Christopher Fowler House  -  circa 1801

     The Christopher Fowler House is probably one of the most original of any of the buildings owned by NRF.  When NRF purchased the property in 1972, the house had remained in the same family’s ownership for nearly one hundred years and virtually all interior woodwork and trim was intact.  The house is two-storied with a gambrel roof, two interior chimneys, and an excellent fanlight doorway.  

      Christopher Fowler was a merchant who kept a diary to which we fortunately have access.  In the diary, Fowler relates that he made a contract in 1800 to raise, cover, and completely finish the outside of the house for $280.00.  Later, another contract was made to finish the interior for $750.00.  In 1801 an entry declares, "Moved into my new House in Mary Street - it was finished in October. Lot and House and Well pump cost $3,900.00".

      What Fowler received for his money was a simple exterior with an elegant doorway.  On the interior, mantles, wainscoting, molding and trim – all fine examples of the Robert Adam style - were installed and remained with the house throughout its life.

     Fowler built a typical, large, five bay house.  It has a room in each corner with a central hallway leading to a long back kitchen. As do many Newport houses of this period, the Fowler House has a very Georgian feel to it, yet the interior trim bows to Federal design trends with nicely done mantles, chair rails, and other details that are particularly Newport Federal in style.

      Several additions were attached over time.  The first was probably the room to the rear, under a lean-to roof.  The bay window on the west end was a 19th century improvement.  These additions were retained during the restoration.  A one story, twentieth century doctor's office on the east end, however, was removed.

      The Christopher Fowler House is on its original site.  The Newport Restoration Foundation purchased the house in 1972 and restored it in 1973-74.