The Ocean State is known for its stunning shoreline and gorgeous beaches so it's no surprise that out-of-towners flock to Rhode Island during the summer to enjoy sand, sun, and surf. So take advantage of the off-season and sneak in some beach time before the tourists arrive. Our featured beach today is more than just a sandy shoreline. Scarborough Beach is also home to the former mansion, Windswept, and now is the perfect time to check out these beachside ruins.
Located off of Ocean Road in Narragansett just north of Point Judith is Scarborough State Beach. With its soft white sand, concrete boardwalk, two pavilions, showers, and picnic tables, this beach is a sea of umbrellas, chairs, and beach blankets from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
While an incredible beach for frolicking in the surf and lounging under the sun, Scarborough Beach also has a captivating ruin just beyond the sand.
Windswept is the name of the 21-room mansion that once stood guard over the crashing waves along this piece of shoreline. It was constructed in 1895 for the Davis family.
All that remains of the seaside mansion today are the remnants of the carriage house. The
beautiful stone ruins stand as a testament to days long gone.
The Davis family built Windswept from the money earned from a business deal. The Davises created quite a family fortune with their product, "Perry Davis’s Vegetable Pain Killer".
Grandson, Eugene Davis sold off the Pain Killer name and with the profits built the coastal mansion. Four decades later the property was sold to the Castiglione brothers. The brothers converted the mansion into an upscale restaurant called Cobb’s by the Sea.
1952, it was sold again and left uninhabited, the property suffered vandalism and three fires over a span of years. The mansion was demolished in 1974 and the property purchased by the Department of Environmental Management.
Today the stone carriage house ruins remain standing perched on the edge of Scarborough Beach offering a unique window to the sea.
Have you ever been to see the ruins at Scarborough Beach? Which is your favorite Rhode Island sandy shore to visit? If you love visiting the beach year-round, this unique spot transforms with each season.
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