A stunning 1854 historic home in Providence's College Hill has just hit the market for a cool $2.4 million. But there's one surprise that sets it apart from other listings: its retro-futuristic interior, which looks like it was plucked straight from an 1980s time capsule.
The house, originally built by schoolteachers in the mid-19th century and later owned by abolitionist leader William Channing, has been beautifully restored to its former glory. However, its interior design is a radical departure from traditional historic homes. Think leopard-print carpet, marble accents, and sleek lines that scream Miami Beach.
The home's modern makeover was completed in 1988, when former owner Marilyn Ardente gut-renovated the space, stripping down walls to reveal stunning views of the Rhode Island State House. The result is a spacious open-plan living area with plenty of natural light pouring in through large windows and glass bricks that add an extra touch of glamour.
The home boasts three bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a cozy separate apartment perfect for guests or in-laws. And if you're looking to entertain, the four-car garage addition provides ample space for hosting parties and events.
Despite its sleek design, the home still retains much of its original historic charm. The exterior has been meticulously restored to its 1854 appearance, with original windows that have been reglazed and re-ledged. And throughout the property, you can spot nods to the home's rich history, including a beautifully preserved staircase and ornate moldings.
When listing the home, Christina Ardente and her sister-in-law Lisa Ardente chose not to stage it in the typical real estate style, opting instead to showcase its unique features and let potential buyers experience its "bones" firsthand. "I really thought it was important that a potential buyer...see the bones of the place and the light that comes in," Lisa Ardente explained.
The home's connection to historic preservation is also noteworthy. Located in both the national historic district zone and the local College Hill Historic District, it's required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding exterior renovations. But this hasn't stopped potential buyers from being drawn to its unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair.
As one real estate agent noted, "It's bittersweet, actually, but it's also joyful in that it's time for the next generation to enjoy it." With its stunning views, spacious living areas, and rich historical significance, this 1854 historic home is sure to capture the hearts of anyone looking for a unique piece of Providence history.
The house, originally built by schoolteachers in the mid-19th century and later owned by abolitionist leader William Channing, has been beautifully restored to its former glory. However, its interior design is a radical departure from traditional historic homes. Think leopard-print carpet, marble accents, and sleek lines that scream Miami Beach.
The home's modern makeover was completed in 1988, when former owner Marilyn Ardente gut-renovated the space, stripping down walls to reveal stunning views of the Rhode Island State House. The result is a spacious open-plan living area with plenty of natural light pouring in through large windows and glass bricks that add an extra touch of glamour.
The home boasts three bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a cozy separate apartment perfect for guests or in-laws. And if you're looking to entertain, the four-car garage addition provides ample space for hosting parties and events.
Despite its sleek design, the home still retains much of its original historic charm. The exterior has been meticulously restored to its 1854 appearance, with original windows that have been reglazed and re-ledged. And throughout the property, you can spot nods to the home's rich history, including a beautifully preserved staircase and ornate moldings.
When listing the home, Christina Ardente and her sister-in-law Lisa Ardente chose not to stage it in the typical real estate style, opting instead to showcase its unique features and let potential buyers experience its "bones" firsthand. "I really thought it was important that a potential buyer...see the bones of the place and the light that comes in," Lisa Ardente explained.
The home's connection to historic preservation is also noteworthy. Located in both the national historic district zone and the local College Hill Historic District, it's required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding exterior renovations. But this hasn't stopped potential buyers from being drawn to its unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair.
As one real estate agent noted, "It's bittersweet, actually, but it's also joyful in that it's time for the next generation to enjoy it." With its stunning views, spacious living areas, and rich historical significance, this 1854 historic home is sure to capture the hearts of anyone looking for a unique piece of Providence history.
! Like, can you imagine having that leopard-print carpet and marble accents in your own home? It’s like stepping into a time machine, right? And the fact that it was renovated to have those sleek lines and Miami Beach feels is just genius. I mean, who wouldn’t want a house with glass bricks and plenty of natural light pouring in through the windows? 
The history behind this place is also super cool, especially since it was once owned by an abolitionist leader. It’s like you can feel the weight of all those years of history in every room 
I'm so over the retro-futuristic interior in this listing... like, what's up with the leopard-print carpet? 
It's trying too hard to be Miami Beach chic and it's just not my vibe. And don't even get me started on the glass bricks - they're cool, I guess, but they look so... 80s. 
And can we talk about how the restoration of the original historic charm is being kinda played down? Like, yes, it's nice that they preserved the staircase and moldings, but let's not forget where this house actually came from. 
This historic home might look all fancy with its retro-futuristic interior, but did you know that it's been on the market for like 3 months and still hasn't sold? 
Maybe it's just too expensive at $2.4 million? 
Or maybe the previous owners didn't do enough to make it stand out from other historic homes in the area... 
Either way, I guess we'll just have to wait and see if anyone bites on this one... 
A house that looks like a time capsule from the 80s is just what I need in my life! 
Who needs boring old hardwood floors when you can have leopard-print carpet? 
The retro-futuristic vibes are everything and more. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to host parties in a four-car garage with plenty of space for guests? 
The home's mix of old-world charm and modern flair is giving me LIFE! 
I'm kinda fascinated by how people are willing to shell out big bucks for these retro-futuristic homes. It's like they're not just buying a house, but an experience or a statement. For me, it's about stripping away the unnecessary and finding beauty in simplicity. The way this home balances old-world charm with modern flair is really cool. But what I think really stands out is how much character these homes have to offer. It's like they're wearing their history on their sleeve, and that's something that can't be replicated with a new build. 
I mean, can you even imagine walking into a place that's been frozen in time since the 80s?! The leopard-print carpet and marble accents are giving me LIFE! 
. The best part? It's not been staged, so you can actually see the "bones" of the place and get a feel for what it's like living there 
. Can't wait to see who ends up buying this amazing piece of history! 
!
. It's like stepping into a different era. And can we talk about how gorgeous those marble accents are? 
They're like a breath of fresh air amidst all that leopard print carpet 
The combination of old-world charm and modern flair is giving me all the feels. It's like stepping into a time capsule from the 80s, but with a hint of history and character. 
But seriously, I can see why someone would want to buy this place - it's got character, you know? And that garage is straight fire 
. Guess it's always good to have something to aim for, though!