One of the crown jewels of Rhode Island's coastal communities, Jamestown (also known as Conanicut Island) is located in the middle of Narragansett Bay, directly across from the charms of Newport, the sailing capitol of the United States. Incorporated in 1678 and named after Prince James (James II) of England, Jamestown's history has been chronicled in rich detail by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission in the book "Historic and Architectural Resources of Jamestown, Rhode Island."
Jamestown's scenic beauty is visible throughout its 9.7 square miles. Bound by Block Island Sound to the South and by Narragansett Bay to the East and West, Jamestown enjoys some 27.5 square miles of shoreline, a picturesque, public nine-hole golf course, three state parks, the well-known Mackerel Cove (home of the New Year's Day Penguin Plunge) and an unusually large amount of farmlands and open space, including the Watson, Dutra and Hodgkiss Farms and beautiful conservation areas like Marsh Meadows. Sunrise vistas over the East Passage delight early morning risers while golden sunsets over the West Passage delight visitors and residents alike.
Connected to the mainland by the Jamestown Bridge and to Aquidneck Island (Newport) by the Pell/Newport Bridge, Jamestown's quaint downtown district is home to a number of small businesses and well-known restaurants, including the Bay Voyage, Trattoria Simpatico, the Oyster Bar, Chopmist Charlies and Tricia's Tropi-Grille. It is also home to the Bay View condominiums, located just across from the harbor and the modern day successor to one of Jamestown's turn-of-the-last century hotels.
The East Ferry Marina, where the waterfront office of Mansions & Manors enjoys views of the Jamestown Harbor, Newport Bridge and Rose Island Lighthouse, is the point of departure for the Jamestown-Newport Ferry, a delightful way to experience both Newport and Jamestown.
Jamestown offers its residents a diverse range of choices in neighborhoods. The town center allows residents to enjoy a community-oriented lifestyle. Shoreby Hills, with its landmark "Green" was founded by a group from St. Louis at the end of the 19th-century when Jamestown was first settled as a summer shorefront colony.
The southeasterly area of Jamestown consists of the Cottrell Farm plat, the Ocean Highlands plat and the area commonly referred to as the "Dumplings. It is also home to Fort Wetherill, a state park and one of the best known dive sites on the East Coast.
Beavertail is a mix of single family homes on both estate properties and smaller lots, either on or in relatively close proximity to the water, Fort Getty and Beavertail State Parks. Beavertail State Park is home to the Beavertail Lighthouse which was originally constructed in 1749.
The north end of the Island, once known as "Conanicut Park," blends Victorian architecture from the 1870s with an eclectic mix of housing on variously sized parcels. There are two subdivisions, West Reach and East Passage, both of which are zoned for a minimum of 80,000 sq. ft. lots and enjoy deeded beach and pond rights.
The area known as the Jamestown Shores stretches south and north of the Jamestown Bridge between Seaside Drive and North Road. It offers a diverse selection of homes on properties ranging from 7,200 sq. ft. to a half acre in lot size. Head's Beach, a popular neighborhood destination, is a gathering place for residents in season.
The alluring natural beauty of Jamestown, with its rural and understated character, is a magnet for those looking for an Island lifestyle that feels miles away from everything but is in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Newport, Providence and major metropolitan areas like Boston and New York.
- 7 Ferry Wharf
- Jamestown, Rhode Island 02835
- Phone: 401 423.7000
- Fax: 401 423.2414
- 59 Bellevue Avenue
- Newport, Rhode Island 02840
- Phone: 401 848.5555
- Toll Free: 800 572.1666
© 2007 Mansions & Manors, LLC All rights reserved.
Photographs by Michael Miller
Designed and maintained by EZ Sphere, LLC.
