53 Austin Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Rockingham County
Key Facts
Presented by: Tony Jalbert
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 Information
Property Type
Residential Income
Sub-Type
Multi Family
Style
Federal
Year Built
1801
Stories
3
Living Area
10,758 sq ft
Lot Size
0.40 acres
Garage Spaces
3
Parking Spaces
3
MLS® Listing#
5095216
Property Features
Heating
Flooring
Basement
Parking
Lot Features
Construction
Roof
Utilities
Sewer
Water Source
Schools
- Elementary:
- Little Harbor School
- Middle:
- Portsmouth Middle School
- High:
- Portsmouth High School
- District:
- Portsmouth
Financial Details
Annual Taxes
$41,235
Tax year 2025
Directions
From Middle Street traveling to downtown Portsmouth, turn left onto Austin Street at the Austin Street / Richards Avenue intersection. The Property will be on your right.
Affordability Calculator
$720,000
Estimated monthly payment
$19,161/mo
Principal $2,880,000 · Est. interest $4,017,856 over 30 yrs
Location
Points of Interest in Portsmouth, NH
Showing the Portsmouth area map.
Nearby Schools
St Patrick School
School · 0.1 mi away
Portsmouth Middle School
Secondary · 0.1 mi away
The Treehouse School of Portsmouth
School · 0.5 mi away
Little Harbour School
Elementary · 0.7 mi away
New Franklin School
Elementary · 0.8 mi away
Portsmouth High School
Secondary · 1.0 mi away
Adventure Learning
School · 1.2 mi away
Kittery Adult Education Program
School · 1.5 mi away
Maude H. Trefethen School
Elementary · 2.0 mi away
Portsmouth Alternative School
Secondary · 2.1 mi away
Kittery Superintendent-Schools
School · 2.2 mi away
Mary C. Dondero Elementary School
Elementary · 2.4 mi away
Peep Center-Community Campus
School · 2.4 mi away
Shapleigh School
Secondary · 3.0 mi away
Rye Elementary School
Elementary · 3.1 mi away
Horace Mitchell Primary School
Elementary · 3.2 mi away
Champions at Horace Mitchell Primary School
Elementary · 3.2 mi away
Eliot Elementary School
Elementary · 3.8 mi away
Rye Junior High School
Secondary · 4.0 mi away
Newington Public School
Elementary · 4.1 mi away
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