We are sorry to say Dragonline LLC will no longer be hosting weddings or events at our site in Jamestown. Beginning 2024 we shall be transitioning to a “domicile” rental, pending approval from the State of RI and the Town of Jamestown (short term). Long term rentals, more than 30 days, are currently available selectively in 2024. You can continue to contact us here.
Thank you for your interest and support of our venue over the years.
Sincerely,
Duncan Laurie
Dragonline is a completely unique property, not only for Jamestown, but for all of Rhode Island. It is composed of a three story, loft-like studio building and group of peripheral buildings that allow a nearly 360 degree view of Narragansett Bay. The site occupies a high promontory jutting out into the east passage across from Newport and Castle Hill. The top floor loft affords an unobstructed view from the Newport Bridge all the way across Aquidneck Island to Block Island, Point Judith and Beavertail.
The property has numerous spaces. For instance, the top floor loft of the studio has its own private stairway along side the building and consists of one large, rectangular room with glass windows on the north, west and south sides, and glass doors on the east, opening onto an roofed porch. The top floor room is currently an open gallery with artworks and furniture under the windows. When we transition to a domicile rental property, the top floor will become a bedroom. The porch, to the east, is 6′ 10″ wide and 24′ 4″ long. The enclosed loft is 24′ 4″ wide by 32′ 7″ long. The open floor plan with high, skylighted ceilings and a sink; with the bathroom down a flight of stairs part way to the ground floor.
The main entrance is on the floor below the loft. This room functions as a living area. The space is approximately 24′ x 37′ x 16′ with 12′ windows all around, and an illuminated glass floor. It now has an updated kitchen with a food console, Viking range, dishwasher, fridge and a newly tiled bathroom & shower. Both loft rooms function as a residence off season; they are rustic in nature with stuccoed walls and concrete floors interspersed with glass blocks. One enters through 10′ hand-crafted Dutch doors into a comfortable living room and wood burning stove.
The cabin is the oldest structure on the property. It is tiny, under 200 sq. ft. It sits right upon a granite bluff directly facing Castle Hill and the Atlantic. Ships come and go day and night, and the feeling is as though one is on a boat, not on dry land. Nearly concealed by cedar trees on three sides, it affords a high degree of privacy while still being exposed to the ocean. It has a small bathroom, air conditioner and refrigerator. When the property transitions to a domicile rental, the cabin will serve as a second bedroom.
Originally, Bull Point, the site of Dragonline Studios, was part of a vast tract of land owned by Benedict Arnold, grandfather of the traitor. In colonial times, Fort Dumpling sat directly to the south, on the promontory now occupied by RIDEM and Ft. Wetherill State Park. Ft. Dumpling was the subject of many paintings by William Trost Richards (1833-1905), many of which were painted from Bull Point. He also painted Harbor Entrance looking south from the Bay.
Today, Dragonline Studios consists of two lots (appox. 4 acres) on the eastern edge of Bull Point. The rest of the Point (total 11 acres) is a family compound that dates back to 1947, when it was purchased from the Clothier family of Philadelphia (Strawbridge & Clothier). At the time of purchase, the property included a 58 room Queen Anne Style summer ‘cottage’ built in 1893, named Harbor Entrance. The house was designed by Charles Bevins for Issac Clothier. A seven story red dome made it the largest home on the island. Sadly, Harbor Entrance was torn down in 1968. What is now the tent area was originally a lawn tennis court.
In 1990 construction was begun on the Dragonline Studios complex on the foundation of the original house. The cabin was already on the property at that time but barely livable. Dragonline was designed by Duncan Laurie and architect Bill Crane. Together they evolved the present structure, which incorporated salvaged materials at every level of construction, from steel to glass to wood to staircases and interior details. The entire site of the earlier structure was excavated than the stone and rubble used to raise the lawn and driveway. Styrofoam block construction tied to a steel frame was used for the walls. The windows were all made on site. (Today the upstairs windows replace the originals). The building was heated by wood stoves and electric generators. It was used for designing and fabricating architectural glass, primitive furniture and fine art. By 2010 enough improvements were in place to allow renting, though work continues to this day.
In designing the space, golden ratio proportions, often termed the Golden Mean were employed. The most familiar image of the Golden Mean exists in the beautiful section of the nautilus shell:
“Some of the greatest mathematical minds of all ages, from Pythagoras and Euclid in ancient Greece, through the medieval Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa and the Renaissance astronomer Johannes Kepler, to present-day scientific figures such as Oxford physicist Roger Penrose, have spent endless hours over this simple ratio and its properties. But the fascination with the Golden Ratio is not confined just to mathematicians. Biologists, artists, musicians, historians, architects, psychologists, and even mystics have pondered and debated the basis of its ubiquity and appeal. In fact, it is probably fair to say that the Golden Ratio has inspired thinkers of all disciplines like no other number in the history of mathematics.”
— Mario Livio The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, The World's Most Astonishing Number
Our reason for incorporating the Golden Mean into Dragonline were initially experimental. British philosopher John Michell, who assisted with determining the proportions in the building’s design, held the view that structures built on powerful energetic sites on the landscape using sacred proportions, enhanced the wellbeing of those using the building. Harmony was restored to those worshiping in sacred proportion structures, and harmony was in turn broadcast into the environment. The term Dragonline, or ley line is used to describe the manner by which energy passes across the earth.
“Ley lines /leɪ laɪnz/ are apparent alignments of land forms, places of ancient religious significance or culture, often including man-made structures. They are ancient, straight 'paths' or routes in the landscape which are believed to have spiritual significance.” — Wikipedia
It would be hard to argue that Bull Point does not constitute a powerful natural site. There is an energy present at this location that is both visually and emotionally self-evident. What was to be determined by the construction of the studio was what effect, if any, the sacred ratios would have on those enjoying the space. After dozens of weddings, rentals, guests and events, we feel the evidence supports John Michell’s theory. A structure built today using golden ratio proportions, can indeed draw power from the land to produce a deep sense of harmony and well being. For further knowledge about Dragonline and the exploration of related topics, see duncanlaurie.com.
Amenities and activities close to the Studio
Landmarks, Activities and Jewels of Jamestown
Nearby off-island activities within a 15 — 30 minute drive
Duncan Laurie
