NRF promotes and invests in the architectural heritage of the Newport community, the traditional building trades, and Doris Duke’s fine and decorative arts collections, for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all.
As a leader in the preservation of early American architecture, NRF supports research and education in areas directly related to its collections and issues of critical concern to the field of historic preservation.
Tour Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Open late March to November.
Experience the only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts. Open late May to October.
Explore 40 acres of open space, a tribute to the agrarian heritage of Aquidneck Island. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk for public enjoyment.
Newport Restoration Foundation holds one of the largest collections of period architecture owned by a single organization anywhere in the United States.
Celebrate excellence in historic preservation efforts within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Live amidst history by renting one of our many historic properties.
Help us to continue a lived-in legacy by becoming a Restoration Partner today.
28 Church Street
The John Langley House is a two-story building with a gable roof and an interior central chimney. With a build date c.1807, it is typical of many Newport houses constructed between 1730-40 and 1815. This is the only house that the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) ever moved twice. The house was purchased by NRF in 1969 and restored in 1970 and again in 1977.
The original fan light doorway is the key to the construction date of the house, as are the cornice and window treatments, all of which reflect the refined style of the Federal period. Applying later modern details to an earlier building, perhaps seventy-five or one hundred years older and of a different style, was not uncommon in Newport. The Langley House offers a fine example of this practice.
Originally situated on Fair Street, the house was scheduled for demolition in order to make way for Memorial Boulevard West. In 1970, the building was moved-complete with its chimney pile in place-to a lot on the south side of Church Street. The house was restored while it stood at this location. In 1977, when the development of Queen Ann Square was in progress, the house was moved again, this time to the north side of Church Street, facing the newly created square. Certain changes were made and additional work done to the house after this second move.
Photo before restoration.