Fire Loss to Historic Newport, RI Mansion

When fire, smoke, and soot damaged Anglesea, one of Newport’s most iconic Cliff Walk mansions, the homeowners — a long-time client of Gentili + Rossini Associates — once again entrusted our team to navigate the complex insurance claims process.

Located directly across from The Breakers, Anglesea is a distinguished 19th-century Gothic Revival estate celebrated for its architectural significance and extraordinary craftsmanship. The residence features intricate woodwork, hand-painted murals, luxurious fabric wall coverings, custom furnishings, and countless historic details that demanded an exceptional level of care throughout the recovery process.

To accurately document the extent of the loss, Gentili + Rossini utilized advanced technologies, including Matterport 3D imaging, EagleView aerial assessments, and high-resolution drone photography. These comprehensive documentation tools enabled our team to thoroughly evaluate the damage, and prepare a detailed, well-substantiated insurance claim.

Working alongside Steamatic, a leading mitigation contractor, we coordinated an extensive cleaning and preservation program. Specialized procedures were implemented to clean air ducts, carpeting, and salvageable upholstered furnishings, removing soot, smoke residue, and contaminants while preserving as much of the home’s original historic fabric as possible.

The estate also housed an extraordinary collection of valuable personal property, including fine art and a rare antique grand piano featuring intricate gilt detailing. Gentili + Rossini retained nationally recognized art conservators to carefully restore these irreplaceable pieces. Interior design specialists were engaged to prepare detailed restoration estimates for the home’s custom window treatments, furnishings, decorative finishes, and architectural elements, ensuring every feature could be recreated to its original appearance.

By coordinating a multidisciplinary team of restoration experts, conservators, designers, and mitigation professionals, while leveraging state-of-the-art documentation technology and meticulous claims preparation, Gentili + Rossini Associates positioned the homeowners for a successful insurance recovery. The result was a comprehensive restoration strategy that preserved the historic integrity of one of Newport’s most treasured Cliff Walk estates while maximizing the insurance settlement necessary to return the property to its pre-loss condition.