Bradford-Dimond-Norris House
Circa 1792
Bed & Breakfast

When the British raided the town of Bristol in 1778 one of the many homes to be destroyed by fire was that of Rhode Island's Deputy Governor William Bradford. Later, in 1792, Bradford began work on what was to become known as the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House.
In the 1840's the building was bought by Governor Francis Dimond. When his daughter Isabella decided to settle there with her husband, the sugar refiner Samuel Norris, they employed the services of the famous architect Russell Warren. He built the elegant stairway in the foyer, added the north wing, put in the Ionic column style porch and Chinese Chippendale balustrades. After the Civil War the third floor was added. This gave the house the characteristics which has earned it the charming title, "The Wedding Cake House".
It stands in majestic splendor just set back from Hope Street where the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country can be seen.
The present owners Lloyd and Suzanne Adams, acquired the house in 1994. They spent all the following year restoring the house to it's original beauty. From the four poster beds in the bedrooms to the collection of antiques, paintings and furniture, the house is now a testament to the charm of the colonial era. Walking through it one has the feeling of stepping back in time. An atmosphere much enhanced by the cordial, relaxed greeting you will find as a guest.
Each of the four guest rooms has individually controlled air conditioning and a private modern bathroom. And each can be opened to accommodate a third guest.
You may like to breakfast in the sun on the large veranda overlooking the garden with it's ancient purple beech tree. Or play the baby grand piano in the front sitting room. Whatever your individual tastes may be, you are invited to enjoy the house to it's fullest.
Step from the front door and you will find yourself in the center of a New England town that is steeped in history. There are several excellent museums in the Historic Waterfront District. For those who like to merge history with a little shopping there are some wonderful antiques stores along Hope Street. This is where you'll find some fine restaurants and great pubs.
The entire East Bay area of Rhode Island offers a range of year round activities that includes historic sites and programs, live music, theater, fine dining and unique shopping. A 15 mile bike path runs from Bristol all the way to Providence, there are also nature walks and every kind of water sport imaginable.

Bradford-Dimond-Norris House
Bristol RI 02809
401*253*6338
Email us at
bdnhouse@edgenet.net

20 Minutes
from Providence
and Newport

 From New York
Interstate 95N to 195E to Exit 7 (Barrignton/Rt. 114S). Travel through Barrington, Warren and into Bristol. Rt. 114 becomes Hope Street. Turn left at State Street and immediate left into BDN Guest Parking Area.

From Boston
South on Rt. 24S. Use Portsmouth/ Bristol Exit (bear right off exit) . Go over the Mount Hope Bridge. Travel Rt. 114N (Hope Street). Turn right at State Street and immediate left into BDN Guest Parking Area.

From Mass Pike
Exit Mass Pike at Exit 10 Worcester/ Auburn, follow signs for Rt, 20E and Rt. 146S, take Rt. 20E approximately 5 miles to Rt. 146S, Rt. 146S merges to 95S, in less than 1 mile the 195E exit is a left merge, 195E to Exit 7 Rt. 114S Seekonk/ Barrington , travel Rt.114S approximately 11 miles to the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House.

Bristol Points of Interest
  • Town of Bristol
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum
  • Linden Place Mansion
  • Blithewold Mansion and Garden
  • Haffenreffer Museum
  • Roger Williams University
  • Colt State Park
  • Historic Waterfront District
  • Bristol Historical
    & Preservation Society