Subscribe!
Real Estate in RI: Quiet luxury, the subtle art of high-end living – Emilio DiSpirito
By Emilio DiSpirito, License Partner and Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers
In an era where ostentation is giving way to understatement, quiet luxury has become the new benchmark of wealth and sophistication. Rhode Island, known for its historic mansions, pristine coastal retreats, and refined lifestyle, is embracing this trend across real estate, automobiles, fashion, and everyday living.
What is Quiet Luxury?
Quiet luxury is the embodiment of wealth without the need for logos, flash, or unnecessary extravagance. It’s about curated, high-quality experiences and assets that speak volumes to those who understand—but whisper, rather than shout, about their value. In real estate, this means homes designed with impeccable craftsmanship, exclusive locations, and discreet yet world-class amenities.
Quiet Luxury in Rhode Island Real Estate
Rhode Island’s luxury market is shifting from gilded mansions with gold-plated faucets to homes that emphasize privacy, craftsmanship, and a connection to nature.
- Coastal Retreats in Watch Hill & Little Compton
- Unlike the mega-mansions of Newport’s Bellevue Avenue, quiet luxury homes in Watch Hill or Little Compton blend into their surroundings. Think shingle-style estates with breathtaking ocean views, reclaimed wood beams, and stone fireplaces that exude warmth and timelessness.
- Example: A $6M waterfront home with custom millwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private beach access—not advertised in flashy magazines but sold through private networks.
- Architectural Elegance in Providence’s East Side
- On the East Side, brownstones and historic homes are undergoing sophisticated restorations that modernize interiors while preserving original details.
- Example: A College Hill residence where hand-crafted cabinetry, imported stone, and hidden smart-home integrations provide comfort without compromising classic New England charm.
- Sustainable Luxury in South County
- Eco-conscious buyers are investing in homes with geothermal heating, reclaimed materials, and minimalist yet warm designs.
- Example: A high-end Narragansett property featuring passive solar design, understated modern architecture, and a focus on wellness with in-home saunas and meditation gardens.
Beyond Real Estate: The Quiet Luxury Lifestyle in Rhode Island
- Automobiles: A true Rhode Island luxury buyer isn’t driving a neon-colored Lamborghini through town but might be seen in a Range Rover Autobiography, a Bentley Bentayga, or a vintage Mercedes SL—vehicles that prioritize craftsmanship over flash.
- Fashion & Accessories: The state’s most discerning residents favor brands like Loro Piana, The Row, or Brunello Cucinelli—elegant, timeless, and devoid of logos. Even quiet luxury yachts, like Hinckley sailboats, are a fixture along Newport’s docks.
- Dining & Hospitality: Exclusive, members-only experiences, such as dining at The Chanler’s hidden speakeasy or a private chef-hosted dinner on the lawn of a secluded Middletown estate, replace the need for social-media-documented excess.
The Future of Quiet Luxury in Rhode Island
As more high-net-worth individuals seek residences and experiences that reflect their values rather than their bank accounts, Rhode Island remains the perfect backdrop for this lifestyle. With a rich history, coastal beauty, and an emphasis on understated refinement, the state is redefining what it means to live luxuriously—without the need to prove it.
For those who understand quiet luxury, the appeal is clear: The best things in life don’t need to be advertised; they simply exist, waiting to be appreciated by those who know where to look.
___
To read more articles in RINewsToday by Emilio, go to: https://rinewstoday.com/emilio-dispirito/
Emilio DiSpirito, Realtor and License Partner, Engel & Völkers East Greenwich and Engel & Völkers Barrington East Bay, 401-359-2338 – [email protected] – Instagram: @EVRhodeIsland – Website: EastGreenwich.EVRealEstate.com
Emilio DiSpirito – If you would have asked me what I wanted to be growing up, little Emilio would have told you “an archeologist” or “an architect” despite the fact that at age 8 I had my first lemonade stand, landscaping business and was recording my first “news show” on my boombox! Well, I never was much good at trigonometry and did could not see myself traveling for months and possibly years at a time, so becoming an architect or archaeologist clearly did not happen!
Fast forward 26 years later and I’m running a team of the finest residential real estate professionals, own a media company and host my very own radio news show about real estate! For 7 years straight it seemed that I had put in more hours than the day had to give on my real estate business. 7 days a week, 14 to 16 hour days, without a break! Why? My friends and family did not understand the sheer magnitude of moving parts and services we offer to our clients during a transaction! One slip up or one missed call could mean make or break for someone’s dream home or even a lost deposit!
Running a team of like-minded, highly qualified and capable professionals has allowed me to offer a very streamlined, simplified and efficient approach to the sales process for our clients and allowed me to earn personal time again with my family while not missing a beat for my clients! When I’m not working, I’m with family and friends, riding my mountain bike, eating at local restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, hiking, skiing or reading!