved brackets support deep eaves while delicate shell motifs adorn window surrounds all evidence of the craftsmanship lavished on these summer “cottages” during Rhode Island’s resort heyday. The massive fieldstone chimney anchors the composition, providing visual weight to balance the soaring tower.
My favorite feature is the gracious porte-cochère, a covered carriage entrance that welcomes visitors with old-world elegance. Though grand in scale, the home’s weathered shingles and rambling profile give it an organic quality that feels perfectly suited to Watch Hill’s understated luxury.
6. Bristol Waterfront Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Steeped in maritime history, this Bristol harbor home showcases the perfect marriage of Colonial and shingle architectural styles. The symmetrical main block with its center chimney and formal entry speaks to Rhode Island’s Colonial past, while the shingled exterior and casual waterfront wings reflect more relaxed coastal living.
Looking at the details reveals Bristol’s shipbuilding heritage. Decorative brackets reminiscent of ship construction support the entry portico, while nautical-inspired oval windows punctuate the facade. The home’s deep blue shutters provide striking contrast against the natural cedar shingles.
When summer evenings arrive, the bluestone terrace overlooking Bristol Harbor becomes the perfect spot for watching America’s oldest Fourth of July parade pass by. This home brilliantly balances formal architecture with the casual elegance that makes Rhode Island coastal living so appealing.
7. Wickford Harbor Shingle Home – Rhode Island
Nestled in historic Wickford Village, this petite shingle gem captures the quintessential charm of Rhode Island’s working harbors. Unlike the grander Newport mansions, this modest dwelling speaks to the practical maritime heritage of Wickford with its simple lines and functional design.
The home’s weathered gray shingles blend harmoniously with the foggy harbor palette while white trim around windows and doors provides crisp definition. Multi-paned windows larger on the harbor side maximize natural light and frame picturesque views of bobbing sailboats.
Though compact, clever design makes the most of every inch. The covered side porch serves as an outdoor dining room during summer months, while window boxes overflowing with geraniums add cheerful color. This perfectly proportioned cottage proves that Rhode Island coastal character doesn’t require massive scale to make a lasting impression.
8. Little Compton Coastal Shingle Home Rhode Island
Surrounded by rolling farmland that meets the sea, this Little Compton residence embodies the agricultural-coastal character that makes this corner of Rhode Island so unique. The rambling farmhouse silhouette, wrapped entirely in cedar shingles, appears to have grown organically over generations.
Stone walls, built by early settlers, crisscross the property and blend with the home’s substantial fieldstone foundation. The weathered shingles have developed that coveted silver patina that only comes with decades of salt air exposure. Multiple chimneys hint at cozy fireplaces within essential for foggy Little Compton evenings.
My favorite aspect is how the screened porch transitions seamlessly to a fieldstone terrace overlooking gardens and ocean beyond. This home perfectly captures the understated rural-coastal elegance that has attracted artists and writers to Little Compton for generations a true Rhode Island treasure.
