About  Watch Hill Inn Residences A Brief Overview                                                                                         Live Cam

"a village within a village - the evolution from an Inn to a Residential Condominium Apartment Complex"

The evolution of the Watch Hill Inn Residences begins some time in early 1845.

The Origin: 1845

The Watch Hill Inn (formerly the Narraganset Inn) is listed in the historic Landmark Records as built circa 1845 as an Inn and operated as such until 2005. It was boasted as the oldest continuing Inn in the United States.

The Renovation: 2006

In 2003, a tragic event occurred in West Warwick, Rhode Island in which 100 young patrons of The Station night club perished in a fire that was caused by pyrotechnic incendiary effects promoted by the rock band performing at the establishment. As a result, the State of Rhode Island made drastic changes to the Fire Codes placing old structures in jeopardy of extinction if Code conformity was not achieved by July 2005.

This was an introspective moment in time for Watch Hill as the two remaining hotels faced an unforeseen challenge.

The Watch Hill Inn purchase by New York architect and real estate developer, Peter Catalano in December 1985, for his wife Dana Valery as a Christmas present, was faced with the possibility of demolition or restoration. They elected to close the Inn in November 2005 which for 20 years catered to local weddings, restaurant diners, and annual year round boarders in the 20 room historic building.

The decision to convert the Inn to a residential one and two bedroom condominium apartment complex complete with modern kitchens, set the stage for the re-birth of the Watch Hill Community to echo its glory days. The oldest historic Watch Hill hotel was about to give up its status as a hotel and set the stage for luxury residences in the center of Watch Hill Village. The collaboration of Peter Catalano, RGB Architects, and the Historical Preservation Commission, enabled the owner to keep the exterior structure intact with minor modifications while gutting and causing a total rehab of the interior.

Simultaneously, Peter Catalano who owned the adjacent one acre parking lot, envisioned a set of buildings that would compliment the historic Watch Hill Inn. He constructed a 20 studio apartment complex and expanded an existing 1915 three story residential apartment building with retail shop on Bay Street to include an additional shop with studio apartment above and connected to the residential structure. Introduced as the Bayside Inn, a separate and independent business venture, the completion in 2007 highlighted a new Bay Street skyline with continuous horizontal lines penetrated by dormered windows, a Watch Hill architectural feature.

As a result of the two massive renovations, a "village within a village" was created. The three white independent buildings look and act like one "gated community", however, some apartment owners opted to participate in a cooperative rental program owned and operated by the managing agent Watch Hill Properties LLC located on Bay Street. No longer a hotel, the name "Watch Hill Inn" was adopted by the managing agent to rent condo apartments in a manner similar to renting private homes. The ability for tourists to come and live in Watch Hill had been preserved, although on a limited yet upscale basis. The evolution of the Watch Hill Inn Apartment complex added real estate tax base to the Town of Westerly and the Watch Hill Fire District making it possible to upgrade the infrastructure and green areas along the waterfront.

During this renaissance period of rebirth, the Ocean House was sold and completely demolished. Chuck Royce, local developer and philanthropist, pioneered the acquisition of the property and set out to replicate most of the original building with a northerly extension component. While the historic value of the Ocean House is not longer a reality, it is expected that the new building with condo  apartments, hotel rooms, banquet and spa facilities, will once again dominate the Atlantic Ocean skyline and added additional height and character above the Watch Hill Inn complex skyline on Bay Street and Little Narraganset Bay. The Ocean House opened to the public in Summer 2010 offering upscale high end amenities.

Today, Watch Hill is still an exclusive and fashionable destination resort community and one of the best kept secrets in the Northeast. Traveling along winding roads past mansions built as summer cottages, you will arrive at the village of Watch Hill. This charming village, with its small quiet Business District located on Bay Street, features quaint shops, antique stores, and boasts the oldest flying horse carousel in the United States.

Watch Hill, situated at the southwest tip of Rhode Island on Little Narragansett Bay, is surrounded by white sandy beaches. Napatree Beach, stretching into the Bay, is a popular spot for bird watchers, saltwater anglers, and sun worshipers alike. The remains of an old Spanish American fort one and a half miles at the very end, is a special attraction for those who wish to just stroll along the stretch of beach.  

Facing west over Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill boasts one of the best sunset views on the East Coast. Because Watch Hill is located midway between historical Mystic Seaport and the mansions of Newport, it is a perfect pivotal point for Spring, Summer, and Fall excursions.  

In the Fall, a long winding drive along little traveled roads lined with brilliant Fall foliage will take you past shops offering home made cider and the ancient art of wine making in the Connecticut countryside.  

Whatever the reason, Watch Hill is central enough to offer something to everyone. 
 

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