53 Austin Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801

Live where history happened and the rich and famous once walked. Take advantage of an extraordinary opportunity to own the Pickering-Heffenger House c. 1804. Read about it in the pages of Richard Candee’s Building Portsmouth as well as John Mead Howells’ classic Architectural History of the Piscataqua. In short, Dr. Arthur Heffenger acquired the house a few years after the civil war. A retired US Navy doctor, he was active at the new “Cottage Hospital.” That building still stands across from City Hall. The good doctor, along with his wife Fannie and six children, hosted a magnificent ball here for the Russian delegation while the Portsmouth Peace Treaty was being negotiated in 1905. The grandeur of that era still shines in the detailed finish work of the mansion’s impressive front rooms. Count Witte himself most certainly would’ve admired the quadruple crown moldings, marble fireplace mantels and opulent stair rails. Today, the house represents a new modern opulence with its large, well-appointed, granite-countered kitchen, wide-board cherry floors, six bedrooms and six bathrooms, all recently renovated to highest standards. Further, Dr. Heffenger’s stable has been converted into two, one-bedroom apartments and one, two-bedroom unit. There is ample parking for all. The uniquely spectacular property graces quiet, tree-lined Austin Street and is just steps away from downtown Portsmouth. License in place for inn conversion. Make your own history here.