Original Article

By Jan Tormay

Imagine owning a condominium at the Ocean House, a grand Victorian resort hotel famously known for its warm yellow façade and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Completely rebuilt in 2010 to its original exterior design with huge decks and spacious rooms, it is now possible to wake up every day in your condominium and view miles of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located at 1 Bluff Avenue in Westerly’s Watch Hill, the Ocean House exudes a timeless elegance.

Drive up to this magnificent hotel and have the valets park your car, or park it yourself in your reserved space in the parking garage. Upon entering the front door of the Ocean House, discover an attentive staff prepared to cater to all your needs and a posh lobby, restaurant, bar, and spa that still radiate an “old-world” ambiance.

Walk by amazing artwork that graces the hallways and take the elevator to the beachfront’s second level. Open the door with a key card, and discover an 864-square-foot studio with an inviting foyer. Professionally decorated with a mix of seaside sophistication and refined British Colonial touches, this divine space is perfect for year-round living, or periodic getaways.

Straight ahead, is a gorgeous bureau. Above it is a mirror decorated entirely with sea shells. A little to the right, is a wide hallway with doors on the right. Two of them are clothes closets. The other holds a stacked washer and dryer. Track lighting brings attention to a wall’s artwork.

On the left, is a huge bathroom with white, subway-tiled walls and a charming oval window. The floor, double sink, and top of a luxurious, deep-soaking tub, are all made of honed Italian carpevola marble; the espresso-stained vanity cabinetry adds elegance. Top quality materials and workmanship give this bathroom a classic feel. A large, glass-encased shower features a pebble-stone floor to soothe your feet. “The pebbles get warm of course when you’re in the water taking a shower. It’s really fun and sort of therapeutic and just a nice, tactile feeling,” said Donna Simmons, real estate agent for Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.

Next to this room in its own cozy alcove, is a charming bedroom with a queen-sized, feather-topped bed, two end tables, and a large window. Room-darkening curtains give you the option to open them to bring in natural light, or close them for daytime sleeping.

Go farther down the hall to the living area and see a breathtaking, panoramic view of the ocean through large windows straight ahead and on the side walls, filling the room with sunlight. Curtains are in place in case guests need to nap on the sleeper-sofa when the sun is out. There is also a wicker loveseat, end tables, a side table, and television, as well as a gas-fired, beach-stone fireplace for chilly days and romantic evenings.

To the left, is a beautiful kitchen with white subway tile, espresso-stained cabinets and the same beautiful marble for the countertop. Gorgeous state-of-the art stainless-steel appliances include a refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There are also espresso and Keurig machines. An adjacent dining area seats six guests comfortably.

“I would call this (studio) 864-square-feet of pure perfection, because you’ve got a great bedroom, another sleeping area (pullout sofa). You can sleep four people. Another great thing is it’s sold furnished,” said Simmons, adding that all furniture and accessories will be removed if the

owner doesn’t want any of it.

Another plus, is if you ever choose to rent the studio condominium out, you simply put it in the Ocean House rental pool. “Last year, this particular suite generated over $100,000 in rentals for the homeowner,” Simmons said.

This studio feels very spacious and much larger than it actually is, because of the openness between rooms. This is accomplished through short doors that look like shutters, which can be closed for privacy. They’re actually made of solid wood with mirrors on the top portion of them. When they’re all open, you can see from the bathroom, through the bedroom and living areas to the ocean view beyond.

Nine-foot-ceilings,

crown molding, recessed lighting and imported hardwood floors, along with superior materials and workmanship, all add to the appeal of this gorgeous waterfront gem. “This is a great pied-a-terre, a great little piece of earth, much like you would have in New York. It’s a great place to get away and relax,” Simmons said.

There’s also a private terrace with a table, four chairs and a chaise lounge. Enjoy the incredible ocean view as well as Block Island and Montauk Point in the distance. Listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean and sea birds. What a wonderful place to enjoy morning coffee or an evening meal!

Additionally, you’ll stay comfortable with central air-conditioning and forced warm air. Have a small dog that is no more than 35 pounds? He or she can come too!

“What’s great about the Ocean House is it’s truly resort living all year round,” Simmons said. “If I lived here, I could come down and swim, exercise, sit out at the beach, have lunch and drinks brought to me, and go to the pool.”

This Ocean House studio is listed at $1,875,000. All homeowners automatically receive discounts on all services at the hotel, such as room service, housekeeping, and massages in your suite. Without ever leaving the hotel, you can also pamper yourself at a full-service, Forbes’ five-star signature spa, complete with locker and relaxation rooms. Additionally, there’s a boutique and full-service, hair-and-makeup-salon.

Members also have free access to the Ocean House Club and all amenities, which includes dining in a special club room, use of an indoor, saltwater lap pool, two hot tubs, a tournament-level croquet lawn and two champion-level squash courts. Additionally, you’ll have access to a private beach with butler service. Members and guests can also enjoy complimentary afternoon refreshments and a 24-hour fitness center and movement studio.

Another condominium with over 1,700-square-feet is on the ground floor and handicapped accessible. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and great views, as well as a private lawn, porch, direct access to the beach and two parking spaces in the garage. The current listing price is $3,900,000.

For more information about the studio and three-bedroom condominiums, contact Real Estate Agent Donna Simmons at Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Call her at 401-439-0268, or email her at donna.simmons@mottandchace.com.