Historic Houses

The Sisson-Collins House, built c. 1738 and 1823, is an example of a building that, over a period of approximately one hundred and fifty years, was owned by well-to-do individuals, each of whom was greater in wealth and prominence than the previous owner. The house stands on its original site and was purchased by the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) in 1974. Restoration began the same year and was finished in 1975. The result is a collection of styles blended into a somewhat odd whole, as each succeeding owner sought to leave a mark and bring the current taste of their time, along with a renewed sense of importance, to an old building.

The house was first constructed sometime during the twenty-year period between 1738 and 1758. James Sisson is recorded as having owned the land in 1738, but no other record regarding the property appears until the Stiles Map of 1758 notes a two-story house standing on the lot.

In 1796, Sisson's heirs sold the house to Caleb Green. In 1823, the house was purchased by Rhode Island's Lt. Governor Charles Collins. It was during Collins' ownership that the house underwent its most significant changes. A new entry was added, modifications were made throughout the interior, and the roof of the house was altered to accommodate a ballroom on the third floor. All these alterations reflect the Greek Revival style that was popular at the time. Collins also constructed formal gardens across the street from the house, as well as dependency buildings and house gardens near the house proper, giving the feeling of a grand estate.

Benjamin Finch, a prominent and successful businessman, purchased the house from the Collins estate in 1843 and retained ownership until his death in 1895. He probably was responsible for the Victorian-style cupola, which is appropriate to his period of ownership.

After Finch died, the house began a gradual decline and, for the better part of the twentieth century, existed as a collection of apartments and rented rooms. A few sizable additions to the back of the house were made at this time with no attention to style, but rather to maximize space and rental income.