Perfectly poised at the entrance to coastal enchantment, this bespoke gatehouse is among the most photographed homes in Watch Hill—and for good reason. Conceived by noted architect Clifford M. Renshaw, the residence is oriented to frame a water view through its signature arched porte-cochère, transforming a simple arrival into a cinematic moment. With blue shingles, classic white trim, and a commanding brick-and-stone chimney, the home blends New England charm with architect-driven precision.
Architectural Pedigree
Renshaw’s hand is evident in every line:
- Sightline mastery: The arched drive-through frames the landscape like a living picture window.
- Distinctive massing: A sculpted roofline and asymmetrical volumes create character from every angle.
- Box-bay & arched windows: Curated fenestration ushers in daylight and adds gentle rhythm to the façade.
- Materials with longevity: Cedar shingles, brick, and stone lend texture, permanence, and coastal durability.
The result is a home that feels tailor-made for Watch Hill—classic, nautical, and subtly modern.
Exterior Character
- Blue shingled skin: A coastal hue that shifts beautifully from foggy mornings to golden sunsets.
- Prominent chimney: Brick and stone anchor the composition, balancing the airy arch with grounded verticality.
- Arched porte-cochère: Practical as a sheltered drop-off, poetic as an architectural frame for water views.
- Garden-friendly footprint: Intimate planting beds and cottage-style edges invite hydrangeas, boxwood, or seaside grasses.
Interior Atmosphere (flexibly described to fit your plans)
Inside, the gatehouse vibe should feel relaxed and considered—more “quiet luxury” than grand gesture. Envision:
- A light-washed living area where the arched passage becomes a focal frame beyond the windows.
- A compact, well-planned kitchen with open shelving and beadboard accents for cottage appeal.
- A versatile bedroom or office nook, ideal for writing, reading, or remote work.
- Crisp baths with timeless tile and polished nickel hardware to complement the architectural era.
Whether you keep the palette serene—sands, whites, and sea-glass tones—or lean into nautical navy and lacquered brass, the architecture supports both.
Everyday Functionality
- Right-sized living: A smart footprint minimizes maintenance and maximizes style.
- Indoor–outdoor flow: The porte-cochère doubles as covered outdoor space—think coffee in drizzly weather or shaded summer cocktails.
- Storage solutions: Charming built-ins, attic nooks, or a tidy utility room keep life beautifully organized.
The Setting: Why Watch Hill
Watch Hill is a rare blend of historic village and Atlantic coastline, known for its walkable streets, iconic lighthouse, sweeping beaches, and relaxed sophistication. From boutique browsing to beachcombing along Napatree, the rhythm here is equal parts salt air and small-town ease. A gatehouse like this fits seamlessly into that narrative—intimate, memorable, and effortlessly photogenic.
Provenance & Design Notes
- Architect: Clifford M. Renshaw
- Signature Move: The water-view “proscenium” created by the arched porte-cochère—architecture as viewpoint.
- Aesthetic: Coastal shingle style with finely tuned proportions, crafted to age gracefully in a seaside climate.
(Admire more of the Renshaw design lineage via public profiles and publications; his work rewards a deeper look.)
What Makes It Special
- Icon Status: Frequently photographed, instantly recognizable—this is a small home with outsized presence.
- Collector’s Architecture: A true architect-designed cottage, not a copy.
- Timeless Materials: Shingles, brick, and stone that settle beautifully into the New England vernacular.
- Picture-Perfect Framing: The built-in arch creates a daily ritual—every arrival and departure is a postcard.
Style Guide for Furnishing (If You’re Moving In)
- Textures: Linen, sisal, weathered oak, and unlacquered brass to echo the coastal palette.
- Lighting: Milk-glass pendants, library sconces, and shaded lamps for layered warmth.
- Art & Objects: Nautical charts, charcoal sketches, and found beach glass in clear cylinders—keep it simple and storied.
- Outdoors: Adirondacks in driftwood tones; blue-and-white striped cushions; planters of hydrangea and rosemary.
At-a-Glance Highlights
- Clifford M. Renshaw–designed gatehouse
- Iconic arched porte-cochère framing water views
- Blue shingled exterior with classic white trim
- Brick & stone chimney as sculptural anchor
- Distinctive box-bay and arched windows
- Intimate coastal setting in Watch Hill, Rhode Island
The Takeaway
This is more than a charming cottage—it’s architecture you can live in. Thoughtfully sited, artfully proportioned, and wrapped in the textures of New England, the Renshaw Gatehouse delivers a rare combination of pedigree, presence, and practicality. Whether you imagine it as a poetic pied-à-terre, a writer’s retreat, or a perfectly scaled full-time home, it’s the kind of property that makes every day feel like a seaside holiday.
