Newport Architecture Spotlight: Mid-Georgian Architecture

A residential example of Mid-Georgian architecture in Newport, RI is Hunter House, built in 1748.

The Hunter House is a pristine example of Mid-Georgian architecture in Newport. Some iconic Mid-Georgian features of this residence include:

The pineapple detail above the main door.

decorative balustrade – indicating a desire for refinement, which was very typical for this period
large decorative door
pineapple element in the broken pediment
gambrel roof
clapboard siding and interior shutter
large central hall — the size and scale of a house was a mark of prosperity

This house is in the Point neighborhood, which was the original residential center of Newport occupied by seafarers and traders. There were two “front” elevations, one street side and one waterside. Currently, the house is a repository for many pieces by the Townsend-Goddard cabinet makers.