PORTSMOUTH, RI – The Sandy Point Heritage Foundation is calling upon the community to help preserve Sandy Point Stables, a treasured historical property in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, that is at risk of being lost to commercial development. The foundation is on a race to secure a minimum of $1.5 million as part of a capital campaign to take the first steps toward acquiring the property. Alternatively, the foundation seeks a supporter who can either acquire and donate the property to the foundation or enter into a lease-to-purchase agreement with the organization. Sandy Point Stables has been listed for sale for almost a year. Initially listed at $5.8 million, the price has dropped to $3.5 million, and the property will go to auction on October 17th, with the final bid set for October 31st.

Co-founded by Newport resident Ingrid Adolphs-Carbotti and Portsmouth resident Genna Heath, the Sandy Point Heritage Foundation is committed to revitalizing Sandy Point Stables as a vibrant community hub for equine-related therapeutic and enrichment activities, cultural events, and educational programs that are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Immediate community support is essential to ensure the foundation can acquire the property and put it at the service of the community.

Sandy Point’s Legacy in Jeopardy

The property’s loss would be mourned by more than just the equestrian community. For the past 40 years, the lounge room at the south end of the barn has been home to Stable Sound Studio, New England’s longest continuously-operating recording studio. Revered by local and international musicians alike, the studio has nurtured a wide array of genres, including jazz, blues, folk, and alternative music. Renowned artists such as Taj Mahal, Cheryl Wheeler, and Rhiannon Giddens have recorded within its walls. Kristin Hersh, co-founder of the iconic alternative rock band Throwing Muses, shared, "I've recorded in studios all over the world, with dozens of engineers, and nothing has compared to the experience of making records at Stable Sound. The atmosphere, equipment, and expertise are unmatched. I no longer record anywhere else; wherever I am, I fly in to work here ... and my records are better for it."

The studio’s loss would be a significant blow to the music community. "I have brought musicians from all over the U.S. and abroad to work there, and all fall in love with the place. It has been my 'go-to' studio for all my label projects," said Grammy-winning jazz bassist Dave Zinno, who frequently records at the studio. "Stable Sound Studio is a very important part of the arts scene on Aquidneck Island and beyond; it would be a tragedy to lose it," he added.

A Plan for Action and Community Support

Securing the property is a foundational pillar of the Sandy Point Heritage Foundation’s mission to save, preserve, and revitalize Sandy Point Stables through community programs. The urgent goal of raising at least $1.5 million is the first step in a broader $5 million capital campaign aimed at acquiring the property. This initial funding will be critical in establishing the foundation's long-term vision, ensuring that the stables remain a community cornerstone rather than being lost to developers.

The broader $5 million campaign will not only secure the property but also fund essential renovations, allowing the foundation to transform the stables into a vibrant hub for equine therapy, assisted riding, cultural events, and music programming. The remaining funds will help repay potential loans and invest in the necessary infrastructure improvements to fully support a range of programs benefiting children, veterans, individuals with special needs, and the broader community.

“We’re at a pivotal moment,” said co-founder Genna Heath. “The property goes to auction on October 17th, and the gavel goes down on October 31st. We’re asking everyone who has been touched by this place and with whom our mission resonates to help us reach this initial goal and keep this amazing place from being turned into just another development project.”

How to Help

The Sandy Point Heritage Foundation invites residents, equestrian and music enthusiasts, preservationists, and philanthropists to contribute to this urgent cause. Donations will go directly toward the purchase and preservation of Sandy Point Stables, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come. The organization has applied for 501c3 classification, and while the application is in process they have secured the support of a fiscal sponsor to be able to receive tax-deductible donations. If you are interested in partnering or supporting the foundation, and to donate or learn more about the foundation and its mission, visit www.sandypointheritage.org or contact them at info@sandypointheritage.org.

About Sandy Point Stables

Sandy Point Farms was established in 1860 by Reginald “Reggie” Vanderbilt, founding president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Its construction was finished in 1902, becoming a premier equestrian facility and a social hub during the Gilded Age Newport summer seasons. Since Reggie’s passing, Sandy Point changed hands several times. The property has been subdivided and developed, but for over 121 years, the stables have preserved their commitment to horsemanship.

In the 1980s, Sandy Point also became home to the iconic Stable Sound Studio revered in the music world for being a cultural incubator. Ran by producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Steve Rizzo, this one-of-a-kind music recording studio is known for offering affordable music instruction and recording services, fostering creative opportunities for many individuals. During Newport's renowned jazz and folk festivals, the studio has served as a place for artist gathering and collaboration.

Sandy Point Stables’ most recent owner, Jessie (Jay) Sargent, a professional equestrian for over 30 years and a highly respected figure in the equestrian world, passed away in September 2022. Her daughter, currently a resident of Scottsdale, AZ, inherited the farm after Jay’s passing.

The property is listed for sale at $3.5 million, and it is scheduled to go to auction on October 17th, with the gavel dropping on October 31st, putting its history and heritage at risk of loss. The Sandy Point Heritage Foundation is looking to save the property, restoring it and transforming it into a community hub, preserving its legacy and expanding inclusive programs that benefit the community for many generations to come.

About Sandy Point Heritage Foundation

The Sandy Point Heritage Foundation is dedicated to promoting and cultivating accessible cultural and recreational activities by supporting equine-related programs, cultural events, and music programming for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. The foundation’s work is rooted in the preservation and revitalization of Sandy Point Stables, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital hub for community engagement, heritage appreciation, and cultural enrichment.

Media Contact:
Ingrid Adolphs, Co-Founder | Co Executive Director
Sandy Point Heritage Foundation
Email: ingrid@sandypointheritage.org