PHOTOS: Did Jay Leno Just Buy a Newport Mansion for $13.5 Million?

Four of five Seafair condominiums sold on November 30 to Mavis House LLC.

December 4, 2017

Did the former late-night talk show host and car enthusiast just buy Newport’s Seafair mansion?

The main residence at 254 Ocean Ave. in Newport, which was on the market for $17.5 million via Gustave White Sotheby’s, sold on November 30 to Mavis House LLC, according to Newport property records.

In previous years, the oceanfront property was diced up into condos; Mavis House LLC bought the main residence, or four of five total condos. According to the Newport Daily News, Providence Bruins owner Larue Renfroe holds the title to the remaining condo. Jay Leno’s wife’s name is Mavis and, according to Newport Patch, Leno signed the condo agreement. It’s been on the market since 2013.

Seafair, a Louis XIV chateau built in 1936, sits on nine acres of oceanfront. The property features an infinity pool, private beach, tennis court, garden and a six-car garage that’s well-suited for the host of “Jay Leno’s Garage.” The interior, with twelve bedrooms and just as many baths over 15,861 square feet, boasts a library, sun porch, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, seven fireplaces, and the requisite walk-in closets in ensuite bedrooms.

It was known as the “Hurricane Hut” — a suitably reductionist moniker for a Newport mega-mansion — after a series of hurricanes struck and damaged the house, which juts out over the ocean. The seawall has been updated.

Here’s a peek inside the storied estate, which hosted a 2014 fundraiser for former President Barack Obama and was sold by former Nortek CEO Rick Bready.

Leno's Seafair: The mansion, which curves along the Newport coastline, was built in 1936 by James Mackenzie Jr. Photos via Gustave White Sotheby's International.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: Known as the "Hurricane Hut," the 15,861-square-foot mansion was ravaged by multiple hurricanes over the course of the twentieth century.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: The infinity pool overlooks the Atlantic.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Show Caption Hide Caption
Show Caption Hide Caption
Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: The showstopper in this private library is the green marble fireplace.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: The kitchen is updated with modern cabinetry and hardware and top-of-the-line appliances.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: The sitting area offers incredible views of the grounds and ocean.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: This bedroom sure is pink. I wonder what

Show Caption Hide Caption
Leno's Seafair: The green motif continues to the game room.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Len

Show Caption Hide Caption

Tags: jay leno, mansion, Newport, rhode island, seafair