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OCEAN HOUSE TO OFFER UNPARALLELED SCENERY AND SERVICE FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS

Historic Property Will Offer Events on the Only Private Resort Beach in New England

WATCH HILL, RI, November 2, 2009 – Situated on the bluffs of Watch Hill, RI, the Ocean House will offer couples the ideal setting in which to say ‘I Do’ when it re-opens after the completion of a $140 million restoration.

From its private, white-sand beach and vast, stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to lush gardens and spectacular sunsets, the property will offer seclusion without isolation, evoking the golden age of past grand seaside resorts.  The Ocean House is the only resort in New England that can host events and wedding ceremonies on the beach, and will provide an unforgettable combination of old-world elegance and impeccable attention to detail with world-class services and amenities, such as professional and personal event planning, gourmet farm-to-table dining, spacious accommodations, a full-service spa and more.  The property will also feature numerous indoor and outdoor venues, including its own stretch of private beach overlooking the ocean.

As a full-service venue, the Ocean House will be able to plan and provide for both formal and casually elegant ceremonies and receptions.  In addition, the resort’s staff will work with brides and grooms-to-be to customize the special day based on their specific tastes. Couples will work with the property’s dedicated on-site Wedding Professionals to coordinate the event location, themes and décor, culinary selections and accommodations for friends and family, among other details.  From a sea-to-table clam bake on the private beach for the rehearsal dinner to afternoon spa treatments for the bride and bridesmaids before the big day to a pre-honeymoon buffet brunch overlooking the Croquet Lawn, a complete itinerary of activities may be arranged, incorporating convenience and comfort at every step.  With just one wedding per day, the property will give undivided attention to each wedding and reception.

The stately resort will offer a variety of scenic venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as rehearsal dinners and other surrounding events.  The Ocean House Private Beach, one of the only remaining resort locations on the Atlantic shoreline where couples can be married by the water’s edge, is a picturesque outdoor location.  The property’s expansive South Lawn will also be an ideal outdoor locale with sweeping views of the Atlantic and opportunities for tented events for up to 400 guests.

For those interested in reserving indoor spaces, the Ocean House will offer three unique event spaces of varying size, architecture and décor as well as a historic chapel, just steps away from the property.  The Seaside Ballroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private covered terrace, will be the largest of the property’s ballrooms with the ability to accommodate 180 seated guests.  The Drawing Room and the Harbour Room will allow for more intimate events, offering space for up to 60 and 24 guests, respectively.  Built in 1887, on land donated to the community by the hotel, The Watch Hill Chapel can accommodate 50 to 500 guests and complements the seaside location and the natural, historic beauty and romance of the property.  Guests may also choose to book the Penthouse Suite with a neighboring terrace that is over 2,000-square-feet for gatherings of up to 40 people.

Friends and family joining in on the festivities will enjoy inspired farm-to-table cuisine from the Atlantic Northeast as selected by the bride and groom.  The culinary team will work with the special couple – utilizing local, estate-grown ingredients, traditional native foraging, local organic produce and the ethical use of the sea – to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience at every meal.  Executive Chef Cannito’s fare will be simple, based on the clean flavors of naturally prepared ingredients, and imbued with fresh herbs from the resort’s herb garden.

To complete the memorable experience, the property will offer beautifully appointed accommodations for wedding parties, almost all of which will showcase views of the Atlantic Ocean or Watch Hill Bay.  In addition, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa will offer year-round, seasonally-inspired signature services personalized to each guest’s needs, using locally-sourced products and organic materials, and a full-service hair salon.  The impeccably designed spa will be the ideal location for brides and bridesmaids to prepare for their special day.

For more information about weddings and receptions at the Ocean House, call 401-315-5599 or visit www.oceanhouseri.com.

About The Ocean House

The Ocean House, one New England’s last grand hotels, will re-open its doors in June 2010.  The 136-year-old property, originally built just after the Civil War, is perched high on the bluffs in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.  Guests will enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island from the resort’s 49 guestrooms and 23 private residences.  Farm-to-table casual and fine dining, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa and more than 10,000 square feet of event space will make the Ocean House ideal for mid-week business retreats, close-to-home family vacations, weekend luxury escapes and destination weddings.  Developed by Bluff Ave., LLC and decorated by Niemitz Design Group, the stately property is a member of Preferred Boutique, the elite collection of intimate hotels and resorts launched in 2005 by Preferred Hotel Group.  For more information, please visit www.oceanhouseri.com or call 401-315-5599

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