53 Austin Street, Portsmouth, NH
Single Family Residence
Listed by Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty · Tony Jalbert
Property Description
The Pickering-Heffenger House c.1804 Live where history was made and where diplomats, dignitaries, and world leaders once gathered. The Pickering-Heffenger House is one of Portsmouth's most significant residences, prominently featured in Richard Candee's Building Portsmouth and John Mead Howells' Architectural History of the Piscataqua. Its most celebrated chapter occurred in 1905 when Dr. Arthur Heffenger, a retired U.S. Navy physician, hosted members of the Russian delegation during negotiations for the historic Portsmouth Peace Treaty. The grandeur of that era remains evident throughout the home with quadruple crown moldings, marble fireplace mantels, soaring ceilings, and extraordinary millwork. Thoughtfully modernized for today's lifestyle, the residence offers a beautifully appointed granite kitchen, wide-board cherry floors, six bedrooms, and six renovated bathrooms that seamlessly blend historic character with modern comfort. The original carriage house and stable have been transformed into three residences consisting of two one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment, creating flexibility for guests, extended family, rental income, or staff accommodations. Perhaps most compelling are the property's future possibilities. It can continue as one of Portsmouth's great private estates, become a multi-generational family compound, or be thoughtfully repositioned as a condominium conversion opportunity. An existing inn license also creates potential for boutique hospitality, subject to approvals. Situated along tree-lined Austin Street and just steps from downtown Portsmouth, this is more than a home, it's an opportunity to own, preserve, and redefine one of the Seacoast's truly iconic properties.
Property Details
Essentials & finishes
- Bedrooms:6
- Total Baths:6
- Full Baths:2
- SqFt:7,648
- Price / SqFt:$470.71
- Property Type:Single Family Residence
- Year Built:1801
- County:NH-Rockingham
- Town:Portsmouth, NH
- Status:Active
- Days on Market:21
Primary Features
Interior Features
Location Information
Financial Details
Additional
External Features
Property History
Price, listing activity & annual taxes for this property
No sales history available.
Market Data
Live snapshot computed from active listings in this town
- Active listings in Portsmouth198
- Average list price$1,533,392
- Price range$489,000 – $3,395,000
- Market sentimentBuyer's Market
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment for this home
- Principal & Interest$18,204
- Property Tax$5,100
- Home Insurance$750
Estimates use typical New Hampshire costs — a 1.7% effective property-tax rate, insurance at 0.25% of home value/yr, and PMI below 20% down. Actual town tax rates vary; verify with your lender and the town assessor.
Tom DeMatteo
Owl’s Nest Real Estate · Questions?
Market Sentiment
Buyer's MarketBased on 198 active · 0 sold in Portsmouth (last 90 days)
NOTE: This representation is based in whole or in part on data generated by PrimeMLS, Inc., which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS.
This listing data is intended for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.