Stella Maris Inn

The newly renovated Stella Maris Inn is located in the historic "Point" section of Newport, just a few blocks from downtown. Guests will enjoy tastefully furnished rooms, all with private baths, and several with ocean views and fireplaces. In 1853, Edward Mayer, a successful New York businessman, commissioned George Burroughs to build Blue Rocks for Mayer's wife, Agatha Minturn. Burroughs transported the free stone for the mansion from Portland, Conneticut, and furnished the inside with black walnut. Forty years later, Lloyd Mayer, the second son of Edward and Agatha, sold the mansion to Frederick Cunningham to be used as a summer home. The mansion was then rented as a summer residence until the 1920's when the Sisters of Cluny took ownership of Blue Rocks and used the mansion as a convent. It was at this point in history that the building received its current name. The nuns renamed Blue Rocks "Stella Maris", which means "Star of the Sea". The Maddens purchased Stella Maris Inn in 1989 and completely renovated the mansion. Stella Maris Inn opened as a bed and breakfast in 1990 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places