Roy Carpenter’s Beach Association completes purchase of historic Matunuck property
Samantha Winkler, RCB Board Director; Mary Jane Kanaczet, RCB Board President;
RJ Stamp, RCB Board Director; Alayna Berek, RCB Board Secretary; and Daniel Farr, RCB Board Vice President.
Photo credit: Drew Kanaczet
Matunuck, RI The Roy Carpenter’s Beach Association (RCBA) has purchased the 50-acre beachfront property at 240 Cards Pond Rd/, marking a defining moment in the community’s nearly 80-year history. The purchase follows months of careful planning, legal review, and member engagement. In a remarkable demonstration of unity, 100% of association members participated in the process leading to the acquisition. The $16.3 million purchase represents one of the largest community-led property acquisitions in South County history and ensures that this one-of-a-kind coastal community will continue to be enjoyed by families for generations to come.
The Association expressed its gratitude to the sellers, Christa Sisson and Rob Thoresen, the great-grandchildren of Roy Carpenter, for approaching the association with the opportunity to purchase the property.
“This milestone represents the strength, heart, and stewardship of the Roy Carpenter’s Beach community,” said MJ Kanaczet, chairwoman and president of the board of directors. “Our members have come together with a shared vision—to preserve the traditions and friendships that define this unique beachfront community while ensuring its sustainability for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to our Board of Directors, whose tireless dedication, expertise, and countless volunteer hours transformed this idea into reality. Their steadfast commitment carried us from concept to closing with integrity and teamwork.”
The purchase removes decades of uncertainty for the cottage owners, who until now had leased the land on annual agreements. Ownership allows the association to manage the property responsibly, protect its environmental integrity, and maintain uninterrupted access for its member families.
Roy Carpenter’s Beach traces its roots to the aftermath of the Hurricane of 1938, when the late Roy Carpenter began renting the land for daily parking and overnight stays. Over time, the area evolved into a tight-knit community of summer cottages and lifelong friendships. Summers at Roy Carpenter’s Beach are filled with cherished traditions — from the annual field day, cake walk and penny social to block dances and weekly family-friendly activities in the community’s historic Fire Barn.
The association was represented by Roberts, Carroll, Feldstein & Peirce of Providence, and received financing partnership and support from Washington Trust, which worked with RCBA to complete the transaction.
"This is more than a real-estate transaction—it’s a promise to protect traditions and relationships,” Kanaczet said. “We are honored to carry forward Roy Carpenter’s legacy as responsible stewards of the beach and its future.”
For more information about the Roy Carpenter’s Beach Assn., visit roycarpentersbeachassociation.org or contact rcbabod@gmail.com.