One block off of historic Bellevue Avenue, in Newport RI, is a gem of a property. Surrounded by private, beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens, the Ivy Lodge welcomes guests to an atmosphere of relaxation, luxury and hospitality. Here, you can enjoy a hot breakfast, grab a cup of coffee and sip it while sitting peacefully on the wrap around porch, or quickly transition to your day in Newport, only minutes from the major historic houses and downtown shops and restaurants. This is a place where we feel right at home.
Current proprietors, Don and Jacqui Jursek, took ownership of the Ivy Lodge in April 2014. They didn’t do much to the inside of the building, which is a good thing, but did change the color of the outside from a blueish green to the current brown. The dark brown color works well on the stately, wooden structure. A wrap around porch is inviting, with several sitting areas for lounging. The grounds are also stately, with manicured lawns, mature arbors and specimen trees. Tall hedges provide a surprising amount of privacy here, and when you are sitting on the porch it feels like you have the place all to yourself.
Inside, the building is rather breathtaking, especially when you enter the atrium, rising three stories and all paneled in 
darkly stained oak. The staircase is the focal point, and here you can see the only major interior change the Jursek’s made, the leopard print carpet runner that winds its way up the elegant staircase. It works well in the space.
Don and Jacqui found their way to the hospitality business via different paths. Don was in securities banking, Jacqui was an interior designer. Both loved Newport, and they came to the realization that this is what they wanted to do. They found the perfect property, complete with a large, converted carriage house that now serves as their private residence. Many jump into the B&B world without previous experience, and I must say that seems somewhat daunting. Not the case here, however, as both Don and Jaqui have done some professional cooking in their past as well. It seems they were indeed well suited, and to quote Don, “born to do this”.
Inside the lodge you’ll find a series of elegantly appointed rooms, ranging in size, amenities and price. Our favorite is the Turret Room, located on the second floor. This is spacious, does indeed include a sitting area in the building’s turret, and also has a roomy Jacuzzi tub for two. All the rooms are well done.
Breakfast here is imaginative and always tasty. You can sample the creation of the day, or, if you prefer, can order some eggs your way. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, as well as some sort of treat.
If you happen to be coming in for the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival in late September, you’ll find the 
Ivy Lodge to be the closest accommodations to the festival, as well as the nicest. It is within walking distance to the Marble House, where the festival is held. Also easily walkable are the other major mansions, The Elms, Rosecliff and The Breakers. The Museum of American Illustration is just a few blocks away.
We’re big fans of the Ivy Lodge, and it is our choice when we are spending a few days in Newport. Here, Don and Jacqui have created that calming sense of home that great properties have. It is a combination of décor, location, amenities and hospitality, and it is a great thing when it happens.
You can see much more about the Ivy Lodge on their website: www.ivylodge.com, including pictures of all the rooms. Booking online is very easy.
If you go, do say hello for us.
A votre santé!
Leave a Reply