10 Oldest Rhode Island Homes Still Standing Strong and Waiting for Owners

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Leslie Lambrecht, Olga B. Goff Real Estate via Zillow

Step back into the 18th century and discover a collection of Rhode Island’s most enduring homes, each a testament to early American craftsmanship. Dating from the 1700s, these remarkable properties seamlessly blend centuries of history with contemporary comforts. From majestic stone farmhouses to grand colonial estates, explore how original features like exposed beams and wide plank floors coexist with thoughtful modern updates, offering a unique opportunity to own a cherished piece of the past in today’s world.

1. Cape Cod Home in Scituate, Rhode Island (1730)

Bold Home Group, Coldwell Banker Realty via Zillow

Built in 1730, this unique 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is situated on just under 4 acres of picturesque land, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Boasting timeless architectural details and a rich history, this property provides ample space for family and guests, perfect for those seeking a serene and versatile living space.

2. Georgian Colonial Home in Foster, Rhode Island (1747)

Cheryl Perry, Lamacchia Realty via Zillow

Built in 1747, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom colonial blends comfort and character. Enter through a mudroom with radiant heat floors into a cozy living room with hardwood floors and a bright sunroom featuring French doors to the backyard. The kitchen offers hardwood floors, a stainless steel stove, and recessed lighting. A laundry room with a wash basin and deck access sits conveniently off the kitchen.

3. Georgian Colonial Home in Newport, Rhode Island (1750)

Stacie Mills, Vanderbilt International Prop via Zillow

Built in 1750, this restored home boasts seamless oak flooring hand-picked from the Royal Danish (Shipbuilding) Forest, 5 working fireplaces, and exposed beams throughout. Upgrades include new electric and plumbing mechanicals, a high-efficiency Fujitsu air conditioning system, repointed chimneys and fireplaces, a cedar shake wood shingled roof, new custom wood windows, and radiant heated floors in all bathrooms.

4. New England Colonial Home in North Smithfield, Rhode Island (1750)

Kristin Fontaine, Fontaine Real Estate via Zillow

Built circa 1750, this post-and-beam colonial welcomes you with a huge farmer’s porch and double-door front entry. It offers old-world charm with an updated kitchen, while the family room boasts exposed original beams, wide pine flooring, and a wood stove. A large library flows into the formal living and dining rooms, complete with a fireplace. The large primary bedroom is conveniently located off a full bath with a clawfoot tub and laundry room, complemented by a spacious sitting room.

5. Cape Cod Home in East Greenwich, Rhode Island (1753)

The Phipps Team, Compass via Zillow

Built in 1753, this farmhouse is one of the older houses in the Frenchtown neighborhood. The residence offers 1959 sq.ft. of heated space above grade, with seven rooms organized into an open floor plan including 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. A huge rear porch overlooks the pastoral property. Recent upgrades include a re-shingled roof and a replaced septic system. The property also features an oversized garage and outbuildings.

6. Cape Cod Home in Coventry, Rhode Island (1757)

Andrew Hogan, RE/MAX Results via Zillow

Built in 1757, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and ample space. Set on a sprawling lot, its massive yard is perfect for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or enjoying peace and privacy. Inside, multiple updates throughout, including refreshed finishes and modern touches, make this home move-in ready.

7. Georgian Colonial Home in Bristol, Rhode Island (1759)

Brian Jodoin, Residential Properties Ltd. via Zillow

Built in 1759, this perfectly located multifamily property, offered for the first time in three generations, is suited for all buyers. Situated on a quiet, dead-end downtown street within the Central Street neighborhood, which dates to the late 1600s, this historic home features a secluded fenced backyard, ideal for a cozy cottage garden or a private area.

8. Cape Cod Home in Foster, Rhode Island (1790)

Lorraine Perri, Coldwell Banker Realty via Zillow

Built in 1790, this stunning property sits magically on a private 6.73 acres, blending old-world charm with modern upgrades and conveniences. Located on a dead-end road just minutes from Downtown Providence, the home features gorgeous wide plank hardwood floors throughout. You will love the spacious gourmet kitchen, complete with a Wolf six-burner stove and oven, stainless steel dishwasher and refrigerator, built-in cabinets, and two wood-burning fireplaces.

9. Cape Cod Home in Saunderstown, Rhode Island (1790)

The Monaco Group, Mott & Chace Sotheby’s Intl. via Zillow

Built in 1790, River Farm is a classic gentleman’s estate beautifully sited on 127 private acres. This retreat offers breathtaking water views and tranquil wooded grounds. The estate encompasses a 6-bedroom historic farmhouse, an in-ground pool with a pool house, a caretaker’s residence, and a working farm. A stone patio at the rear provides ample space for outdoor entertaining, while walking paths lead to approximately one mile of waterfront along the Pettaquamscutt River.

10. Cape Cod Home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (1798)

Dina Karousos, Gustave White Sotheby’s Realty via Zillow

Built in 1798, this picturesque 2.59-acre agricultural-zoned property offers many possibilities, from organic farming to herb gardening, with tax advantages and investment potential. Echoing its botanical past, the grounds feature an enchanting bridge leading to several greenhouses, charming sheds, and a stone patio with a fireplace. The main residence exudes character with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, rich hardwoods, and custom built-ins.

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