INTRODUCTION
Timeless Charm in the Heart of New England
Located in the heart of College Hill, just steps from South Main Street in Providence, The Gaspee Collection reimagines one of the city's most historic homes as a modern residence rooted in tradition. Inspired by the nearby Captain Joseph Tillinghast House — the last surviving colonial building on the original Providence waterfront — this house reflects the enduring character of Rhode Island’s maritime past. With 11 uniquely curated rooms, the residence offers a contemporary experience framed by the legacy of the city’s seafaring and revolutionary roots.
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
A House with Stories to Tell
Built around 1770 by Captain Joseph Tillinghast — a Providence merchant, shipowner, and Revolutionary War patriot — the original house still stands today near what was once the city’s earliest commercial wharf, established by his ancestor Pardon Tillinghast in 1645. The home features Georgian symmetry, classical pilasters, and twin interior chimneys, all of which speak to colonial prosperity and refinement. Remarkably, the house survived the great South Main Street fire of 1801, making it one of the few remaining pre-Revolutionary structures in downtown Providence and a living archive of the city’s architectural heritage.
Colonial New England charm, redefined.
Timeless architecture reinterpreted for a contemporary lifestyle.
HOW WE DREW INSPIRATION
01.
Just as Captain Tillinghast charted transatlantic routes from Providence to the West Indies, the rooms are imagined as destinations—each one bearing a name and atmosphere tied to historical ships, ports, or ideals rooted in Rhode Island’s coastal identity.
02.
Describe the key features of the service and how users can benefit from it.
We took cues from the house’s original structure—its balance, warmth, and precision—and translated that into a contemporary design language. Interiors emphasize symmetry and natural materials, while select period details echo the quiet elegance of 18th-century craftsmanship.
03.
Describe the key features of the service and how users can benefit from it.
The resilience of the Captain Joseph Tillinghast House—surviving war, fire, and change—inspired a design ethos rooted in permanence and simplicity. From durable materials to carefully selected vintage elements, each room is designed to feel grounded, storied, and timeless.
Built in a time of revolution, reborn for quiet retreats.
This home bridges Providence’s past with today’s refined living.
