Amazing Vacation Homes

(Travel Channel, 2004-2006) lifestyle series

One episode (S1E1, "Beach Homes," aired September 6, 2004) of this Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous knockoff, features one of Block Island's nouveau mansions, dubbed the Boat House by its owners, David Peters and Pam Hamilton. (It's referred to as "The Ark" on the show). David and Pam say they vacation on Block Island year 'round. While we don't doubt that they visit once in a while, the house, which was inspired by cruise ship design, is so spotless and empty it's obvious no-one really lives there. The segment includes footage of North Light, the Harborside Inn, Crescent Beach, Mohegan Bluffs, Old and New Harbor, Clay Head, and the Block Island Ferry, at least some of which is stock footage supplied by the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. The views of the island from the upper floors of the three-story Boat House are truly breathtaking. It's a shame we can't all afford to own such a home.