RI Home’s Hidden Secret Will Preserve Your Dignity: How Much House

RHODE ISLAND — There’s nothing like a hidden staircase, passageway or room to pique prospective homebuyers’ imaginations — anyone’s, for that matter.

As old as the Egyptian pyramids, secret rooms and passages in U.S. residences date back to the Revolutionary War, when these hidden spaces served both to keep important information from the enemy’s hands or as safe rooms for women and children.

Secret passageways became more popular before and during the Civil War, and were used to shelter runaway slaves making their way to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Often, they were accessible through trap doors built into walls and floors.

The wealthy class often added secret staircases and passageways to their homes so household staff could go about their responsibilities without being seen, or to hide valuables. In the early 20th century, these cleverly camouflaged but still accessible rooms served as underground brothels or, during Prohibition, as speakeasies where whiskey and other spirits from illegal stills flowed freely.

Delightful secrets are waiting to be discovered inside the three properties featured this week in How Much House. We start with a house in Rhode Island with a secret outdoor shower steps away from a gorgeous in-ground pool and also feature houses in Maryland and New Jersey.

Rhode Island | $2,499,000

300 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown
Listed by: Jack Mcvicker | RE/MAX Professionals of Newport
Square feet: 3,431
Acreage: 0.52 acre
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 2023

Noted architect Dan Herchenrother at HerkWorks tucked in a secret outdoor shower to make rinsing off easy after a dip in the inground pool at this spectacular modern farmhouse. The home faces due south to maximize natural light exposure and potential solar power.

The entry foyer offers easy access to either the main first-floor living room or to a not-quite-secret private space above the garage with a full bath and flexible space suited for an office or entertainment.

An oversized island highlights the kitchen, where a screened porch and generous window design offer views of the protected valley just west of the property. A gas fireplace ensures warmth and charm in the spacious living room. The west-facing primary bedroom with an ensuite bath has vaulted ceilings, large closets, and custom cabinetry.

The finished lower level is complete with twin washers and dryers, a family room, storage, and more flexible space Peek inside for more photos.

Maryland | $1,725,000

201 N. Water St., Chestertown
Listed by: Nancy Mcd Mcguire | Maryland Heritage Properties
Square feet: 5,195
Acreage: 0.39 acre
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 1760

The pre-Revolutionary War Smith-Ringgold House has been modernized four times over its nearly 265-year history, but one of the original details remaining is a secret staircase accessible from the kitchen that was originally used by household staff to access second-floor bedrooms.

The current owner took two years to restore the home’s structural integrity, from the foundation to the attic. A river-side addition and porch were added; the cedar shingle roof was replaced; the plumbing, wiring, and HVAC systems are new; and energy-efficient storm windows were installed.

The ground floor has a large double parlor, cozy sitting room, formal dining room, breakfast room, and a stunning chef’s kitchen. An important feature is the hand-painted dining room mural by noted artist Jack Schroeder. The front hall, redesigned in about 1860, replaced a steep stairway with a grand and gracefully curving staircase.

The back yard was extensively terraced, probably in the late 1700s, in descending levels down to the Chester River. The free-standing brick garage, which dates from the early 20th century when car garages replaced horse barns, could easily be repurposed as an artist’s studio or home workshop. Peek inside for more photos.

New Jersey | $1,999,000

501 Monument Road, Pine Beach
Listed by: Chaim Landsberg | Keypoint Realty
Square feet: 5,012
Acreage: 0.46 acre
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 1999

A hidden door in the bookshelf in the private library of this waterfront sanctuary hides the staircase to the basement, where an entertainer’s dream awaits. With ample space for recreation and entertainment, the full, finished walkout basement also includes an additional bedroom and bathroom.

This luxury home is designed for entertaining throughout, with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the backyard paradise with a hot tub and inground pool with a cascading waterfall and slide. Full-length balconies spanning the home offer breathtaking water views and gentle coastal breezes. The deck and pavers surrounding the pool are perfect settings for alfresco dining or lounging by the fire pit on a cool evening.

The primary suite on the second level is one of the many highlights in this exquisite home. The bathroom has a walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, as well as a separate wet and dry sauna that adds to the spa-like feel of the room. A private balcony is an oasis for undisturbed water views.

The home is bathed in natural light, with recessed lighting to highlight the elegant atmosphere. Great views from almost every room, including from a gorgeous sunken living room. The eat-in gourmet kitchen has all the high-end appliances a chef might expect. Peek inside for more photos.

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