Horsehead–Marbella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Horsehead/Marbella
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| Location | 240 Highland Drive, Jamestown, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1883 |
| Built by | J. D. Johnston |
| Architect | Charles L. Bevins |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000675 |
| Added to NRHP | June 16, 1999 |
Horsehead/Marbella is a beautiful old summer house located at 240 Highland Drive in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It sits on a lovely piece of land that sticks out into the water. This special house and its carriage house were designed by Charles L. Bevins. They were built in the 1880s for a very successful businessman named Joseph Wharton.
This house is important because it shows an early example of the simpler, more relaxed building styles found in Jamestown. This was different from the much grander and fancier summer homes built in nearby Newport.
The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This means it is recognized as a place important to history. The house is still owned by the family of Joseph Wharton today.
Contents
Discovering Horsehead/Marbella
Horsehead/Marbella is a historic home that served as a summer getaway. It is found in the charming town of Jamestown, Rhode Island. The house was built in the 1880s. It was a place where families could escape the city heat.
Who Built This Summer Home?
The house was built for Joseph Wharton. He was a very successful person in business. He owned factories and mines. He wanted a nice place for his family to spend their summers. The main builder was J. D. Johnston.
The Architect's Vision
The design of Horsehead/Marbella came from Charles L. Bevins. He was the architect. An architect is someone who designs buildings. Bevins created a style that fit well with the natural beauty of the area.
The Shingle Style House
Horsehead/Marbella is a great example of the "Shingle style" of architecture. This style was popular for summer homes in the late 1800s. It often used wooden shingles on the outside walls. This gave the houses a natural, cozy look.
What Makes Shingle Style Special?
Shingle style homes often have a relaxed feel. They blend in with the landscape. They might have wide porches and many windows. This allows people inside to enjoy the views. Horsehead/Marbella shows this style perfectly.
Jamestown vs. Newport Homes
Jamestown and Newport are both in Rhode Island. Both towns were popular for summer homes. However, the homes in Jamestown, like Horsehead/Marbella, were often less flashy. They were more about comfort and fitting into nature. Homes in Newport were often much larger and more decorated. They were built to show off wealth.
A Place in History
Horsehead/Marbella is more than just an old house. It is a part of American history. It shows how people lived and built homes long ago. Its design tells a story about the past.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list. It includes buildings, sites, and objects important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it is special. It is worth protecting for future generations. Horsehead/Marbella was added to this list in 1999.
