The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort: A Hidden Gem of Luxury and Adventure in Rhode Island
On 3,500 private acres in Richmond, Rhode Island, The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort stands as a four-season luxury destination, blending high-end hospitality with outdoor adventure. This expansive property features a five-star lodge, a 12,000-square-foot spa, and a range of activities that cater to both relaxation and thrill-seeking.
The journey to The Preserve begins with a serene drive from Newport, where visitors pass through picturesque landscapes of stone walls and forests. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a private wilderness that includes a five-star lodge and various sporting amenities. The resort has gained recognition for its unique offerings, which include luxury accommodations and a commitment to high standards of service.
I. An Improbable Idea
The vision for The Preserve was initially met with skepticism. The ambitious plan included a hundred miles of trails, an 18-hole golf course, clay shooting ranges, stables, tennis courts, and more, all on land that started as a mere hundred acres. Critics doubted the feasibility of such an extensive project in Rhode Island.
Today, the property spans approximately four miles by six, representing about half a percent of the state. It is privately held and surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land in the Carolina Management Area. The Preserve has since been recognized by Forbes as “The Finest Sporting Club in America,” with accolades from Beretta and Holland & Holland for its exceptional upland grounds. The MICHELIN Guide has also included it among its selected hotels, affirming that the initial ambition was indeed justified.
What distinguishes The Preserve from other luxury resorts is its approach to amenities. Each facility is designed for active use rather than mere decoration. The clay shooting courses have been expanded, and the trail system continues to grow, ensuring that the offerings remain dynamic and engaging.
II. A Sporting Estate with No Modern Equal
Unlike many luxury resorts that treat shooting as an ancillary activity, The Preserve positions it as a core component of the experience. The resort features two full sporting clays courses, including a 19-station course that winds through wooded paths and open fields. A compact 12-station course challenges guests with elevation changes, while two five-stand courses provide heated, covered positions for winter shooting.
The indoor range at The Preserve is notable for being the longest automated range in the country, featuring 150-yard lanes and accommodating various calibers. It includes 24 stations for pistol, rifle, and archery, along with a FATS® firearms training simulator. The instruction staff comprises former Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Olympians, catering to both novices and experienced shooters.
The upland season runs from October through March, utilizing hundreds of acres of sorghum fields with English-style blinds. The property raises approximately 15,000 pheasants annually and features ten stocked ponds for fishing enthusiasts.
The Sporting Shoppe is another highlight, boasting 50,000 square feet of inventory, including handmade rifles and shotguns, optics, and apparel. This extensive collection caters to serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
III. The Table, The Fire, The Fleet
The Preserve transcends the typical hunting club experience, resembling a well-appointed principality. Dining options include Double Barrel Steak, the resort’s signature restaurant, which features the largest wine cellar in Rhode Island, valued at over a million dollars. The menu is crafted in collaboration with renowned chef David Burke.
Unique dining experiences are available in the Hobbit Houses, subterranean rooms nestled among hillside boulders. Guests can enjoy a Maker’s Mark tasting menu or relax in safari tents equipped with antler chandeliers and leather club chairs.
The Preserve is also home to the Bentley Outdoor Experience, featuring a 2.2-mile off-road course designed specifically for Bentley vehicles. Guests can test Bentaygas and other models through challenging terrains.
Additional amenities include a 63-acre equestrian center, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, pools, a zipline, rock climbing, and extensive trails. The resort’s offerings ensure that a single day is insufficient to experience all that it has to offer.
IV. The Resort: Where the Day Ends
The accommodations at The Preserve are diverse, ranging from suites in the Hilltop Lodge to luxury condominiums and cozy cabins. Each option provides a unique experience, with features such as cedar hot tubs, stone fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens.
The Hilltop Spa offers 12,000 square feet of treatment rooms and wellness programming, complementing the resort’s focus on both exertion and relaxation. Curated packages, such as Clay & Stay and the Couples Retreat, allow guests to experience the best of the property.
The resort is managed by the Spottswood family’s Brightwild team, which emphasizes a personalized approach to hospitality. This management strategy focuses on creating a seamless experience for guests, ensuring that every aspect of their stay is attended to by knowledgeable locals.
V. Living There
The residential aspect of The Preserve has gained attention, with homes ranging from tiny houses to luxury estates. Recent sales have exceeded $3,000 per square foot, surpassing average prices in Beverly Hills.
For those not ready to purchase, membership options and resort stays provide access to the same amenities. Future developments include plans for a medical center, a general store, and additional accommodations.
VI. Experience It: Clays 4 Charity, August 14
For those interested in experiencing The Preserve, the 4th Annual Adam Vinatieri Clays 4 Charity event on August 14, 2026, offers a unique opportunity. This event, hosted by Hall of Fame kicker Adam Vinatieri and Paul Mihailides, chairman of The Preserve, aims to raise funds for various charitable organizations.
Participants can expect a day filled with shooting, fly fishing, and other activities, culminating in a dinner prepared by Chef David Burke. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and other charitable causes.
Entry fees start at $599 per shooter, including a full day of activities and meals. Two-night stay packages are also available for those wishing to extend their visit.
As reported by hauteliving.com, The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort continues to redefine luxury and adventure in Rhode Island, making it a destination worth exploring.
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Published on 2026-07-25 14:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk