NEWPORT, R.I. — Castle Hill Inn officially reopened the Agassiz Mansion on Thursday, welcoming guests back to the historic property just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, more than three months after a fire damaged the landmark retreat on Ocean Drive.
The reopening encompasses the main level of the Mansion, including the lobby, The Lawn Terrace, The Terrace Bar, Mansion Bar and Forbes Five-Star restaurant Aurelia at Castle Hill, which recently named Quentin Diez as chef de cuisine.
The Mansion’s second-floor spa, The Retreat at Castle Hill by Farmaesthetics, is also open, along with one guest room. The remaining Mansion accommodations will become available for booking in early 2027. The Harbor House, Beach Cottages and Beach Houses are all currently available.
The Inn marked the milestone Wednesday evening with a “Gathering of Gratitude,” honoring first responders, construction and business partners, and the Castle Hill team who helped restore the property. Food, refreshments and entertainment were provided.
“The reopening of the Inn is a reflection of the extraordinary care and commitment shown by so many people — from first responders, construction crews, and city and state officials to our employee-owners and greater Newport community,” said Brian Young, managing director of Castle Hill Inn.
The fire broke out shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, spreading through the wooden third-floor attic spaces at the rear of the Mansion. The Newport Fire Department, joined by crews from Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, the Navy Base and neighboring communities, safely evacuated all guests and employees and brought the blaze under control.
Castle Hill reopened to registered overnight guests in the Beach Houses and Beach Cottages on March 5, with the Chalet serving as a temporary hub. Dining reservations through OpenTable were announced in April, and the Inn confirmed earlier this month that Aurelia would resume dinner service on May 22.
Aurelia offers a six-course prix fixe menu nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and available two weeks in advance on OpenTable. Reservations for The Lawn Terrace are encouraged and can also be made on OpenTable.
Guests can also enjoy the Inn’s 40 acres of coastal grounds, with activities including guided walking tours, shoreline fishing demonstrations, morning yoga on the beach and Barton & Gray yacht charters from the private marina.
Castle Hill Inn is a Relais & Châteaux property with a Two Key distinction from the Michelin Guide. The Inn is operated by Newport Restaurant Group, a 100% employee-owned company.
For more information, visit castlehillinn.com.
