Natural scenery and a slower pace in Little Compton
Widely considered one of the most picturesque parts of Westport, the neighborhood of Little Compton is full of natural beauty. Little Compton’s peninsula follows the Sakonnet River and eventually juts out into the ocean. It’s a rural retreat ideal for those looking to adopt a slow pace of life. “Little Compton is appealing to people who want privacy and anonymity,” says Stefanie Carr, a Realtor with Lila Delman Compass. “There’s no nightlife scene. It’s very quiet and quaint. It feels removed but you can get to Providence in about 40 minutes.”
Half-acre lots and diverse styles define the housing market
Housing styles and prices are diverse. For example, buyers can find a custom-built home from 2018 in the upper $500,000s. These pay homage to the classic New England look, with wood shingle siding. Closer to the water, prices crest into the multi-million range. These homes will have a rustic vibe, with elements of coastal cottages or lodges present inside and out. Whichever route, lots are typically sized a half-acre or more.
Students attend Wilbur School through eighth grade
Little Compton’s one educational institution is The Wilbur School, as locals call it. Around 350 students attend, spread across kindergarten to 8th grade. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, helping Niche to award the school an A- in the teachers category. Portsmouth High School, which has a population of 850, is where older students attend. The school is known for its strong sports programs, across the board. In 2023, a Portsmouth High School senior won the state championship for girls’ high jump.
Goosewing Preserve offers dunes, ponds and rare wildlife
Getting out to the water is a prime pastime. While private beaches abound, there are public beaches like South Shore Beach. For immersion in beach, dune and coastal pond ecosystems, head to Goosewing Beach Preserve – it’s a great place to hike, swim, sunbathe and spot rare birds. But there’s also plenty of culture to dive into as well. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard benefits from the unique placement of Little Compton, growing varieties that do well in a coastal climate, like pinot noir. Visitors may sample from 19 varieties of wine while sitting outside with the grapes or while sitting inside the barn. Sakonnet Golf Course was named Top 5 in the state by Golf Digest in 2023.
Local produce stands and cozy diners serve daily needs
Most resident drive to nearby cities like Tiverton before encountering a larger supermarket. Often, getting fresh fruit and veggies is just a matter of visiting one of the many local produce stands, like Walker’s Roadside Stand. The market also has milk, coffee and other goods.
For dining, residents like Commons Lunch, which doesn’t just serve lunch items like lobster salad, they also serve breakfast classics like eggs benedict with home fries. This is a place to cozy up and chat with neighbors, so grab a seat in one of the booths or up on a stool at the lunch counter.
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
