House Lust: A Luxe Townhouse in a Converted Masonic Lodge in Newport

Peek inside the masterful renovation of an 1803 Freemasons lodge in the heart of Historic Hill.

January 5, 2021

Casey Nilsson,

After twenty-two years, the Freemasons lodge conversion is complete.

The structure was designed by architect Peter Harrison — aka “America’s first architect” and the man behind Newport’s Touro Synagogue and Redwood Library and Athenaeum — and completed in 1803. According to listing agent Michelle Kirby of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, the Freemasons sold the lodge in 1998 to a developer who subsequently partnered and sold to Blue Dog Capital Partners, the Providence-based firm that completed the project.

“It was in very dated/original shape with a large service kitchen in the basement and various meeting spaces,” says Kirby. “The developer held it empty for thirteen years while he planned the conversion. He worked for years with an architect on the design concept, ultimately going through a several-year permitting process.”

The developer dug out the basement to install the lower-level parking garage and elevator, says Kirby, and also restored a rooftop observation deck that had blown off in the 1938 hurricane. The building was then divided into eight residences: five single-level condos and three townhouse-style condos. Two have already sold, but Unit 1, on the first level and featured below, is still available.

Here’s your House Lust:

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50 School Street Unit 1, Newport, is on the market for $1.495 million. The 1,644-square-foot townhouse sits on the first two levels. The rooftop deck is common. (Photography via Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty)

50 School Street Unit 1, Newport, is on the market for $1.495 million. The 1,644-square-foot townhouse sits on the first two levels. The rooftop deck is common. (Photography via Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty)

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The entry of the building.
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The entry foyer looking toward the condo's entrance.
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A view of a powder room and entry foyer. Staging is by Carolyn Schmitz.
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A view from the dining area toward the living space and artful staircase.
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A view of the living area.
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A cozy sitting area abuts the fireplace.
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The living and dining areas are open to the kitchen.
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A view from the kitchen island toward the dining area and living room.
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The kitchen.
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A view of the Wolf range and hood in the kitchen, with an aquamarine backsplash. The refrigerator is a Sub-Zero.

A view of the Wolf range and hood in the kitchen, with an aquamarine backsplash. The refrigerator is a Sub-Zero.

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A closer look at the stairs.
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One of two bedrooms.
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This bedroom affords a nice view of the Trinity Church steeple.
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The master bath features a double vanity and walk-in shower. Two walk-in closets sit outside the bed and bath.

The master bath features a double vanity and walk-in shower. Two walk-in closets sit outside the bed and bath.

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The second bedroom.
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A closet system maximizes space in the second bedroom.
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The building, which has eight total units, features underground parking.