Newport Life Magazine, Up and Coming Events, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

Good morning world!

Were you fooled like me to think it was the beginning of Spring yesterday - it was so lovely and warm outside yesterday and having just put the blog on about Spring and cleaning up and getting ready for Spring I bought the paint and re-painted all my outdoor furniture - it looks good as new. Today I resorted back to the basement to spray paint my fire guards! Looks like I will be lighting the fires for Easter and in a moment I will be getting into the loft to remove the Easter decorations - not all of them alas that will have to wait for the grandchildren but enough to bring cheer and the warmth of a new season and with it new challenges for the year ahead.

 But, to continue from yesterday here are some more of those fabulous Newport home, garden and art shows to fill your diaries and inspire you, your home and your family.

 Enjoy!

 June - September - Walking Tours Secret garden tour,

June 14th through 16th;

September 6th to 8th. Call Newport 439 7253, secretgardentours.org

July 4th Obviously down at Bowens Wharf you can celebrate 4th July with the grand firework display

 but during the day you may be interested in

 Antiques Show 9-5 p.m. Tiverton Four Corners, Meeting house call 624 - 2600, tivertonfourcorners.com

 July 20th Annual Arts & Artisian Festival 10 -4 p.m. (rain date July 21) Tiverton Four Corners, Mill Pond 624-2600 - tivertonfourcorners.com

 July 25th Newport Antiques Show (Preview party 6-9 p.m!) Show hours 10-6 p.m. July 26&27 10-4p.m. located at St Georges School, Middletown newportantiqueshow.com

 July 27th Cultural Survival Summe Bazaar - 10-5 p.m. through July 28th - Tiverton Four Corners, Mill Pond call 624 2600 - tivertonfourcorners.com

Tomorrow I will list the events for August September & October but for now I am heading to collect the lofty Easter Chicks!

Happy Easter

Newport Life Magazine, Home & Garden Guide, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

If you have taken a look at my website - read through my blog you will know that I have a passion for interior design and staging.  A house is not just a home it is part of your personality, your history, your loves and your being.  All homes, a year old or 90 years old need a little TLC now and then just as we home owners need a little change sometimes, something new and fresh, a new look, a new relationship a new baby or simply a fresh start.  Just moving things around makes a huge difference and you do not need to spend money or very little to have a fresh take on something.  As you can imagine I was very happy to attend the launch of Newport Life Magazine party held at one of the best restaurants in town FLUKE!  The magazine is in its 20th year and frankly just seems to go from strength to strength.  A fabulous team with Annie Sherman, Managing Editor, Susanne Day, Advertising Sales Manager two lovely ladies that exube grace and professionalism.

This issue concentrates on home & gardens, brining the promise of Spring (one does wonder if it will arrive shortly!)  with it the enthusiasm and inspiration to clean up and/or re-organize your home for the summer.

If you need a little help or advice call me!

Here are a few dates for your home, garden and art shows coming in fabulous Newport coming soon!

April 11 - Newport Gallery Night - second thursday of month, 5-8 p.m. through December.

April 27th - Portsmouth Garden Club Flower Show - 9-4 p.m.

May 4th - Cooking Workshop _ Colonial Hearth - every Saturday in April, May, October and November 4-7 p.m. Coggelshallfarm Bristol,  call -253 9062.

May 10th
Kitchens Tour - Seven unique kitchens 11 - 7 p.m. portsmoutheducationfoundation.org

May 11th
Green animals plant sale - 10-5 pm Topiary Gardens - call 847-1000 ext 140, newportmansions.org

May 19th
Annual & Perennial plant sale 8.30 a.m. Newport in Blook 339-0243 - newportinbloom.org

May 25th
Garden & Herb Festival 10 -5 p.m. Tiverton Four Corners, call 624-2600 tivertonfourcorners.com

Jun 21
NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW!!!
Jade: Eastern Obsessions - through June 23rd call 847 1000 ext 140 - newportmansions.org

ENJOY!

Sarah E. Daly, Event Planning & Design, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

Sometime ago a lovely unassuming lady came to meet with me, I gave her a tour had a lovely little chat and then I see she wrote this wonderful piece about Villa 120!

 There are some truly gifted people out there - give Sarah a call if you need an expert planner you found her! P.S. I did not pay her!!!! :)


Villa 120 is a stately, three story home, located on the edge of Newport in Middletown, RI. This B&B is such a hidden treasure, and a perfect spot for your next event. A party there would be as intimate and personal as having a party at home, but with none of the hassle! I had a chance to check it out and meet with the owner of Villa 120, Corinna Britten (who is fabulously British and so great by the way!).

This amazing property comes complete with a long, tree-lined drive, and a charming fountain found at the end of a boxwood edged path. How European and cute is that? The large, expansive porch (perfect for outdoor cocktails!) opens into a spacious foyer complete with grand staircase. There’s a dining table that seats 20, but the table and chairs can be removed to make room for round tables to seat more guests.

 In all, Villa 120 can accommodate up to 60 for a sit-down meal. A front parlor is on the other side of the foyer, and a large living room sits down the hall. A professional cook’s kitchen is where Corinna whips up her famous breakfasts, but it’s also available for caterers to use on site. Villa 120 would be fabulous for an intimate wedding or milestone birthday. You and all of your friends could have the whole place to yourselves! I picture a fun and lively 50th birthday bash here, or an intimate garden wedding with a roaring ‘20s theme.

 The classical, grand architecture mixes beautifully with Corinna’s contemporary style. There are 6 guest bedrooms, each with it’s own private bath and “jewel” theme (my fave was the Pearl Room). She has clearly put in a lot of time and effort to design and upgrade this beautiful home. I look forward to visiting again, and I highly recommend taking a peek for yourself!

Doris Duke Memorial Foundation, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

Spring Report The sun rose at 6.48 a.m. and sets at 6.58 p.m. giving us 12 hours of daylight to work and play!

Spring and in turn summer can't come soon enough, back yards and barbacues, the beach and surf and the whole excitement of cobble filled streets buzzing with Newporter fans.

A chilly and rather muddy start to the spring season will not hinder local construction crews at Queen Anne Square for completing a $3.5 million renovation for the Doris Duke Memorial Fundation by Memorial Day weekend.

 There is life again on Bowen's and Bannister's wharfes where a few new additions are staking their claims to the city's summer gold rush. There were even a few recreational boaters on the water this week coming in from Castle Hill, never too early for hardened sailors to cast their thoughts to boating season.

Seal Tours - Save the Bay offers seasonal seal wtching tours aboard M/V Alletta Morris, expert guides and binoculars provided, 142 Long Wharf Dock, 10 am and 11.15 am, reservations suggested 401-2037325, wwwsavebay.org

There are willow pussies Clad in furry goods
And a robin singing in the maple woods
There's a springing crocus
And a budding larch,
 Who'd ever think the Springtime Came along in March

Events Newport Rhode Island March 27- 30, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

For further information go to the fabulous www.DiscoverNewport.com

MARCH 27 Eating With The EcosystemExperience the best in seasonal, sustainable seafood thru the eyes of marine scientists, fishermen & Chef Kevin King as they guide diners on a culinary tour of the Gulf of Maine. Enjoy a five course menu for $50, plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Reservations Encouraged.

 MARCH 27 SVF Foundation Lecture SeriesConsumer decisions at the grocery store, farmer’s market & restaurant, make an impact on the food shed. Rebuilding the food shed happens when we create local & regional food systems that are sustainable & just, & can improve how we eat, shop, grow, & connect. Farmer, professor, and author Philip Ackerman-Leist explores local scale from a national perspective & proposes strategies for creating more democratic & secure food systems. 7-8pm. To register please call or email us.

MARCH 27 Live Music Wednesdays!Bring Newport the most intimate Live Music experience with some of the world's best Americana, Blues, Jazz and Bluegrass talent around. Check out our website for up-to-date line up details. So good, it's impossible to keep posting these events. Trust us, if you haven't been yet - we hope you make the next party!

MARCH 28 The Life of the Mind Salon Series: Angela CaseyAsian studies expert Angela Casey returns to the Redwood to offer an update on the Chinese economy. Free for Library members, $10 for non-members. Wine and cheese reception at 5:30pm, with lecture at 6:00pm. Call for Reservations.

MARCH 29 - 30 Live Improv Comedy with The Bit Players8pm - RI's most award winning comedy troupe hits the stage with fast paced, high energy improvisation. The shows are a lot like "Whose Line is it Anyway" with hilarious scenes, hysterical musical numbers & larger than life characters all inspired by audience suggestions. Every show is BYOB! Call ahead to reserve your seats, shows sell out. Laugh More.

MARCH 30 Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch10am. The Preservation Society of Newport County invites you to bring the children to meet the Easter Bunny. Reservations required. Visit website for ticket prices and to make reservations, or call.

MARCH 30 Easter Egg Hunt at the Tennis Hall of FameA very special visitor will be hopping through the museum with candy treats for kids! Families are invited to hunt for Easter Eggs and pose for photos. Free for kids ages 16 and under and ITHF Members; $12 for other adults. Starts at 11am

MARCH 30 Encore Performance: Live Improv Comedy with The Bit Players10pm - Due to high demand RI's most award winning comedy troupe is adding a late night show of their fast paced, high energy improvisation. The shows are a lot like "Whose Line is it Anyway" with hilarious scenes, hysterical musical numbers & larger than life characters all inspired by audience suggestions. Every show is BYOB! Call ahead to reserve your seats, shows sell out.

Events Newport Rhode Island March 22 - 24, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

 Further 'Details' can be found on our excellent www.DiscoverNewport.com


MARCH 22 - 23
Live Improv Comedy with The Bit Players8pm - RI's most award winning comedy troupe hits the stage with fast paced, high energy improvisation. The shows are a lot like "Whose Line is it Anyway" with hilarious scenes, hysterical musical numbers & larger than life characters all inspired by audience suggestions. Every show is BYOB! Call ahead to reserve your seats, shows sell out. Laugh More.
Details

MARCH 23
Growing Under Glass: A Behind the Scenes Propagation - Session IIJoin us for this rare opportunity to go “behind the scenes” and learn what’s growing in the restored 1901 Lord & Burnham greenhouse at Blithewold. During this workshop, which will take place in the potting shed and greenhouse, participants will learn about propagation and seed starting, plus care and cultivation for some of Blithewold’s specimen collection plants. Topics such as fertilizing, cut backs, and insect control will be covered during this hands-on session. $45 Member, $50 non-member.
Details

MARCH 23
Encore Performance: Live Improv Comedy with The Bit Players10pm - Due to high demand RI's most award winning comedy troupe is adding a late night show of their fast paced, high energy improvisation. The shows are a lot like "Whose Line is it Anyway" with hilarious scenes, hysterical musical numbers & larger than life characters all inspired by audience suggestions. Every show is BYOB! Call ahead to reserve your seats, shows sell out. Laugh More.
Details

MARCH 23
Music at the Redwood: Proteus String QuartetJoin us for music in the historic Harrison Room, with the Proteus String Quartet from Rhode Island College. This renowned group, made up of RIC music faculty, offers a diverse repertoire. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the Redwood Reservation Line at 847-0292, ext. 112 to reserve your spot.
Details

MARCH 23
Rollin Stones Tribute - The Glimmer Twins9pm. Free concert. What makes The Glimmer Twins such a special attraction is their ability to capture the raw energy of the most electrifying performances throughout The Rolling Stones career, and present it in such a way that audiences are able to experience the same sensation of what it was like to be at a Stones concert in their heyday
Details

MARCH 24
Artist Studio Public Work SessionArtist Nora Rabins will be preparing sails for the windmill at Prescott Farm. Printed graphics will be recognizable as motifs of local and historical relevance. In the fashion of sewing circles the community is encouraged to help make the sails, hoisting them in a barn-raising-style event on May 5th. All ages and skill levels. Free. 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm. Please visit WindmillSails.com. Made possible by support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Newport Restoration Foundation.
Details

Newport Restaurant Week, April 5 -14, De Wolf Tavern Bristol, Cooking Class, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

DeWolf Tavern

Newport Restaurant Week
Starting April 5th and running through the 14th, Newport Restaurant Week will be in full affect. The tavern has a spectacular menu available with lunch choices at $16 and $30 for dinner. We hope to see both old and new faces coming in to try out this annual event. A sneak peak at the lunch menu can be found here, and dinner here.

Cooking Class
Chef Sai and sous-chef Jennifer will be hosting an Italian cooking class on Tuesday April 11th. The class will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm and is by reservation only; $55 per person which includes wine tasting and pairings.
 
What you will learn to make-
Tips (and tastes) how to make the perfect:
Gnocchi and Risotto,
Prosciutto wrapped Chicken
&
Quick Tiramisu

Ruby Room, Sapphire Room, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

All our rooms are named after precious stones, here you see the bedrooms & bathrooms of the Ruby & Sapphire rooms:- Here you see the Amber & Emerald bedrooms & bathrooms:- The second floor, Crystal & Pearl bedrooms & bathrooms:-

Grand Opening VILLA ONE TWENTY, 4th of July, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

After four months of sheer hardwork we were delighted to open on July 4th 2010

Prior Renovations, Halls, Bedrooms & Bathrooms, VILLA ONE TWENTY, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

PRIOR RENOVATIONS!

Prior Renovations, Architecture, Richard UpJohn, 1853-1856, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

These photos show a magnificant house sitting in darkness and it's true beauty sitting in the shade! Nothing wrong with Victorian Style but tomorrow you will see how simply colors can dramatically change and magnify. BEFORE RENOVATIONS STARTED!

                                                             Haunted????!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                              Dining Room

                                                                      Library

 

 Security Cameras     

                                                                         Kitchen

Prior Renovations, National Historic Register, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

This beautiful 1856 Mansion, The Hamilton Hoppin House, visionary and architect Richard Upjohn, those old bones are solid, the architecture stunning, the workmanship second to none. This is how I arrived to Villa 120, it just needed a new vision and up-date to the present time - see what we did tomorrow. BEFORE RENOVATIONS STARTED!

St Michaels Day School, Newport Tent, P.J.R. Construction, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

So where was I............... I found Villa 120, I knew no one in Newport but as fate would have it, whilst signing my children up for schooling I started talking to the admissions secretary, a wonderful warm and caring person who was a true local and knew another old Newporter - Bill Corcoran of Newport Tent; Bill knew a wonderful dynamic and highly successful lady (Stasia Anthony of Equisite Events) who came from another local family and she knew Peter Rapossa of P.J.R. Construction. That is Newport, a small circle of highly skilled, caring and helpful locals, one ripple and before you know it you are put in touch with a team of skilled people. I met up with Peter Rapossa one evening and his son Eric, after showing him around the Villa he later told me he thought I was absolutely mad!  However, Peter was a good listener, I knew what I wanted and since I was still living in the UK would have to visit for a week at a time - source, choose and leave Peter with a vision for him to manage - I was very lucky to meet a skilled, trustworthy and experienced team. We began with pulling out the old rusty kitchens that were pushed into small areas with folded doors covering them in the top four bedrooms, all bathrooms had to be removed, a wardrobe in the Sapphire room, the broken jacuzzi in the ground floor office, another wardrobe and a couple of partition walls. Painters were the hardest to find - and all the wallpaper had to be removed, rubbed down and a new pallete chosen. The kitchen had been pretty non existent - filthy, old and barely functional.  The basement was full - full of trash.  The chandeliers had been replaced with home depots cheapest light fixtures - the closets full of sheets and towels were also full of mouse droppings, and filthy.  I could not believe my realtor had said on closing (I was in London) the Villa looks great and is ready for business!!!!!!!!!!! So we covered what was good and put it into the centre of each room - the rest was pulled out and thrown into the shoot - the front deck was pulled up the kitchen ripped out and all window dressings pulled down.  The Villa was bare, cold and lifeless. Over the next three months I would arrive, work to mid-night, wake at 4 a.m. and start over - Peter was great, emails, phone calls keeping me up-dated on works.  I would arrive and we would go from one store to another, I would choose colors for the walls, units for the kitchen, fixtures for the bathrooms and then leave hoping it would all work out!!!  The hardest job being choosing and leaving.  At the same time I was renovating a one bedroom apartment in Putney London - also living there with my two girls and having to put wardrobes in the bedroom - change the bathroom and kitchen to opposite sides of the apartment and living there whilst the work was going on! Can you imagine, buying a business which had to be bought prior to my visa being accepted and not knowing if it would be accepted and working on two renovations side by side with two daughters - we were a team and together we got through it - keeping a sense of humor is key! Before photos coming tomorrow!

Get Pink Bridal Show, Rhode Island Wedding Group, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

The Rhode Island Wedding Group invites you to join at our annual Sunday, March 24th, 2013 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Newport Marriott Hotel Special room rate at Villa 120 ($99!!!!) to get the our special room rate Come to the Get Pink Bridal Show and Make a Weekend of it: The wedding video is being provided by: Artistic Wedding Video Group Register for the Get Pink Bridal Show Now for a chance to win our Newport Mini-Moon To register, or for more information, go to: www.riweddinggroup.com Get Pink Bridal Show Sunday, March 24th, 2013 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Newport Marriott Hotel Admission is $5.00 Per Person All proceeds benefit The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation A Few Reasons Why you Must Attend: Gather expert advice and unique ideas for your wedding Bid in our Signature Silent Bridal Auction Name your price for products and services from RI's premier wedding professionals Check out current bridal fashions at our exciting runway show Pre-registered Brides are exclusively entered in the draw to Win our Newport Mini-Moon! plus VIP entrance to the show

The beginning, Bridal Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

How did this english woman come ashore in Newport Rhode Island?  A question which never seems to take long for customers to ask.  Why pick Newport?  Why a B&B?

Am I barking mad?!!  Sometimes I can assure you - I do ask myself this question - but 98% of the time I am where I want to be doing what I enjoy and living the american dream which frankly will never die .....unless your NOT prepared to work for it!

This journey has certainly had a few curve balls but if you know me you know I may sink but never drown!

Living in Wimbledon London was great, two young girls, a nice house in a good neighbourhood and only 30 minutes from central London via tube (the London underground).   I often met friends in London to visit the Tate, National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden, Green Park, The Ritz, Kensington High Street to shop, not just for clothes but also lovely groceries the list can go on.  A night at the Theatre with pre dinner at Rules - the oldest restaurant in London that was actually frequented by Charles Dickens so they say - a warm, cozy, totally British affair - game at the top of its menu.  So why when I love London would I possibly want to leave - no it was not simply the weather!

Believe it or not I have had a yen for America since my early 20's - being a trolley dolly you get the joy of travelling the world the only ambition I had since throwing up all the way on a plane from London to Hong Kong aged 7 - even then I walked off the plane and exclaimed I was going to be a Stewardess or as they say now 'Cabin Attendant', much to everyones amusement!

The passion for travel has never ceased, a passion I have passed onto my girls and the one passion that still excites me.  Nothing educates you, opens up your mind more than exploring other countries, other people, their religion, their architecture, their traditions, core values etc etc etc.  Many times it is the most simple yet beautiful acts of kindness that leave and imprint on your life.  One of my most treasured and early memories was of Lan our housekeeper in Hong Kong.  Lan had six children and lived in a chinese village the area of the house was no larger than 40 square feet, that embraced living area, kitchen and bedroom.  There was a ladder to climb up to the sleeping area and downstairs became the living and eating area.  One year we were very honoured when Lan invited us to her home for Chinese New Year.  When I close my eyes I can still see everything as if it were yesterday, Lan's husband had taken off the front door so it could be our table.  Lan chased and cut the throat of the chicken and on her knees drained the blood and plucked the poor soul!  I was horrifed at the time but obviously not horrified enough to abstain!  The celebration was all about lifes most important gifts, people, food, love and laughter.  I recall liking the mooncake and being scolded for asking for more, Lan had very little yet she gave us a feast fit for a King but more than that she gave herself and a lasting memory of the true value of life.   Quite simple really - one wonders how and why so many people lose site of this.

Somehow I went astray - I guess that is where memory lane takes you.





                                                     

                     

The America's Cup Pre-Races, Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

I had lunch at Oceancliff last Sunday to watch the America's Cup Pre-Races. Sitting right on the water, I enjoyed lunch in the sunshine with friends while overlooking the bay.

Oceancliff is a fabulous location for weddings, and as we sat there watching the America's Cup boats, I also had the chance to admire the tent at Castle Hill, which was a magnificent sight and another beautiful wedding venue.

Having a good relationship with both of these wedding venues is something that Villa 120 has accomplished, and while brides get married at these beautiful locations, they often stay at Villa 120.

Overall, a fabulous day with friends and a chance to preview what the 2012 America's Cup has to offer!