Architectural story:
Rough Point was originally designed by Boston firm Peabody & Stearns to imitate a grand English manor of the 16th-century. The renovation department of Horace Trumbauer’s Philadelphia firm was responsible for the expansion and renovation of the building between 1922-1924.
Restoration story:
There were occasional maintenance projects carried out during the lifetime of Doris Duke, but much of the restoration work has been carried out under the stewardship of the Newport Restoration Foundation. We are currently in the middle of a multi-phased process to restore Rough Point, including addressing issues of water infiltration and public accessibility.
People story:
Rough Point was built as a “summer cottage” for Frederick and Louisa Vanderbilt, and the it later became the summer home of William and Nancy Leeds. The Duke family purchased the house in 1922 and Doris Duke was the last resident owner before she passed away in 1993.
We are working to learn more about the people who lived in, built, and cared for Rough Point. This includes Irish immigrant Thomas Maguire (1862-1935), a mason who worked for the McNeil Brothers and was responsible for the original masonry work on the building. Thomas emigrated from Ireland (Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh) and settled in Newport. He was successful contractor and stone and brick mason for many decades and helped shape the cityscape of Newport.
Staff who helped care for Rough Point during the 20th century include cooks Hulda Goudie (a Swedish immigrant), Hattie Awe, and Annie Schneider. The McFarlane family also lived and worked at Rough Point from 1960-1968.
