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While restoring the house, the Clifts' philosophy was to retain as much of the original as possible, adapting their present needs to the existing structure. There were no changes made to the building, with the exception of updating the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities. As walls and dropped ceilings were removed many original details were found, such as plaster moldings and ceiling medallions. Wallpaper over 100 years old was discovered in places that were covered up many years ago.
The restoration involved removing 70 years of insensitive remodeling and reviving the original character of the house. This included reopening the transoms, milling trim to exactly match the original, installing reproduction gas/electric lighting, restoring two large parlor doors which were found in the garage, sanding and finishing 3200 square feet of pine flooring, opening up and cleaning six fireplaces and replacing five missing mantels with antique mantels of the period.
All 27 windows were reglazed, repaired, restrung, and repainted, but the biggest challenge was the restoration of the stairway and halls. The staircase was restored by a local craftsman based on an old baluster and part of the old railing which were found in the attic.
The Gateway Bed & Breakfast is an example to the community of sensitive rehabilitation and adaptive re-use as well as a successful business. The Clifts have become "missionaries" for restoration, and are always willing to help newcomers to the neighborhood. They have loaned their house out for numerous meetings and presentations, and have captured the special interest of the National Trust Regional Representative Frank Gilbert, who has observed the progress of the restoration over the past three years during his visits to Newport. Ken serves on the Newport Historic Preservation Commission, and both he and Sandy are active in their neighborhood organization.
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