Who would have ever imagined that the Federal and Second Empire architectural styles could work so well together?! This is the Bowen-Tobin House on Spring Street in Newport, Rhode Island. The house was originally built around 1825 by Stephen Bowen as a typical two-story Federal style house with five-bay facade and entry with pedimented fanlight above. The property and it remained in the Bowen Family until 1892, when it was sold by his heirs to Mary Bailey Newton, the wife of Dudley Newton, a prominent local architect who designed dozens of summer cottages for wealthy residents in Newport. Dudley Newton “modernized” this house, adding a towered mansard roof, bracketed cornice, new two-over-two windows, and a full-length front porch wrapping around the side. The couple later moved the house, which was formerly set back behind a front garden, to the side and at the sidewalk to lay out Green Place (originally Bowen Ct.) and house lots behind this home, removing the front porch in the process. The house was later sold to the Tobin Family.
Buildings of New England 
While you are in Newport, please look up the beautiful 1800s houses (originally build as summer rentals) in Renfru (sp.?) Park at the east end of First Beach. Second house on the left belongs to my friend’s family.
Jim Tappero
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I have to get over to Middletown, RI to see those, but I definitely plan on it! I am already out of Newport, but just now getting to those posts. I’ll be sure to feature some of Renfrew Park sometime
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Understood. I enjoy your pictures and commentaries very much !!
I grew up in Bristol, RI and was familiar with many of the houses you featured.
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Thank you so much! I really need to get down to Bristol again, I missed so much on my first visit. The goal of all of this is to feature at least a building in each town/city in New England. Cities like Middletown and Bristol will get many many more posts! 🙂
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