On the Market: A Brick Home in Providence with a Walled Courtyard

Bricklayer William Mason built the home in 1812 with two staircases, 13 rooms, and nine fireplaces, but modern touches make this house fit for contemporary living.


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Photos by Liz Bodell

136 Transit St., Providence
Price: $1,289,000
Size: 3,540 square feet
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3 full

In 1812, bricklayer William Mason put his talents to work to build his own home in the east side of Providence. The resulting three-story manor has 13 rooms, nine fireplaces, and a European-style courtyard garden laid in brick. But this house isn’t stuck in the past: Throughout the last two centuries it’s acquired modern features like a three-car garage and designer kitchen appliances. And now, for the first time in over 10 years, it’s on the market, offering you a chance to own a little bit of Rhode Island history.

Whatever you need, this home provides in abundance. It comes with two kitchens with stainless steel appliances and two sets of stairs, one on each side of the house. On either side of the central stairwell is a parlor, which was typical of houses in that time, according to the Providence Preservation Society. Five bedrooms offer ample space, while a custom-built library with built-in bookshelves and an artfully designed ceiling serves as the perfect home office.

Throughout the Colonial style home, you can spot details from the original 1800s design, including the original doors, the wide board flooring, and nine fireplaces, some of which still have period mantlepieces. The home’s exterior features are similarly steeped in history. A private garden in the back of the house is encased in a European-style walled courtyard, built in brick like the rest of the home. The doors leading into this oasis are painted Bugatti blue, a nod to French racing cars of the 1930s.

If automobiles are your thing, a three-car garage and cobblestoned motor court provide plenty of space for parking for out-of-town visitors and yourself. But you don’t need to rely solely on cars for transportation here. Located in the Fox Point, a Providence neighborhood known for its walkability, this property is a short stroll away from restaurants, shops, and India Point Park.

For more information, contact Ellen Kasle, Residential Properties, residentialproperties.com.

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Photos by Liz Bodell

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Photos by Liz Bodell

historic providence house

Photos by Liz Bodell

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