Beach Life

Who’s ready to pack a towel, sunscreen, a good book and hit the beach? It’s officially beach season and we have a lot of fantastic choices here in the Ocean State. Whether you are looking for calm water and easy bathrooms for your little ones, big waves or just a whole lot of peace and quiet there is sure to be a sandy spot that will fit the bill. If you don’t already have a favorite or if you’re looking to try something different I’ve put together a few options for you in South County and Newport County.

South County

East Matunuck in South Kingstown is known for its strong surf, making it a popular spot for older kids and boogie boarding. It has a lovely pavilion with bathrooms and a full concession stand. The parking lot is large but does fill up on busy summer weekends so arriving early is always a safe bet.

Roger Wheeler in Narragansett used to be called Sand Hill Cove. It has very calm water and fine sand, making it perfect for young families. There is also a playground, picnic tables and bathhouse. Another large parking lot that has been known to fill up on hot days.

East State Beach in Charlestown stretches for three miles of shoreline abutting Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge on Quonochontaug Neck, the barrier island separating Block Island Sound and Ninigret Pond. In addition to the beachfront the area also offers a small, seasonal campground (20 units) and salt-water fishing. It is one of the least developed of RI State Beaches and has a small parking lot and a few changing rooms.

Newport County

Eastons Beach in Newport is also known as “First Beach.” This 3/4 mile stretch of sand also marks the beginning of the Cliff Walk if you want to stretch your legs and see some gorgeous views. There can be waves good for both surfing and boogie boarding. There are beach concessions and restrooms but the bathhouses are currently still closed due to COVID restrictions. Parking lots for residents and visitors are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fort Adams State Beach is located in Fort Adams State Park on Ocean Drive. It is a small, 225 foot beach overlooking Newport Harbor. The water is calm and there is a roped off swimming area that is perfect for kids. There are restrooms, showers and a picnic area and parking is actually free!

Sachuset Beach in Middletown is also know as “Second Beach” and is a favorite for locals. There are 1.5 miles of white sand stretching down to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge where you will find 2.5 miles of nature trails and over 200 bird species. At surfer’s end you can Surf, Kayak and fly kites. There are restrooms and a picnic area.

I hope you are able to get out there this summer and enjoy our gorgeous state and all the sunshine and saltwater it has to offer!

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any RI beachfront homes for a permanent staycation!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

More Room at the Inn

These days there are a lot of folks looking for a home with a little extra space to spread out that can also include their extended family. A home where everyone has their own private retreat but can also come together to support one another through all of life’s stages. The In-law unit is in high demand! It’s often a win-win for all of the generations. The elder moms and dads have help on hand when needed and their adult children can rest easy knowing they are close and taken care of. Its also fantastic for the youngest generation who benefit from the wonderful grandparent bonds that are often so meaningful. If it’s something you might be interested in, check out the list I have put together below of homes with In-law units currently on the market around the state.

Jamestown

2 Westwind Drive in Jamestown is a 6 Bedroom Farmer’s Porch Colonial. Inground Pool, 3 car garage and almost an acre lot make this spacious, open concept home perfect for a large family. Listed by Lila Delman for $1,499,900

North Providence

27 Riverview Drive in North Providence has over 2900 total square feet and views of the Wenscott Reservoir. 2 full kitchens, 3 full bathrooms and 4 bedrooms make this a fantastic home for the entire family. Listed by Keystone Property Group, LLC for $499,900.

Coventry

15 Tallwoods Drive in Coventry has 4 Bedrooms and 3154 square feet on 1.5 acres with views of Johnson’s Pond and lushly manicured grounds. The walkout lower level has 1800 square feet and plumbing roughed in for a full kitchen and bath. The 5 bed septic system was designed for a full in-law unit. Listed by RE/MAX Real Estate Center for $899,900.

Cranston

8 Emerald Drive in Cranston is a 4 bed 3.2 bathroom home on 1.84 acres nestled into a cul-de-sac. The true in-law unit is accessed through the driveway or rear deck for a private entrance. An incredible inground pool and full cabana will keep the family parties going all season. Listed by Engel & Volkers East Greenwich for $899,900.

Portsmouth

530-540 Bristol Ferry Rd in Portsmouth is a rare family compound with 2 homes and 2 additional lots on 6.65 waterfront acres. 9 Bedrooms, 5.2 Bathrooms total and 5,959 square feet with sweeping views of the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island and Poppasquash Point. A true gem! Listed by William Raveis Chapman Enstone for 2,995,000.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any of these or similar homes.

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Rooms With a Water View

Not much is better than a gorgeous expanse of water outside your window. Bedroom window, bathroom window, kitchen window; any window will do with a view of the ocean or the lake! We are called the Ocean State for a reason and there certainly isn’t a shortage of homes on the water here in Rhode Island. Scroll down to see some beautiful examples.

Barrington

At 91 Nayatt Road in Barrington this home boasts panoramic views of Narragansett Bay on 2.3 private acres. That bathtub is everything!

Bristol

This one of a kind condo at 341 Thames Street #303 in Bristol has 180-degree sunset views of Stone Harbour, water views in almost every room!

South Kingstown

This incredible estate at 527 Ministerial Road in South Kingstown sits on 51 acres overlooking Long Pond, a freshwater lake in Matunuck Hills. How about that sleeping porch with lake views!

Warwick

293 Grand View Drive in Warwick not only has gorgeous sweeping water views from 4 levels of living space but it also sits on a private estuary and 800 feet of private sandy beach on Cedar Tree Point.

Jamestown

This stunning waterfront home at 256 E Shore Road in Jamestown faces historic Gould Island and Newport and sits on over 5 acres of land with its own deep water dock.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any of these incredible homes.

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Weekend Plans

Spring, or what feels like summer, is undeniably here in Rhode Island! After being cooped up for so long, and with restrictions finally loosening up, our options for what to do on any given weekend are expanding quickly. There are always gorgeous beaches, state parks and hiking trails to explore but what if you are in the mood for something new and different? I have put together a list of events happening around the state this weekend to give you some inspiration!

Asian Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Journey through a dazzling wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s first ever Asian Lantern Spectacular! Produced by Hanart Culture, the show will feature over 50 spectacular glowing lantern displays, kids interactive lantern area, savory Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, hand-crafted keepsakes, and more. This enchanting multicultural experience is sure to delight all ages!

Dates: Wednesday - Sunday evenings April 15th - July 4th, 2021

Times: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Price: $25/person; $23/children 12 and under (Free for children under 2)

For more information, visit rwpzoo.org/lantern

Greek Festival in Cranston

If you have a craving for Spanakopita, you’re in luck! The much loved annual Greek Festival will be express this year, take out only.

Dates: Friday May 21- Sunday May 23.

Location: 175 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

You place your order online here: https://www.greekfestexpress.com/ and then head over to pick it up and enjoy! Easy and delicious.

Coastal Queen Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Experience magnificent Newport Harbor and lower Narragansett Bay as the sun sets. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a complimentary “special drink” of the night. While on this 90-minute cruise you will see mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more. They follow the most current health guidelines to make your experience safe and enjoyable.

Dates: 5/21/2021, 5/22/2021, 5/23/2021

• Location: Coastal Queen Cruises

• Address: 5 Bowen's Landing, Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

• Phone: (401) 423-9900

• Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

• Price: All Ages - $32

Jewelry District Guided Walking Tour

Join Jewelry District resident and neighborhood historian, Olin Thompson, for a two-hour guided walking tour of the Historic Jewelry District neighborhood.

They will discuss the past, the present and the future. Why is it called the Jewelry District? Learn about the District’s history, buildings and architecture. Learn about the people … from Mayors to business owners to factory workers. Learn about innovation from the first Providence building with electricity, to the first steam engine, to a revolutionary watch band, to today’s medical innovations. The District has been a hot spot for innovation for over 100 years.

Date: Sat May 22; 12-2pm

Location: Brown Medical School Park, Corner of Richmond and Ship Streets, Providence

Reserve your spot online: Jewelry District Guided Walking Tour

Price: Free!

Wine Tasting at Leyden Vineyard

Guests select 5 delicious Leyden Vineyard wines to experience while learning about what makes each so unique. Following the wine tasting, guests are welcome to purchase a bottle of their favorite wine and enjoy it inside the tasting room, outside on our patio, or stroll around the vineyard.

Dates: Daily from 12-4pm

Location: 160 Plain Meeting House Rd., West Greenwich

Price: $12 for a wine tasting and logo glasses for two. $22 for a wine tasting and logo glasses for four.

More Info: Leyden Farm

Whatever you are up to this weekend I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Stunning Sunrooms

Sunlight is a balm to the soul and something many of us could use more of in our lives. What a luxury it is to have your own personal and private sunny sanctuary, regardless of the season. I have put together a collection of gorgeous sunrooms from beautiful homes right here in Rhode Island for inspiration or just daydreaming!

Jamestown

This Oceanfront Estate at 260 Beavertail Road in Jamestown boasts a lovely four season sunroom with plenty of comfortable seating and space to relax.

Westerly

This gracious Westerly “cottage” at 12 Bluff Ave has multiple rooms with wall to wall windows; one that showcases the magnificent Ocean views and another lined with a full room window seat!

Narragansett

This Beachfront home at 200 Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett has a fully screened in porch overlooking the bird sanctuary. A perfect spot to entertain or relax with a good book. The Sunroom opens onto a huge deck for when you need a little more room to spread out.

Little Compton

This Shingle Style Little Compton gem at 53 Bailey’s Ledge Road has a bright sunroom with views of the lush grounds and Sakonnet Golf Course.

Barrington

At 91 Nayatt Road in Barrington (Asking 3,650,000) this gorgeous estate has a climate controlled all season Sunroom that opens to an expansive blue stone patio overlooking the water, a true oasis!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

It's All About The Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression. It’s a tried and true saying for a reason and applies not only to yourself but your home as well. It is easy to see the appeal in a well cared for lawn and garden, a clean front walk and welcoming porch. Not only are these details visually appealing but they also tell you the home itself is cared for as well. Whether you are contemplating selling your home or just want to make a better first impression to your guests, friends and neighbors; putting in a little effort on the outside will make a big difference! I have put together some tips, ideas and examples below to get you started.

The Power of the Porch

Nothing says “Welcome Home” like a pretty front porch complete with a rocking chair or two and maybe some potted flowers. While not every home has a front porch, most homes have some version of a front step and you can treat that, no matter the size, like a front porch. Show it some love by keeping it clean, adding a fresh doormat and a plant or two.

The home above at 147 Foddering Farm Road in Narragansett (asking $599,000) is a great example of a lovely, clean porch and also a fantastic demonstration of the impact of your house numbers. All homes should have their house numbers prominently displayed and easily visible from the street, not only for aesthetic reasons but safety as well. Think about updating your house numbers if they are small, outdated or the finish is wearing off.

The home above at 41 Moorland Ave in Cranston (asking $384,000) is another beautiful and welcoming porch with a striking front door and cozy seating area.

Don’t forget to think about the lighting around your front door. You can add a lot of character and charm by updating your light fixtures to better align with your personal style or the period of your home.

Front Walk

Try to create a pathway from the street directly to your front door to make it easy for those visiting your home. You may already have a walkway that you can clean up or if not you can create one with stones or pavers. Adding landscaping around your path makes it that much more inviting.

This home at 11 Oriole Street in East Providence (asking $429,00) has a charming, rustic front walkway.

This South Kingstown home at 2625 B Commodore Perry Hwy (asking $1,199,000) makes a dramatic impression with a stone walkway and slate porch. Having a chair or two or a bench is always a nice touch by the front door for anyone who may want to sit a spell.

The Grass is Always Greener

Of course one of the biggest factors in the curb appeal of your home is the lawn and landscaping. Its that time of year when everything is greening up, hopefully that includes your grass! Now is also the time of year to clean out old leaves from your beds and add in a new layer of mulch. Keeping your lawn maintained and your shrubs trimmed will help your home look fresh. You can never go wrong adding in perennial or annual flowering plants to your front beds as well. Below are some examples of homes with beautifully landscaped grounds.

It really is the perfect time of year to show the outside of your home and yard some love, you’ll love the results and may even enjoy the process too!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Growing Your Own Cutting Garden

Spring is definitely here in New England! We are still having some chilly days and nights but it’s not too early to start planning your summer garden. Whether you are into growing veggies or flowers (or both!) now is the time to start some seedlings. 

A cutting garden is a luxury that you will enjoy all season long, both outside and inside your home.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming either. Below I’ve put together a few of the best flowers to grow for a cutting garden as well as favorites for potted annuals.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a must for any cutting garden; bright, cheery flowers that are easy to grow.  They are prolific bloomers and the more you cut the blooms, the more they produce!  They come in a variety of colors; pink, red, white, orange, yellow, lavender so you can plant several colors to make sure you have beautiful bouquets all season. They grow and flower best in full sun and they are not drought tolerant so you will want to water them deeply a couple of times a week once established but try not to keep the soil constantly moist.  You can start Zinnia seeds right now in little pots in a sunny windowsill or under lights.  You can also move the pots outdoors on sunny days and bring them back in for the cooler nights. They should be safe to plant in the ground after all danger of frost has passed, usually end of April/ early May here in Rhode Island.

Cosmos

Cosmos are another favorite for a cutting garden, for many of the same reasons Zinnias work so well. They are another “cut and come again” flower with airy and delicate, daisy-like blossoms and lacy leaves that look fantastic in arrangements. Like Zinnias, they need full sun to bloom well and once established will need to be watered thoroughly but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering’s.  Cosmos seeds can also be started now inside and there are tons of color options.

Sunflowers

Who doesn’t love a cheerful sunflower? There are a surprising number of varieties, colors and sizes of sunflowers. You can grow giant stunners that will tower over your entire garden and attract helpful pollinators all season.  For your cutting garden, try a dwarf variety that will be easier to work into arrangements. It goes without saying that they like full sun. While germinating, they will need lots of water but once established will only need an inch or so of water per week. Sunflowers will not bloom the more you cut them the way Zinnias and Cosmos do so keep that in mind; you may want to start more seeds to ensure you don’t run out of flowers to cut.

Dahlias

All of the flowers we have talked about so far are annuals and will not come back after the season is over.  If you are feeling a bit more ambitious, consider planting some Dahlias. Dahlias can be a perennial, even in New England. They grow from tubers and will need to be dug up at the end of the growing season and stored in a cool, dry spot (garage or basement.) They are truly gorgeous with a head spinning number of varieties of sizes and colors from delicate blooms to blossoms bigger than a fist. They will also need full sun in order to bloom well and will provide you with more flowers the more you cut them. They can be heavy and often appreciate a little support in the form of a stake. You could also grow them alongside a sunny fence for support and a beautiful display.

Potted Annuals

Maybe what you are really looking forward to are beautiful hanging baskets and pots on your porch or front step overflowing with cheerful blooms.   For this very moment, Pansies are a great choice as they are very cold hardy and you can pop them in some pots outside or even in the ground and they will do well until it becomes hot. Ferns look beautiful hanging on a porch where their fronds can stretch out, just don’t place them in full sun as it will fry them.  Your Boston Fern might even survive to grace your porch for a second season if you bring it inside in the fall and find it an indirectly sunny window spot.  Petunias are another fantastic trailing plant and they do like full sun and hot weather and will spill over your hanging baskets in a gorgeous display. Impatients are a great choice for a shady or partially shady spot where you want a riot of color. As it gets warmer your options for flowers to plant will become almost endless, Happy Gardening!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Top 5 Places to Spend Your Next Sunny Saturday in RI

We’ve had a handful of lovely weather days in the past couple of weeks and you may be feeling that outdoor itch. Its just too sunny and beautiful to be cooped up inside a second longer but where to go and what to do when you might be tired of your own yard, deck or neighborhood? Luckily, our fantastic little state has no shortage of beautiful parks and hiking trails. Whether you are looking for somewhere to have a picnic and a casual walk with your dog or a more intense workout surrounded by nature, there is sure to be a spot within 30 minutes or less that will fit the bill. I have put together a few favorites across the state so you can plan out your next local adventure.

1. Long Pond Trail

Long Pond Trail is a 4.5 mile out and back trail near West Greenwich. It is part of the Arcadia Management Area. It is a moderately difficult hike and there are some steep rock scrambles that would be too difficult for young children or those with knee problems. There are some beautiful views of the lake and the beginning of the hike starts out in a pretty incredible rhododendron grove (even better if you can catch them in bloom.) The parking area only fits a couple of cars but you can also park along the side of the road by the trailhead.

2. Lincoln Woods

Lincoln Woods is no secret but it really is a gem of a state park nestled in the Blackstone Valley. It covers over 600 acres around Olney Pond in Lincoln. There are trails designated for Horseback Riding and others for Mountain Biking. There are private sites tucked in the woods with picnic tables and firepits that you can reserve, perfect for your outdoor get together. In the summer season you can swim at the freshwater beach. Parking is abundant throughout the park as well. It is a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon immersed in nature but still close to home.

3. Stepstone Falls

Save Stepstone Falls for when it is a little warmer out and you can reward your hiking efforts with a dip in the fresh cool water of the swimming hole. Complete with a rope swing and a waterfall, it is every child’s dream. Stepstone Falls can be accessed via the Ben Utter Trail; which is a 2.7 mile out and back trail near West Greenwich. There are lots of opportunities for spotting wildlife on the trail. A couple of things to note: during hunting season you must wear orange. Also be prepared that the road driving in is a bit steep and narrow, roadside parking available.

4. Ken Weber Conservation Trail

The Ken Weber Conservation Trail is a super short and mostly easy (great for kids!) little hike near Greenville. It is a 1.1 mile loop trail complete with large rock formations and a small waterfall (if there has been enough rain.) There are a couple of rock scrambles and an old fireplace foundation as well as some interesting signage and poetry along the way. Easy drive from 295 and plenty of room for parking at the trailhead.

5. Lime Rock Preserve

Lime Rock Preserve is another relatively short and easy walk; a 1.8 mile loop near Lincoln. It is part of the Aust Family Preserve and features a lovely water view over a pond, the perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch. There are a few diverging trails you can take but it is well marked. .

I hope you are able to take some deep breaths of fresh air this weekend and enjoy all the natural beauty that surrounds us as our days get warmer and longer. Happy Trails!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Going Going Green

Everyone’s favorite Irish Holiday is right around the corner! Are you planning on a traditional boiled dinner with corned beef and cabbage or maybe just a tall Guinness and some Irish soda bread? In honor of all things St. Patty’s I’ve rounded up some green home décor eye candy. Green might not be the first color that comes to mind when thinking of a sophisticated palate for your home but I think these spaces might convince you otherwise.

Going green on a whole wall (or room!) might seem a little intimidating but given the right space and the right shade you can create something very beautiful and unique. Deep blue greens will have a masculine, moody and luxurious feel while a brighter, more yellow green will lighten up any space into a cheerful oasis. The color of the room becomes a statement piece onto itself with the furnishings and other décor taking on a secondary role.

Maybe you don’t want to commit to large expanses of such an impactful color. Instead, try adding in a brightly hued piece of furniture, rug, or even curtains. This is a great way to try something different without making more permanent decisions. You can move things around if at first you aren’t thrilled and you may find a certain piece looks fantastic in the light of one room but no good in another. Experiment and have fun…not just with green but color in general!

Just for kicks, a couple of bold wallpaper choices. Definitely not for everyone but interesting to consider!

Don’t forget to wear your Green next Wednesday and have a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

The Power of Art

It’s no secret that art, in its many forms, has long been a driver of human emotion and a source of comfort and pleasure. The privileges of enjoying fine art, in a museum or at a theatre, are experiences we hopefully all have throughout our lives at different times.

Art is not just for museum galleries though. You should think of the walls of your own living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and hallway as opportunities to display art that is meaningful to you.  Paintings, drawings, murals and photos by talented artists as well as work done by those in your own life (children, grandchildren) and items with special meaning should all have a place on the walls of your home. With everyone spending so much time in their own spaces this past year you may have noticed that your mood can be directly affected by what you surround yourself with. Let that be a good reason to reassess what is currently taking up your wall space and decide if its time to refresh.

Below I have collected some inspirational images and ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Less can definitely be more sometimes. Hanging just one, or a pair, of large statement pieces in a central location can be both beautiful and calming to the eye. The negative space around the work is restful and places more emphasis on the art itself. Pay attention to color as well. There is no need to match your art to your furniture but sometimes a particular tone in a piece of art might work really well (or clash horribly) with a more permanent fixture in the room.

If you are feeling like more of a maximalist, think Gallery Wall! Gallery Walls work well in so many different spots, staircases being one of my favorites. Make sure there is a common theme tying all of your pieces together. This could be similar tones, black and white; it could be similar subject matter (all family photos or all nature photography.) Also keeping your frames either the same size, shape or color helps to create a cohesive look and your entire wall will end up feeling like one bold statement, with lots of treasures to discover.

Don’t forget that art does not have to be two dimensional. Tapestries, sculptures, light fixtures, vases, etc. can all add unique depth and texture to your spaces.

Most importantly, don’t be intimidated by choosing art for your home. Fine art is a luxury but what you display in your own home does not always have to be precious. Put simply, if looking at it brings you joy, hang it up so you can see it everyday!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505