$915K Barbie-Pink Palace in Rhode Island Flies Off the Market in a Matter of Days

An astonishingly pink property that would make Barbie herself positively green with envy has charmed a potential buyer just days after it hit the market for $915,000.

Located in Providence, RI, the palatial five-bedroom estate abounds with history behind its bright pink walls, having been lovingly maintained by its former owners—who have lived in the home for more than three decades.

Historic highlights include oversized windows, pine floors, and custom millwork, as well as its vibrant exterior.

“We have had very competitive bids and will end up well over the list price,” says listing agent Rachael Dotson, of Residential Properties, Ltd. “We had some creatives, some well known Rhode Island business people, old-home enthusiasts, and people coming from the Boston market to look at the home. The commonality was that the home needs little renovations to bring it to modern day.”

The sellers purchased the 3,504-square-foot residence in 1993 for just $75,000 and have made several improvements throughout their stewardship.

“They have lived there for nearly 32 years and when they bought it, it was divided into three small apartments,” Dotson says. “They transformed it into a single-family residence by taking out walls and going back to its original layout. He’s a carpenter and she’s an artist, and I think you can see that throughout the home. It feels very preserved inside.”

Currently offering five bedrooms upstairs, Dotson says the flexible configuration could easily be modified to suit the next buyer’s needs.

“The upstairs lends itself to a large master suite,” she notes. “There is also space for a home office and a movie theater as well.”

A third floor offers western sunset views from the cupola windows, but one of the home’s most impressive details can be found on the main level.

“The house was built in 1868 for Mr. (Amos Chaffee) Barstow, who was the founder of The Barstow Stove Company,” Dotson adds. “The stove was the Mercedes-Benz of the day, and the original Barstow wood-fired cooking stove can still be found in the kitchen.”

The residence’s electrical, plumbing, and mechanicals have also been updated.

“All of the windows are original, and another interesting fact is the cupola was used as the air conditioning of the day,” Dotson explains. “You would open the windows, and the hot air would be pulled out of the house through the cupola. It is still used today to cool the house.”

Its historic pink facade is easily discernible from the oversized lot.

“Pink would have been a traditional color of that era,” Dotson says. “It’s a 9,000-square-foot lot in a neighborhood where the lots are typically half the size. There is a brick patio, timber pergola, and beautiful gardens, providing extra outdoor living space.

“The property is located in the Mount Hope/Summit neighborhood on the east side which has a nice mix of creative. It’s very walkable as well. Brown University is nearby. It’s a very special, connected neighborhood.”

The home is also situated in a neighborhood that exudes historic pride.

“In Providence, we have a lot of really unique properties, and people want to preserve their history,” Dotson says. “It’s a point of pride. People have these beautiful historic homes, and the residents rally behind them to keep them preserved. Providence is really special in wanting to maintain and preserve its history, and I think they do a great job at it.”