Step into Gilded Age grandeur with this iconic French-style chateau, thoughtfully reimagined for modern luxury. Designed and commissioned for the Drexel family in 1929 by renowned architects Polhemus & Coffin, and inspired by 'La Lanterne' at Versailles, 'Champ Soleil'- French for "Field of Sun" - is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. This landmark property is located at the South end of Bellevue Avenue on a privately sited estate and set on close to 5 acres behind wrought-iron gates and specimen trees. The main residence offers approximately 13,428 square feet of refined interiors, the estate features 7 bedrooms and 8.3 baths, complemented by grand entertaining rooms and a custom paneled library that was imported and re-assembled on site. All new infrastructure with state-of-the-art HVAC and systems. The outdoor spaces include manicured gardens designed by landscape architect Unberto Innocenti, a croquet lawn, a 20' 40' pool, FAA approved heliport, large greenhouse, and expansive terraces for entertaining. A separate two-unit carriage house with additional 4 car garage and workshop on Coggeshall Avenue provide additional accommodations, while vacant land offers potential subdivision opportunity. Meticulously restored and modernized, Champ Soleil seamlessly blends historic character with today's luxurious comforts, preserving the splendor of Newport's legendary Gilded Age. A landmark estate representing a rare opportunity in one of America's premier coastal enclaves.
Single-familyProperty Type
1929Year Built
4.8 acresLot Size
$1,084Price/Sq.Ft.
7 car garageParking
Listed by David Huberman• Gustave White Sotheby's Realty
Listed by Paul Leys• Gustave White Sotheby's Realty
Bellevue Avenue & Estates, located between Memorial Boulevard and Ocean Drive, is a historic and coastal Newport neighborhood with Gilded Age mansions and cliffside scenery. The neighborhood’s character concentrates along Bellevue Avenue near the entrance to The Breakers, where carriage-lined sidewalks, museum gates, and tour queues set a polished, heritage-forward pace. Landmark estates define the streetscape, with shingled cottages and formal gardens framing long blocks. The Cliff Walk traces the edge of the district, pairing salt air with close-up views of stone walls and back lawns. Cultural anchors such as The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff keep architecture and events in constant rotation. Cafes and galleries cluster closer to the boulevard, while side streets stay quiet and residential.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
601 Bellevue Ave · $18,000,000
DAYS ON MARKET
105 days
The average home goes pending in 37 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
99.4%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
LIST PRICE
$18,000,000
Median list price in this area is $908,091. (95% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
0 price drops
15% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Accessible elevator installed
Attic
Wet bar
Dry bar
Bathtub
Jetted tub
Stall shower
Tub/shower
Cathedral ceilings
Vaulted ceilings
High ceilings
Interior steps
Storage
Cedar closet(s)
Cable TV
Elevator
Bathrooms
10 full bathrooms
3 half bathrooms
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Range
Range hood
Refrigerator
Exhaust fan
Gas water heater
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Utility room
Laundry room
Flooring
Ceramic tile
Hardwood
Marble
Parquet
Heating & cooling
Central air conditioning
Forced air heating
Gas heating
Zoned heating
Exterior features
Patio
In-ground pool
Hot tub
Fenced
Private, secluded lot
Walk to water
Home design
3 stories
Drywall, plaster, wood siding and masonry construction
Parking
Attached garage (7 spaces)
Detached garage/parking
Total parking for 17 vehicles
7 covered spaces
Security
Owned security system
Construction
Brick/mortar and concrete perimeter foundation
Utilities
Sewer connected
Water connected
Underground utilities
Electric with 3 phases, circuit breakers, underground service
HOA & community
Community amenities include golf, marina, pool, public transportation, recreation area, restaurant, shopping and tennis courts
Near hospital and schools
Other
Below-grade finished area present
Above-grade finished area present
Zoning: R60/R10
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home