The Bells Estate Tower (Newport, RI)

The Bells Estate Tower in Newport, Rhode Island, stands as a captivating relic of the Gilded Age — a lonely stone sentinel that once served as the water tower for the grand Bells Mansion. Rising roughly 30 feet above the coastal landscape, this picturesque tower now remains one of the few surviving reminders of a once-lavish seaside estate, overlooking the cliffs of what is now Brenton Point State Park.

The Bells Mansion and Estate

The Bells Mansion, originally known as Reef Point, was built in 1876 as a summer residence for Theodore M. Davis, a wealthy New York lawyer and archaeologist best known for his discoveries in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Davis was one of Newport’s most colorful residents, and his mansion reflected his eclectic tastes — a blend of Victorian elegance and maritime charm overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline.

The mansion later became known as The Bells after it was purchased by the Van Alen family, prominent socialites connected to the Astors. At its height, the estate featured manicured gardens, sweeping ocean views, and several outbuildings, including stables, a carriage house, and this striking stone water tower, which was constructed to serve the mansion and surrounding grounds.

The Water Tower’s Role

Built in the late 19th century, the Bells Estate Tower was an essential part of the property’s infrastructure. Its thick granite walls housed a large water tank that supplied the mansion, stables, and gardens. The structure’s durability and distinctive design reflected the same attention to detail that characterized the main house — solid, timeless, and functional.

When the mansion was still in use, the tower would have been a quiet but vital feature of daily life, ensuring a steady supply of fresh water for the estate’s residents, guests, and horses.

Decline and Abandonment

By the mid-20th century, Newport’s Gilded Age mansions were rapidly fading from prominence. The Bells fell into disuse during the 1950s, and both the mansion and its outbuildings were eventually abandoned. The once-grand home suffered years of neglect and vandalism before it was ultimately demolished in 1963, leaving only the water tower, stable, and carriage house standing.

Recognizing the site’s historical and scenic importance, the State of Rhode Island acquired the property in 1969, later transforming the surrounding land into Brenton Point State Park.

Brenton Point State Park and the Tower Today

When Brenton Point State Park opened to the public in 1976, it quickly became one of Newport’s most popular destinations. Visitors now come for its open meadows, picnic areas, sweeping ocean vistas, and the haunting beauty of the remaining structures from The Bells estate.

The Bells Tower, restored for safety and accessibility, remains one of the park’s standout features. A narrow stairway allows visitors to climb to the top, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the rocky coastline, and the nearby abandoned stables and carriage house that still stand in quiet decay.

From the top, you can see the meeting of sea and sky — a timeless view that evokes both Newport’s gilded past and its enduring natural beauty.

Visiting the Tower Today

Exploring The Bells Estate Tower is a quick and rewarding stop along Ocean Drive, just west of downtown Newport.

• 📍 Address: Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.453611, -71.353611
• 🅿️ Parking: Ample free parking is available throughout Brenton Point State Park
• 🚶‍♂️ Trail Access: A short, well-marked path begins near the park ranger station and leads directly to the tower
• 🕰 Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
• ⚠️ Note: The tower and surrounding structures are fragile; visitors should use caution and remain on established paths

Quick Facts

• 🏛 Built: Late 1800s (as part of The Bells Mansion Estate)
• 💧 Purpose: Served as the water tower for The Bells Mansion and stables
• 🏚 Abandoned: 1950s
• 🔥 Mansion Demolished: 1963
• 🌳 Now Part Of: Brenton Point State Park (established 1976)
• 🧭 Height: Approx. 30 feet
• 🌊 Views: Atlantic Ocean and Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive
• 🏗 Preserved By: State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Final Thoughts

The Bells Estate Tower is more than just an old structure — it’s a window into the splendor and eventual decline of Newport’s Gilded Age. Standing tall above the waves, it remains a quiet monument to the elegance of the past and the beauty of Rhode Island’s coastline. Whether you visit to photograph its weathered stone or to take in the ocean view from its summit, the tower offers a rare connection between history, architecture, and the timeless power of the sea.