1128 Ives Rd Warwick, RI 02818

This unique dwelling, home of the late US Senator John Chafee, sits on high ground with sweeping views of acre upon acre of conserved rolling meadows, salt marsh and bending river rich with songbirds, waterfowl and field animal life. In that the house is set atop a slope, one enters an upper- floor front hall, steps onto a balcony, looks over a double-height living room and beholds, through an immense Palladian window, field and stream beyond. The two-story window soaks morning sun into the big room and onto the breakfast balcony. South windows pull in light on winter days and below the balcony nestles a more intimate space for cocktails by the fire on winter nights. A private study provides an inner fireplace for those who enjoy a book or television seated by a blaze. To the south extends a brick terrace beneath a thick grape arbor for cool al fresco luncheons on hot summer days and front row seating for the wild chorus of birdsong at sunset. Rain or shine, one might also enjoy a morning coffee or an evening drink while scanning the meadows and river from an exterior covered balcony above. And thrice a season a local farmer can be seen aboard his tractor as he mows the hay in the surrounding fields. The farm is a children’s paradise. A gambrel-roofed barn topped by a charming cupola contains an ample hayloft for forts or ping-pong and four horse stalls below for the ponies of young riders. The grounds have also been home to geese, chickens, and happy dogs.