As far back as the early 1900′s, the year New York City’s first white-walled underground transit stations were christened, “subway tile” was being hawked in catalogs. The easy-to-clean, tightly grouted 3×6 tiles became a hit in American bathrooms and kitchens, and they remain ever so popular today. These days we’re seeing colorful subway tiled back-splashes and soaking tubs encased with pastel tiles. Below are a few of our favorite subway tile looks. Enjoy!
Residing in Newport and having the pleasure of consistently getting private tours of historical homes, we’ve seen a consistent (and lovely) trend throughout these properties- hardwood floors. From herringbone to barn planks, from dark finish to light finish, from high variation to simply painted white- the hardwood floor trend in New England dates back to the 1800′s when wood was plentiful. Not only for the wealthy, wood floors were showing up in homes throughout North America- more ornate in the richer homes of course, but still intricately laid by skilled woodworkers in the homes of the middle and lower class. By the early 19th century more parquet patterns were showing up, but only in the richest of rooms. Wooden plank floors remained the norm and were treated with paint, and in the better homes laid in a tongue and grove configuration. Here’s a glimpse at some of our favorite hardwood designs.
This weekend, Newport welcomes a fleet of authentic, 19th century coaches drawn by highly-trained teams of horses in the triennial renewal of a Weekend of Coaching. Newport will enjoy complimentary viewing of the colorful and historic coaches every day, as they drive through the streets of downtown and the grounds of the Newport Mansions, celebrating and preserving a century-old sporting tradition. Details of each day’s route can be found here. Tomorrow at 10:30am, there will be a Coaching Exhibition on the grounds of The Elms where everyone is welcome to check out the coaches and horses up close!
The tradition of coaching grew out of the 18th and 19th century mail runs in England, which later made their way across the Atlantic to the United States. The horse-drawn mail coaches were eventually replaced by railroads, but nostalgia led to the development of coaching as a sport. The Coaching Club of New York was formed in the latter part of the 19th century, eventually becoming part of the social fabric of Newport in the summer. The Wetmores, the Bells, the Vanderbilts and the Belmonts were all active members, bringing their coaches together to go to the races, the polo games, and the Casino.
The two types of open-air vehicles used in the sport of coaching—a Road Coach and the slightly smaller Park Drag—employ a team of four horses. All seating is outside, with the driver, known as a “whip,” sitting in the slightly elevated right front seat, and the whip’s wife or female relative taking up the “box seat” on the left. The rear bench of the coach holds at least two specialized footmen called grooms. Two center benches can hold up to 10 passengers. Giddy up!
The Doris Duke Surf Fest is back again and will be even bigger than last year’s event. This Friday, July 13th and Saturday July 14th (rain date Sunday July 15th) from 4:00 to 7:00pm, Water Brother’s Sid Abruzzi is once again organizing an outstanding exhibit of over 200 surfboards representing all the eras of surfing history displayed atop the rolling hills of Doris Duke’s Rough Point estate. While special emphasis will be placed on the surfboard evolution that took place during the 1960’s and 1970’s, examples of pre-60’s surf craft and interesting designs from the 80’s to the present will also be displayed. Those with unique boards are encouraged to showcase them, simply reach out to Sid to get more details.
Among the sponsors for this year’s event are the Newport Restoration Foundation, Water Brothers, Barcardi USA, Narragansett Beer, and Houlihan, Managhan, Morrissey & Kyle. There will be a cash bar plus great local food available for purchase at the Tallulah’s Tacos and Flat Waves food carts. Attendees will also be able to visit the exhibit, Passport to the World: Doris Duke the International Traveler, in the Rough Point Galleries. Advance ticket purchase are strongly encouraged. Cost of tickets is $10 (children under 12 are free) and can be purchased at Water Brothers, Flat Waves, Rough Point or online. As the LKRE team tips our hat to the art of surfing, we’d like to salute the trailblazers of the sport who foraged the path for us from the waves of Hawaii to the shores of Newport, RI. Below are some photos of last year’s event as well as some fun vintage surf shots of wave-loving guys & gals!
On the heels of the America’s Cup World Series, Newport is graced with yet another exciting sailing event. Gone are the made-for-speed sleek catamarans that were racing around Newport Harbor as we welcome the majestically rigged sails of the grand Tall Ships. As if we needed an excuse to be out on the water- the LKRE team is over the moon with excitement to check out the action this weekend. Tonight’s Captain’s Toast party is the kickoff event at the New York Yacht Club with several spin off events taking place over the next 3 days. The Parade of Sail will conclude this spectacular event on Monday when all 14 vessels will coast around the harbor for all to see. Showstoppers like Unicorn, Picton Castle and Lynx will be on display, cutting through Newport’s waters showcasing immaculate craftsmanship and impeccable detail.
