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6 Beds
3 Baths
7,648 sqft

$3,600,000

53 Austin Street, Portsmouth NH, 03801

Price per sqft$470.71
Built in1800
Property size7,648 sqft
Property typeResidential

Overview

Active

Listed Jun 17, 2026

Updated Jul 3

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.

$23,951/mo

Est. mortgage payment based on a $3,600,000 home price.

All estimates are provided by Luxury Presence for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.

Additional information

MLS® ID
5095121
Available since
June 17, 2026

Interior Features

Bedrooms
6
Bathrooms
3
Fireplace
Yes
Cooling
Yes
Heating
Yes
Basement
Yes

Exterior Features

Lot Size
0.4 Acres

Other Property Details

Taxes
$41,235
Tax Frequency
Annually
Garage
Yes

 Courtesy of Tony Jalbert | Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Realty

Based on information from DASH - Sotheby's International Realty (SIR) as of 7/3/2026. This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. The display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent. 

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Data last updated 3:43 AM UTC, 7/3/2026

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