Castle Hill Inn
Cedar Roof Restoration - Newport, Rhode Island
Castle Hill, prominently sited on a rocky peninsula along Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the city’s most recognizable and historically significant coastal landmarks. The house was constructed between 1874 and 1875 as a summer residence for renowned scientist and explorer Alexander Emanuel Agassiz and was designed by Charles H. Slack of Boston. Conceived as a shingled seaside retreat, the residence is defined by its complex roof lines, prominent tower, and commanding relationship to the Atlantic landscape—an architectural expression closely tied to Newport’s late‑nineteenth‑century maritime heritage.
Over the course of the twentieth century, Castle Hill experienced alterations and periods of simplification that diminished its original character. In the early 2000s, a comprehensive historic preservation and rehabilitation effort was undertaken to restore the Agassiz House while supporting its continued use as the Castle Hill Inn. Beginning in 2003, the restoration was led by Newport Collaborative Architects, who served as architect of record, with Kirby Perkins Construction acting as general contractor. The work included the reconstruction of the historic tower, restoration of exterior siding and windows, chimney reconstruction, and the installation of historically appropriate roofing and architectural detailing, all guided by established preservation standards.
As part of this broader restoration initiative, Slate & Copper Services was engaged to perform specialized exterior work critical to the building envelope. Our involvement focused on the installation of custom cold‑rolled copper flashing components and Western Red Cedar tapersawn roofing, executed using historically appropriate materials and traditional craftsmanship. Particular care was given to complex roof geometry, transitions, and drainage areas where precision detailing was essential to long‑term performance. Copper elements were fabricated and installed to manage water discreetly across the roofscape, while cedar tapersawn shingles were selected for their dimensional stability, durability, and visual consistency with the historic fabric of the house. Where necessary, discreet modern performance measures were incorporated to address wind, moisture, and salt exposure inherent to Castle Hill’s coastal setting.
The restoration of Castle Hill received significant professional recognition for its quality and historical sensitivity, including the Newport Historical Society Preservation Award (2002), a Rhode Island AIA Award for Historic Preservation, and a Preserve Rhode Island Merit Award. These honors reflect the collaborative discipline, craftsmanship, and rigor applied throughout the project.
In early February of 2026, Castle Hill faced one of the greatest challenges in its 150-year history. A devastating fire swept through part of the inn, damaging sections of the roof and interior. For the community, it was more than a building at risk. It was a piece of Newport’s identity. In the days that followed, the focus turned to preservation, recovery, and rebuilding.
Slate & Copper Services was again brought in to lead the roof repair and restoration. Our goal was clear: restore what was lost… strengthen what remained… and ensure the inn’s architectural character endured. We replaced the damaged roof, installed new tapersawn cedar shingles, and fabricated custom copper flashing and details — each piece hand formed to match the original profiles.
Every step required precision. Every decision required respect for the building’s history. And every detail was crafted to withstand the next century of coastal weather. This was more than a construction project. It was a restoration of memory and heritage.
Today, Castle Hill stands as both a carefully stewarded historic estate and one of Newport’s most enduring architectural icons. Slate & Copper Services’ contribution reflects a commitment to historic wood roofing, architectural copper craftsmanship, and landmark preservation, supporting the continued life of a property whose significance extends well beyond its spectacular setting.
Builder: Kirby Perkins Construction