All Points of View | Ballard + Mensua Architecture

Ballard + Mensua Architecture

All Points of View

All Points of View

Barrington. Rhode Island

Perched on a dramatic site with 270-degree views of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay,

All Points of View

lives up to its name as a custom-designed retreat for coastal living and year-round hospitality. Designed for a couple relocating from Washington, DC, the home is a dream retirement destination that has become a private, inn-like haven for family and friends—hosting guests nearly 300 days a year.

This expansive residence includes seven en suite bedrooms—each with breathtaking water views—three custom bars plumbed for Guinness on tap, a sunrise tower, a sunset porch, an outdoor kitchen, and more than 1,000 square feet of patio space for enjoying the ever-changing bay landscape.

The original structure, a modest 1970s modern home, was transformed into a striking nautical New England–style residence. While modern elements remain, the architecture reflects the client's love for maritime traditions and timeless coastal detailing.

Above the three-car carriage house, two guest bedrooms and a play area connect to the main kitchen via a back stair, offering a cozy, cottage-like retreat. The octagonal tower rises as a focal point: the top level serves as a timber-framed overlook and lounge; the middle level houses the primary bedroom with a custom built-in platform bed and integrated dressers; and the lower level features a walk-out suite with private views.

The heart of the home—the Great Room—evokes the spirit of a grand ship, with soaring two-story ceilings, panoramic water views, and a water-themed cedar timber frame. Dual fireplaces, one on the main level and another in the upstairs lounge, anchor the main chimney, creating warmth and continuity throughout the home.