As the song goes, for many years, Watch Hill sat quietly on the beach of Rhode Island… and then a home there was bought by Taylor Swift. In 2013, Swift acquired the historic coastal home Holiday House, and it’s since been the location of many a celebrity-laden Fourth of July parties—plus, of course, the subject of “The Last Great American Dynasty,” from Swift’s 2020 album Folklore. (In the song, we hear about the home’s provenance—its former matriarch was the unrestrained heiress Rebekah Harkness, less swan and more society black sheep—and Swift draws lyrical parallels between herself and Harkness.)
Over the weekend, the home once again played host to Swift’s A-list circle of friends. The purpose of the gathering? Blake Lively’s 37th birthday, which was reportedly attended by Ryan Reynolds, Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Mahomes, and Brittany Mahomes. And here, we have Vogue’s guide to the picturesque town.
Less crowded than the Hamptons, and easier to reach than Nantucket, Watch Hill is located on the southernmost tip of the state, part of the larger town of Westerly that is known for its massive and restored historic homes and notable residents. It’s a small place, so hard to miss the major attractions, but here’s a guide to planning an idyllic stay.
Ocean HousePhoto: Alamy
Where to Stay
You can’t truly capture the beauty of Watch Hill without mentioning this sprawling estate. Ocean House is a waterfront Relais & Châteaux property celebrating the 150th anniversary of its original build. Amenities are seemingly endless and include access to the private beach and a 12,000-square-foot spa. Their Center of Wine and Culinary Arts offers the perfect escape from the sun with classes in their wine cellar-inspired school. Guests also have access to pastel-colored bikes and Mercedes vehicles to explore the town and surrounding area in style.
What to Do
A hike on this stretch combines exercise and unforgettable views. Open year-round, hikers can expect to cover two to three miles, depending on the turning point. Birdwatchers are in for an added treat: Napatree Point serves as a wildlife preserve and is a resting area for migratory birds.
