“Rough Point,” the Bellevue Avenue estate of the late Doris Duke, was transformed into a lavish Moroccan fantasy, complete with giant topiary camels, for the 2nd Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, given by the Newport Restoration Foundation for contributions to preserving the historic nature of Newport.
Many guests dressed Moroccan, and the serving staff wore fezes. In attendance were Mrs. Robert H. “Oatsie” Charles, President of the NRF Board, Mrs. John R. (Noreen) Drexel III, a 2007 award winner, Mr. and Mrs. David Gordon, VP of the NRF Board, celebrity realtor Melanie Delman of Lila Delman Real estate, a 2007 award winner, Angela Brown Fischer, Paul Miller, Curator of the Newport Preservation Society, Cheryl Helms, Director of the Redwood Library, State Senator Teresa Paiva Weed, City Council member Kate Leonard, Mary Riggs, Architect John and Mary Ellen Grosvenor, Betsy Ray of Christie’s, and Roderick O’Hanley. Jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini provided music in the house’s great room, and the lavish hors d’oeuvres and buffet were of Middle Eastern delicacies.
2008 Winners were Alexandra Allardt for 73 Division Street, Carol and Les Ballard for “Edgehill”, 31 Beacon Hill Road, and the Ramparts and Barracks at Ford Adams. The presentations were made by Mr. Roos, Shantia Anderheggen, Hiistoric Preservation Planner, City of Newport, and Newport City Manager Edward Lavallee.
All proceeds from the awards celebration benefit the Doris Duke Fund for Historic Preservation, which distributes grants to civic and non-profits organizations within the community. |
