The Bells has quite the storied past, and it’s one of Newport’s more haunting tales.

Origins and Grandeur

Originally called The Reefs, this grand estate was built in 1876 for copper magnate and amateur Egyptologist Theodore M. Davis. Perched on what is now Brenton Point State Park, the mansion was filled with treasures from Davis’s travels, including a remarkable collection of Egyptian artifacts.

Change of Hands and Wartime Use

After Davis’s death in 1915, the estate was sold to the Budlong family, but it fell into disuse following a contentious divorce in 1928. During World War II, the U.S. government seized the property for military use, installing anti-aircraft batteries on the grounds.

Decline and Ruin

In 1960, a fire ravaged the mansion, and by 1963, what remained was demolished. Only the stone stables and carriage house survived — crumbling relics that became a magnet for urban explorers and graffiti artists.

 

Demolition and Future Plans

After a tragic accident in May 2023, when a teenager fell through the unstable roof, the site was fenced off and ultimately demolished in early 2024. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is now developing a master plan to reimagine the area, possibly incorporating historical interpretation into the park’s future design.
It’s a place where opulence, mystery, and decay all collided — and now, it’s shifting into a new chapter.