53 Austin Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
- 6 beds |
- 6 baths |
- 10,758 sqft
Single-Family Home
Built in 1801
0.4acre lot
3 car garage
$335/sqft
Listed 1 month ago
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.
- Listing Status:
- Active
- Date Added:
- June 17, 2026
- Data Last Updated:
- July 28, 2026 at 10:57PM
- Listing Office:
- Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty : 603-964-8028
- Listing Agent:
- Tony Jalbert : 603-964-8028 : tony.jalbert@sothebysrealty.com
- MLS ID:
- 5095121

- General: BuildingPartial FenceStorage
- Style: Federal
- Parking: Auto OpenDrivewayGarageOn-SitePavedBarnAttached
- Roofing: Asphalt Shingle
- General: Wood FrameClapboard ExteriorWood ExteriorWood SidingFieldstone
- Road/Access: Public
- School District: Portsmouth
- County: Rockingham
- Driveway: Paved
- Zoning: GRC
- Current Use: None
- Utilities: CableMulti Phone Lines
- Water: Public
- Sewer: Public
This listing courtesy of Tony Jalbert , Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
Monthly Payment
- Principal & Interest $
- Property Taxes $
- Home Insurance $
- VA Funding Fee $
