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Won’t Somebody Please Just Buy Rhode Island’s Most Expensive Home?

Rhode Island’s most expensive listing by a long shot is a 45-acre oceanfront property dubbed “Seaward” by someone who has clearly never seen the show “Arrested Development.”

The estate has been on and off the market since 2013, which makes sense: $43.5 million is a lot for a home in Rhode Island, however luxurious it is (and it is luxurious).

In fact, the first time it was listed, at $45 million, it set a record as the most expensive property ever entered in the Rhode Island MLS, according to the Providence Journal. Now it’s back on the market for $1.5 million less, or a rounding error when you run across a price tag in this rare air.

Right now, the current second-most-expensive listing in RI is less than half the price, at $18.188 million. Another previous title holder, a $17.75 million Watch Hill mansion, was purchased by noted real estate mogul Taylor Swift. Perhaps Tay-Tay is ready for an upgrade?

The $43.5 million estate, once held by John Jacob Astor, was more recently owned by Candace and James Van Alen, founders of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A fire destroyed their home on the property in 1976. It was left gutted for years before being purchased in 2004 by the current owner, for a record-setting $10.3 million at the time.

That owner tore down the fire-damaged home and built the current structures, a 7,200-square foot, seven-bedroom, main house with six full and three-half baths, and a 3,000-square-foot guesthouse.

Designed by Connecticut architect Mark Finlay, the home was built with granite mined from the property. It took four years to build, and was completed in 2008. It features 24-foot ceilings, two-story fireplaces, and views of the water and nearby Newport Country Club.

Strategically located to allow the homeowner to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets, it is a testament to light and airy luxury. Inside, the home is bright and white, with a huge kitchen, updated appliances, luxe bathrooms, and understated, chic New England-style painted wood.

The grounds feature rolling lawns, an outdoor kitchen built from local granite, an infinity pool that looks out to the sea, and, perhaps most impressive, “The Pavilion,” an outdoor entertaining space that can host 1,000 for dinner or 2,000 for cocktails. It’s hard to believe even Taylor Swift has that many close friends.

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Source: Real Estate News and Advice – realtor.com » Real Estate News