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Listed by Tony Jalbert of Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
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.

More Info

Tax Information

  • Tax Year2025

Building

  • Year Built1801
  • Building ConstructionWood Frame, Clapboard Exterior, Wood Exterior, Wood Siding
  • StyleFederal
  • Units4
  • Unit 1 Bath4
  • Unit 1 Bedrooms6
  • Unit 1 Total Rooms12
  • Unit 2 Bath1
  • Unit 2 Bedrooms2
  • Unit 2 StyleCarriage House
  • Unit 3 Bath1
  • Unit 3 Bedrooms1
  • Unit 3 StyleCarriage House
  • Unit 4 Bath1
  • Unit 4 StyleCarriage House
  • # of 1 Bedrooms2
  • # of 2 Bedrooms1
  • # of 3+ Bedrooms1
  • Bathroom7
  • Total Baths7
  • Basement
    • Bulkhead
    • Concrete
    • Interior Stairs
    • Partial
    • Sump Pump
    • Unfinished
  • FoundationFieldstone

Basic Information

  • StatusACT
  • List Price$3,600,000
  • Date Price Change06/17/2026
  • MLS Number5095216
  • MLS StatusActive

Property

  • Acreage0.4
  • GarageYes
  • Parking Spaces3
  • Lot DescriptionCity Lot, Landscaped, Level
  • Lot26
  • Square Feet7,648
  • APX Fin AG Sqft7,648
  • Road Frontage151
  • RoadsPublic
  • AreaNH-Rockingham

Amenities

  • Exterior AmenitiesBuilding, Partial Fence, Storage
  • PricePerSqFt470.71

Water Body

  • Water AccessNo
  • Water ViewNo

Other

  • Taxes$41,235
  • Seasonal Y/NNo
  • Date Listed06/17/2026

Location

  • TownPortsmouth
  • StateNH
  • Zip03801
  • CountyRockingham
  • ZoningGRC
  • Elementary SchoolLittle Harbor School
  • Junior HighPortsmouth Middle School
  • High SchoolPortsmouth High School
  • Address53 Austin Street
  • Flood Zone Y/NNo

Interior

  • FloorsHardwood

Exterior

  • RoofAsphalt Shingle
  • Exterior ColorWhite

Utilities

  • Heat SystemNatural Gas, Baseboard
  • WaterPublic
  • Water HeaterWater Heater off Boiler
  • Electric200+ Amp Service, Circuit Breaker(s)
  • SewerPublic
  • UtilitiesCable, Gas at Street, Multi Phone Lines

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Copyright 2026 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this display comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is 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. Data last updated June 18, 2026 7:23 AM UTC

 

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