Once upon a time, not that long ago, summer for the wealthy meant grand summer homes in Newport, Rhode Island. For the lucky few, that tradition continues today.
Ker Arvor is an exceptional estate in pristine, museum-quality condition that sits on 9.1 acres off Ocean Drive near Newport Country Club. Ker Arvor, French Breton for littoral or seaside was derived from the rest camp for Allied Forces in the pine forest of Pexonne near the town of Badonvillier in Lorraine, France.
Built from 1931-1933, it was built for summer resident Snowden Andrews Fahnestock (1886-1962). The architects were Russell & Clinton of New York.
The French 18th Century neo-classical style summer house was inspired by the hunting lodge of La Lanterne (1787) at Versailles. An estate of this caliber has not been for sale in Newport for many years.
The house is a two and a half story stucco U-shaped plan with mansard-roofed ells on the formally landscaped lot. Cobblestone paving runs around the base of the house in the spirit of Louis XVI architecture. The east wing houses the garages and service quarters.
Since the purchase of this estate by the present owner, the property has been restored to its present day exquisite condition. No expense was spared. Wallcoverings were recreated from the originals. Hardware was imported from France, as were the 18th Century floors, when available.
The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places Inventory. The living area is 12,500 square foot. The property includes a magnificent pool, award-winning gardens, a barn.
This stunning estate is listed for $12 million with Lila Delman and is showcased by Luxury Portfolio.
