On the Market: A Charles Moore-Designed Home in Westerly, Rhode Island

With seemingly random angles, multiple levels, and unexpected sight lines, this Charles Moore-designed home in Westerly, Rhode Island, is anything but boring. It’s one of only a few homes on the east coast designed by the renowned architect (1925-1993) whose body of work is emblematic of postmodern architecture.

“Sun Up” was built in 1968. The interiors are unpredictable—at once open and secluded—with ceilings that slope and swoop and climb. Distinct spaces are variously connected within the 5,000-square-foot envelope. It’s been described as having a treehouse-like feel. The home is sited high on a hill so that its four corners point in the four cardinal directions, and ocean views are plentiful.

An intentionally bold use of natural materials is evidenced by the generous use of stone, brick, tile, and a variety of woods in mostly blond finishes. The imposing fireplace in the great room is more statement-making stone sculpture than ordinary focal point. The open plan is well-suited to entertaining; four bedrooms and four and a half baths make the home family-friendly, too.

The home sits inside the gates of the No Bottom Pond neighborhood, a community developed by the Klotz family, who commissioned Moore’s design. It’s surrounded by conservation land, and its amenities include community tennis and smooth roads for biking and running.

Sun Up is a great spot for city dwellers who want two things in equal measure: privacy and proximity to the water. It’s conveniently located near beaches, marinas, and the shops and restaurants of both Watch Hill and the picturesque village of Westerly.

They say that Charles Moore developed a unique sense of place early on, thanks to a photographic memory. If one thing is sure, this iconic example of his work will not easily be forgotten. The property is listed for $1,775,000 by James and Desa Buffum, with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty in Watch Hill, RI. For more information, visit the property website or call (401) 315-0808, ext. 6244 or 6245.