Category Archives: River

A historic Rhode Island compound that predates the nation’s founding by more than 50 years—and is rumored to have once been home to founding father Benjamin Franklin‘s sister—has hit the market for $3 million.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grange at Potowomut was built in Warwick, RI, in 1723—53 years before Franklin and his fellow Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

It is, the 10.9-acre property’s website states, a home “that has been at the center of American life since before America existed.”

But its heritage can be traced back even further to 1684, when the Greene family settled on the Potowomut peninsula—long before Rhode Island became a colony.

“The Potowomut peninsula was Greene family land before Rhode Island was a colony,” the property’s description reveals.

“John Greene, a surgeon and peer of Roger Williams, was among the earliest settlers. He sent sons across the bay to settle the peninsula. In 1684, James II Greene built on the hill above the river at the site known as The Forge.

“His son Jabez III built directly across the road on the river. That house became The Grange.”

Today, The Grange retains much of its period charm. However, in the past six years, it has undergone an extraordinary renovation at the hands of its current owners, who poured more than $1 million into stewardship improvements.

Dean deTonnancourt—an agent with Re/Max Revolution, who is also listing the property—and Steve Meersman purchased The Grange for $1.43 million in 2020 and have since made over every single space in the main residence and beyond.

“We went through the house cosmetically and beyond, so every room has been enhanced,” said deTonnancourt. “The porch has been remodeled, and we completely revitalized the cottage on property along with the landscape, hardscape, and softscape.”

The 10.9-acre property boasts a six-bedroom primary residence, a two-bedroom guest cottage, a 10-car “hobbyist” garage, and a tennis court.

Throughout the 6,325-square-foot estate, original millwork, timeless architectural details, preserved hardwood floors, built-ins, and seven fireplaces can be found.

“When you look at the home’s history from stories written or being told, Ben Franklin’s sister resided in the home for a number of years,” he said.

“It was originally built in 1723, but burned down and was rebuilt in the early 1730s. The character is still intact. It’s not your typical older home. It’s a well-built and sturdy house.”

Other highlights found throughout the primary residence include a cozy living room with a fireplace overlooking a bridge with a waterfall, a wood-paneled den with a beehive oven fireplace, and a modernized kitchen with a shiplap ceiling and white Shaker cabinetry.

DeTonnancourt said they currently use the cottage as a short-term rental.

“People come to the cottage for the setting alone,” he said. “It’s amazing.”

Built in 1825, the income-producing residence known as The Cottage at The Grange features a living room with a fireplace, a modern kitchen with granite countertops, and a front farmer’s porch and side deck designed for entertaining and relaxing.

“The Potowomut peninsula is in a unique location that sits outside of Warwick,” he said. “This is one of the original homesteads that has significant history as it also sits across from the Nathanael Greene park.”

Also found on the property are “meandering lawns,” beautifully designed patios, and specimen trees that are “documented among the tallest in Rhode Island.”

“The property is truly majestic, sitting on 11 acres,” deTonnancourt said. “There are trees that are over 200 years old.”

DeTonnancourt believes the next buyer will also be a lover of history.

“I envision the next buyer to be someone interested in a historic home, who will be more of a steward than a homeowner, who appreciates the history of the home, and will continue the journey of preservation,” he said.

DeTonnancourt and Meersman have themselves worked tirelessly to document the history of the property, which is explained in detail on The Grange website. It includes many incredible figures who have called the residence home over the years.

“This house was not a bystander to history. It was present for it,” they wrote. The dwelling has survived everything from the Revolutionary War to the American Civil War.

Because of the estate’s grandeur, deTonnancourt believes it will likely be used as a primary residence or continue operating with “guest-ready” accommodations.

“It could also be someone who has other properties who needs a retreat in Rhode Island,” he said. “When we bought it, we saw it as being a part of the home’s overall story and carrying it on. It has been wonderful.”