Watch Hill  ·  Westerly, Rhode Island

Salt
House

Coastal Escape  ·  Sleeps 8  ·  Private Retreat

Discover the Home
8
Guests
3
Bedrooms
1.5
Bathrooms
5
Beds
< 2 mi
to the Beach

Welcome to Salt House

Your Perfect Rhode Island
Coastal Escape

Nestled in the storied village of Watch Hill on Rhode Island’s southwestern shore, Salt House is a beautifully appointed retreat that captures the essence of New England coastal living. Salt air drifts through open windows, and the rhythm of the ocean becomes your daily companion.

Watch Hill is one of New England’s most coveted destinations — a place where Victorian-era grandeur meets unhurried seaside charm. From the historic Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest operating carousel in America, to the golden sweep of Napatree Point, every moment here is steeped in coastal magic.

Salt House sleeps 8 guests in a prime location just minutes from Watch Hill’s shops, beaches, downtown Westerly, golf courses, and acclaimed restaurants. Gather around the fire table after a day at the beach, grill dinner on the private patio, play lawn games in the fenced backyard, or settle in for a movie night on the 75″ living room TV. Every detail at Salt House has been thoughtfully arranged for comfort, ease, and the pure pleasure of the Rhode Island coast.

Salt House — lush private yard in spring bloom
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Southern New England Coast

“Watch Hill is a community with a strong sense of privacy and of discreetly used wealth — a Victorian village with outsized allure, luminous sunsets, and the sea always in view.”

The New York Times

On Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Avondale Farm Preserve — a Westerly Land Trust property steps from Salt House
A short walk from Salt House
Avondale Farm Preserve

A Natural Treasure at Your Doorstep

Avondale Farm
Preserve

One of Salt House’s most extraordinary features is what lies just beyond the backyard: the Avondale Farm Preserve, a protected open space maintained by the Westerly Land Trust. This tranquil landscape of open meadows, ancient stone walls, and rolling farmland offers a rare natural backdrop that sets Salt House apart from any ordinary beach rental.

Just a short walk from Salt House, you’re on the grounds of this beloved preserve. Whether you’re setting off on a quiet morning walk, exploring the open fields with children, spotting birds, or simply enjoying the serenity of a protected natural landscape next door — the Preserve adds a special dimension to every stay at Salt House.

  • Walking trails through open meadows and historic farmland right next door
  • Protected land maintained in perpetuity by the Westerly Land Trust
  • Open meadows and scenic countryside just steps from the property
  • Perfect for birdwatching, nature walks, morning runs, and family exploration
  • A rare natural amenity that provides privacy and peaceful surroundings

Sleeping Arrangements

The Bedrooms

Primary suite — queen bed with ensuite half bath
Primary Suite
Queen bed  ·  Private ensuite half bath
Bedroom two — full bed
Bedroom Two
Full bed  ·  Bright and comfortable
Bunk room — twin plus full bunk
Bunk Room
Twin bed  ·  Bunk (full below · twin above)

Beyond the Door

Explore the Area

🏖️
Watch Hill Beach
< 5 min drive

A beautiful, intimate beach nestled at the heart of Watch Hill village. Calm Atlantic waters, classic New England ambiance, and a quintessential Rhode Island experience.

🌊
East Beach
< 5 min drive

A pristine 2-mile stretch of powder-soft Atlantic sand with crystal-clear water. One of the finest and least crowded beaches in all of Rhode Island.

☀️
Misquamicut State Beach
10 min drive

Rhode Island’s most popular public beach, offering over half a mile of open Atlantic beachfront with full facilities, concessions, and a lively summer scene.

🦅
Napatree Point
10 min drive

An 80+ acre conservation area and Globally Important Bird Area. Walk the unspoiled sandbar to breathtaking 360° views of Little Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic.

🌅
Weekapaug Beach
10 min drive

A quieter, more secluded beach beloved by locals, set along a beautiful coastal breachway. Ideal for a peaceful morning walk or a tranquil afternoon swim.

🏝️
Sandy Point Island
15 min drive + kayak/boat

A pristine, uninhabited barrier island in Little Narragansett Bay accessible only by water. Bring a kayak or join a guided tour for a secluded sandy escape with stunning bay views.

⭐
COAST at Ocean House
< 5 min drive

Named one of the world’s best waterfront restaurants by CNN Travel. Exquisite farm-to-table cuisine at Watch Hill’s legendary Forbes Five-Star hotel. A true special occasion destination.

🍳
The Cooked Goose
5 min drive

A beloved local favorite serving hearty breakfasts and casual lunches in a warm, welcoming setting. The ideal way to fuel up before a beach day.

🍺
Grey Sail Brewing
5 min drive

A celebrated craft brewery in a beautifully restored 1920s macaroni factory. Seasonal brews, an outdoor beer garden, and the quintessential Westerly gathering spot.

🦞
Windjammer Surf Bar
10 min drive

Beachside dining with legendary lobster rolls, cold drinks, live music, and sweeping ocean views. The perfect end to a day on the water.

📚
Savoy Bookshop & Café
5 min drive

A beloved independent bookshop with a warm in-house café. Browse the stacks, enjoy a coffee, and settle in with a new read — perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

🍦
Dusty’s Dairy Bar
10 min drive

A classic beachfront ice cream shop at Atlantic Beach Park. The perfect reward after a long day in the sun — a Rhode Island summer institution.

🎠
Flying Horse Carousel
< 2 min drive

The oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States (1876) — a National Historic Landmark at the heart of Watch Hill Village and a can’t-miss for every guest.

🏮
Watch Hill Lighthouse
< 5 min drive

A picturesque lighthouse first built in 1807, with sweeping coastal views, a small maritime museum, and one of the most photographed vistas in Rhode Island.

🎢
Atlantic Beach Park
10 min drive

A historic 1921 seaside amusement strip next to Misquamicut — carousel, arcade, mini golf, and a classic beachside bar. A beloved Rhode Island summer tradition since the roaring twenties.

🌳
Wilcox Park
5 min drive

A beautifully landscaped Victorian park in the heart of downtown Westerly, featuring fountains, sculptures, and a summer concert series beloved by locals.

⛳
Golf Courses
Nearby

Multiple scenic golf courses surround the greater Westerly area, offering beautiful rounds against a backdrop of classic New England coastal scenery.

🎬
Movies on the Beach
10 min drive

Free outdoor movie screenings on Tuesday evenings in July and August at Misquamicut Beach — a magical summer tradition the whole family will love.

⛵
Block Island, RI
~45 min + ferry

Take the ferry from Point Judith to this magical island of dramatic bluffs, pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming village streets. A quintessential New England day trip.

🐟
Mystic, Connecticut
15–20 min drive

Explore the world-famous Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, and the charming drawbridge village with excellent seafood dining and boutique shopping.

⚓
Newport, Rhode Island
~1 hr drive

Rhode Island’s crown jewel — the famous Cliff Walk, Gilded Age mansions, America’s Cup sailing heritage, and a world-class dining and nightlife scene.

🏛️
Providence, Rhode Island
~45 min drive

New England’s most underrated city — a vibrant arts scene, renowned Federal Hill restaurant district, WaterFire events, and the beautiful campus of Brown University.

🌊
Narragansett, Rhode Island
~45 min drive

Beautiful beaches, the iconic Narragansett Towers, fresh seafood on the pier, and the gateway to Point Judith — departure point for the Block Island ferry.

🎓
New Haven, Connecticut
~1 hr drive

Home to Yale University, the outstanding Yale Art Gallery, and legendary pizza rivalries at Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe’s. A great change of pace from the coast.

What’s Included

All the Comforts

Outdoors

  • Private fully fenced backyard
  • Patio with propane fire table
  • BBQ grill & outdoor dining
  • Outdoor shower
  • Beach towels, umbrella & chairs
  • Beach cart
  • Cornhole & outdoor games
  • Free parking on premises

Kitchen & Dining

  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Refrigerator & freezer
  • Stove, oven & microwave
  • Drip & single-cup coffee maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Wine glasses & bar tools
  • Cooking basics & spices
  • Dining table seating for all

Home & Entertainment

  • Central air conditioning
  • 75″ living room smart TV
  • TVs in all bedrooms
  • High-speed WiFi
  • Washer & dryer
  • Board games & books
  • Children’s toys (all ages)
  • High chair & Pack N Play

Safety & Comfort

  • Premium cotton bed linens
  • Extra pillows & blankets
  • Shampoo, conditioner & body soap
  • Hair dryer & shower gel
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Smart lock (unique guest code)
  • Exterior security cameras
  • Smoke, CO alarms & first aid kit

Local Knowledge

Getting to the Beach

Salt House does not include a transferable beach parking pass, but getting to the water is easy — most nearby beaches accept daily payment right at the entrance, and several are free to access on foot.

🏖 Watch Hill Beach
< 5 min drive  ·  151 Bay St, Watch Hill
$17 / adult  ·  $9 / junior (ages 3–17)  ·  Under 2 free

The closest and most iconic beach to Salt House, tucked into the heart of Watch Hill village next to the Flying Horse Carousel. Managed by the Watch Hill Fire District — not the state or town — which means the access process works a bit differently from other area beaches.

Amenities include lifeguards (on duty until 6 PM), chair and umbrella rentals, and public restrooms. No changing rooms or showers at the beach.

merrygoroundbeach.com → 📞 (401) 348-6540

Parking — Plan Ahead

Beach admission and parking are two separate charges. Dedicated beach parking passes are reserved for seasonal bathhouse renters only — day visitors use the general village lots.

  1. 1 Best option — reserve in advance: Book a guaranteed spot online at watchhillparking.com (Watch Hill Parking Lot, 44 Bay St). Lot opens at 9 AM. Essential on summer weekends — lots fill by mid-morning.
  2. 2 Walk-up option — Larkin Lot: Directly across from the beach. $7.50 per half hour, $50 daily maximum. Free after 4:30 PM — a great option for an afternoon visit. No entry after 7:30 PM.
  3. 3 Pay beach admission separately at the ticket booth at 151 Bay St upon arrival — $17/adult, $9/junior. No advance purchase required.
⚠️ Parking enforcement is strict. Yellow-lined spots and posted resident-only areas carry a $150 fine. When in doubt, use the Larkin Lot or pre-reserve online — it’s worth it.
🌊
East Beach
< 5 min drive
Free

A pristine 3-mile barrier beach stretching east from the Watch Hill Lighthouse. Free walk-in access from street-end entrances on Bluff Ave, Everett Ave, and Manatuck Ave. No lifeguards — pack-in/pack-out.

🦅
Napatree Point
10 min drive
Free

Free foot access from the harbor seawall at the southwest end of Bay Street. An 80+ acre conservation area with sweeping 360° views of the bay and Atlantic Ocean. No lifeguards; passive recreation only.

🏄
Wuskenau Beach
10 min drive
$25 weekday  ·  $35 weekend

Town-run lot on Atlantic Ave near Misquamicut. Credit card only — no sticker or advance purchase needed, just pay at the lot. Three parking areas available. Plus 7% state tax.

☀️
Misquamicut State Beach
10 min drive
$20 weekday  ·  $30 weekend

Rhode Island’s most popular state beach. Pay at the gate via license plate recognition — cash, card, or tap-to-pay. Season pass ($60) at beachparkingri.com. Open 9 AM–6 PM weekdays, 8:30 AM weekends.

💡
Local tip: Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends — Watch Hill and Misquamicut fill completely by mid-morning on peak days in July and August. If you prefer a quieter alternative, East Beach offers free walk-in access with a beautiful long stretch of sand and far fewer crowds.

Local Knowledge

Fishing & Shellfishing

Watch Hill sits at the mouth of Little Narragansett Bay, surrounded by some of the finest inshore fishing and shellfishing waters in southern New England. Here’s what to know before you cast.

🎣
Shore & Inshore Fishing

Watch Hill Point is one of the premier surf fishing spots in southern New England. The reef complex just off the lighthouse — Watch Hill Reef, Sugar Reef, and Catumb Rocks — creates powerful rips that concentrate baitfish and draw in trophy gamefish throughout the season.

Napatree Point is another excellent spring spot where striped bass stack up to chase herring and alewives moving into the bay. When squid move onto the reef in early summer, bluefish flood the entire area.

Best conditions: rising tide with a south or southwest wind. First light, last light, and after dark produce the biggest bass — eels and metal-lip swimmers are the go-to after sunset.

Striped Bass · May–Nov Bluefish · Jun–Oct False Albacore · Aug–Oct Bonito · Aug–Oct Fluke & Scup · Summer Blackfish · Fall
🦪
Shellfishing in Little Narragansett Bay

The waters right outside Watch Hill are a designated Shellfish Management Area — a rich estuary where guests can harvest their own dinner straight from the bay. Head out just before low tide with a clam rake and a bucket. All harvest is for personal use only.

Quahogs (Rhode Island’s state shellfish) are the primary target, but you may also find soft-shell clams, mussels, and oysters or bay scallops when in season.

Quahogs Soft-Shell Clams Mussels Oysters · In Season Bay Scallops · In Season
Always check before you go: Little Narragansett Bay is conditionally approved and subject to water quality closures. Call the Shellfish Closure Hotline: 401-222-2900 (24 hrs/day) before heading out. No license required for RI residents; non-residents need a shellfishing permit.
Both launch from Frank Hall Boat Yard in Avondale — Salt House’s own neighborhood
Charter Fishing & Guided Trips
Watch Hill Charters
Captain Ben DeMario  ·  20+ Years on These Waters

Born and raised in Watch Hill, Captain Ben offers the most local light-tackle and fly fishing experience on the water. His 23′ Pathfinder departs from Frank Hall Boat Yard in Avondale — just minutes from Salt House — for half-day, morning, afternoon, and night eel trips on the Watch Hill Reef complex. No fishing license required; covered under the charter.

Striped Bass Bluefish Fluke False Albacore Bonito Scup
From $600  ·  4-hour trips
watchhillcharters.com →
Fish Trap Sportfishing
Captain Tom Logan  ·  USCG Licensed 25+ Years

For those looking to go further offshore, Captain Tom’s 36′ custom deep-sea sportfisher runs everything from inshore striped bass and fluke trips to full-day offshore runs targeting bluefin tuna, yellowfin, and mako shark in the deep water canyons. All gear, bait, and fishing license included. Also launches from Avondale.

Striped Bass & Fluke Black Sea Bass Bluefin Tuna Yellowfin Tuna Mako Shark
From $925 inshore  ·  $2,200 offshore
fish-ri.com →
📋
Fishing & Shellfishing Licenses
Rhode Island licenses are inexpensive and quick to obtain online. No license is needed when fishing with a licensed charter captain.
Saltwater Fishing — Non-Resident 7-Day $5 Purchase online at rio.ri.gov
Saltwater Fishing — Non-Resident Annual $10 Purchase online at rio.ri.gov
Shellfishing — Non-Resident 14-Day $11 RIDEM office; free 30-min online tutorial required first
Shellfishing — RI Resident Free No license required for personal harvest
Get a Fishing License → RI Shellfishing Info & Closures →

Find Your Way

Where You’ll Be

Salt House is located in the Avondale neighborhood of Westerly, RI — minutes from Watch Hill, East Beach, and Misquamicut, with the Avondale Farm Preserve right next door.

Salt House
Watch Hill Beach < 5 min
East Beach < 5 min
Misquamicut Beach 10 min
Flying Horse Carousel < 2 min
Watch Hill Lighthouse < 5 min
Avondale Farm Preserve — steps away

Policies

House Guidelines

🔑
Check-in
3:00 PM
🧳
Check-out
10:00 AM
  • Quiet hours strictly observed 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM per local Westerly noise ordinances
  • No parties, events, or large gatherings permitted
  • No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property
  • Please respect neighbors and keep outdoor noise minimal, especially at night
  • Maximum occupancy of 8 guests unless otherwise approved in writing
  • Guests must be at least 25 years old to book
  • Propane fire table and grill must be attended at all times; turn off tanks after each use
  • No unapproved pets

Before You Check Out

  • Place all used towels in the bathroom
  • Run the dishwasher with any dirty dishes
  • Turn off all lights throughout the home
  • Close and lock all windows and doors before leaving

Thank you for helping us keep Salt House a beautiful and welcoming place for every guest. We truly hope you make wonderful memories during your time in Westerly.

Ready to Escape?

Book Salt House

Summer weekends fill fast. Reserve your stay at Watch Hill’s finest private coastal retreat and make your Rhode Island memories.

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