An extraordinary expression of color, character, and collected elegance in Newport's coveted Ocean Drive neighborhood.
There are homes that are beautifully designed, and then there are homes that tell a story. At 124 Harrison Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, the personal retreat of acclaimed interior designer, painter, and author Ruthie Sommers, every room reflects a distinctive point of view, where timeless New England character meets the art of living well.
Set on nearly an acre of private, beautifully landscaped grounds in Newport's desirable Ocean Drive neighborhood, this exceptional four-bedroom residence offers a rare opportunity to experience the celebrated designer's signature aesthetic firsthand.
The Art of Living Well, According to Ruthie Sommers
Renowned for her masterful use of color, texture, pattern, and unexpected combinations, Ruthie Sommers has earned recognition in some of the world's most respected design publications, including Architectural Digest, Town & Country, Veranda, and House Beautiful.
Her approach to interiors celebrates individuality over perfection, embracing spaces that feel collected over time rather than carefully staged.
That philosophy is particularly evident in her connection to Newport.
In her book, A Newport Summer, photographed by celebrated photographer Nick Mele, Sommers explores the enduring beauty of Newport's historic summer homes and the generations of stories woven into their interiors.
Organized into four chapters—June, July, August, and September—the book captures the distinctive spirit of Newport summers, from grand architectural traditions to the wonderfully personal details that make a house feel like home.
For Sommers, Newport's appeal lies not simply in its architectural grandeur but in its authenticity. Faded fabrics, inherited furnishings, unconventional details, and rooms shaped by generations of family life reveal a kind of beauty that cannot be manufactured.
Her own Newport residence reflects this same philosophy: a home that feels sophisticated yet approachable, thoughtfully designed yet effortlessly lived in.
A Singular Expression of Design
At 124 Harrison Avenue, Sommers has created a retreat that balances architectural refinement with warmth, personality, and everyday comfort.
The rare single-level layout offers four bedrooms and a thoughtfully reimagined floor plan, with beautifully renovated living spaces that celebrate natural light, texture, and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the home, a completely renovated chef's kitchen features an impressive 10-foot island, Miele appliances, Caesarstone countertops, an Italian white onyx and marble cooking surround, and a Galley workstation sink.
The adjoining living room has been transformed with a raised ceiling and fireplace, creating an inviting gathering space that opens to a sunroom overlooking the property's lush grounds.
Throughout the residence, custom Iksel and Nobilis wall coverings, carefully selected lighting, and beautifully renovated bathrooms showcase Sommers' distinctive ability to combine color, dimension, and unexpected details.
Rather than following fleeting trends, the interiors reflect a more enduring philosophy of luxury: one rooted in craftsmanship, personal expression, and timeless style.
A Private Garden Retreat in Newport
Beyond the interiors, the property unfolds into an extraordinary outdoor sanctuary.
Nearly an acre of fenced, mature gardens and expansive lawns provides a remarkable sense of privacy within one of Newport's most sought-after residential neighborhoods.
A magnificent historic beech tree anchors the landscape, complemented by stately sycamores, lindens, and flowering hydrangeas.
A newly installed white-plaster saline swimming pool creates an elegant focal point for summer afternoons, while a bluestone dining terrace offers an inviting setting for outdoor entertaining.
Together, the gardens, pool, and outdoor living spaces capture the relaxed sophistication of Newport's celebrated summer lifestyle.
Thoughtful Possibilities for the Future
While the residence has been beautifully renovated, the property also offers opportunities for further customization.
Extensive architectural design plans envision a new primary suite, expanded family room, and an Old Newport-style foyer, providing a thoughtful roadmap for future expansion while preserving the home's distinctive character.
These possibilities offer the next owner an opportunity to build upon Sommers' vision and create a residence uniquely suited to their own lifestyle.
An Exceptional Opportunity in Newport's Ocean Drive Neighborhood
Newport has long attracted artists, architects, designers, and tastemakers drawn to its extraordinary coastal landscape, architectural heritage, and enduring sense of place.
The Ocean Drive neighborhood remains among the city's most coveted residential enclaves, celebrated for its beautiful estates, coastal scenery, and proximity to Newport's beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural offerings.
At 124 Harrison Avenue, these qualities come together in a residence that is both an intimate private retreat and a remarkable expression of design.
More than a beautifully appointed home, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of Newport's creative story, thoughtfully shaped by one of today's most distinctive interior designers.
Discover this exceptional Newport property represented by Rebecca King at Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty.