Ocean House Resort, Watch Hill, and Brunch Overlooking Taylor Swift's Home
A Rhode Island Feast for the Senses
I'll always remember my first trip to Ocean House at Watch Hill. I had just discovered the lavish Victorian-era hotel with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Little Narragansett Bay. Located atop the cliffs, my heart skipped a beat as I ascended the hill, catching my first sight of the iconic "big yellow Victorian."
Given the stunning homes along the way, it’s no wonder that Ocean House is the first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star property in the state.
To get a full appreciation of the beauty of this historic gem, here’s a breathtaking intro video from their website.
For an additional tour, click here.
Even if you can’t afford the splurge to book a room, I strongly recommend booking their Sunday Jazz Brunch for a well-worth it $85. It’s also your only chance of parking your car, (valet-only for hotel and brunch guests).
Arrive early to savor the wait in the restaurant/hotel lobby. Indulge in delicious coffee, while being serenaded by jazz ensembles or classical pianists, all while taking in breathtaking ocean views and some serious people watching.
And if you happen to be a Swiftie, you get an added bonus of a front-row seat looking at Taylor Swift’s next-door Holiday House, directly out the side window of the buffet dining room.
This is the house where Taylor has her legendary 4th of July parties (most years). It’s become so well known that she now skips some years. This year she was in Amsterdam on her Eras Tour over July 4th. You can read more about her High Watch House here.
Unlike the celebrity homes of Beverly Hills, you can actually drive right up to the gate Just don’t think about stopping, even for a second; it’s always heavily guarded.
I do recommend after brunch, while you still have valet parking, to take a nice walk down to the very popular East Beach below the hotel and around the back of Taylor’s house. It’s simply stunning, (and you’ll need the walk after your delicious brunch).
East Beach is the very popular beach below the hotel (and Taylor Swift’s home). I was so taken aback by this sign, I superimposed it into my photo:
Welcome to East Beach.
You are entering one of the most beautiful beaches on the Eastern Seaboard!
For better views of East Beach, consider looking at the linked videos.
Just as a side note, Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and San Francisco star Christian McCaffrey tied the knot at Ocean House just last week (June 29th, 2024). It goes without saying it's a lovely venue for weddings.
Before departing Watch Hill, take a moment to explore the exquisite homes, each more beautiful than the last, adorned with impeccably maintained gardens. Watch Hill, a quaint village in Westerly with a population of fewer than 300, is located approximately an hour away from the popular and charming destination of Newport, Rhode Island, albeit worlds apart.
Residing in California, I’m still captivated by the allure of Watch Hill. It isn’t just a place, it’s a place to slow down. And Ocean House isn’t just a hotel. It’s a place once weathered by time, now standing as a testament to restoration, resilience, and Victorian elegance. The quaint village beckons travelers seeking solace by the sea.
Lastly, one can’t help but wonder, after Taylor Swift’s time, and her penned song The Last Great American Dynasty, who the next fortunate soul will be to call this enchanting place of coastal magic home.
All photos copyrighted by California Travel Writer, Patricia Lynn_Patricia Inc.