Date
Details
Price
Change
Source
6/17/2026
Listed
$3,600,000
—
MLS
Disclaimer: Historical sales information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
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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.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 53 Austin St
General
- Price: $3,600,000
- Taxes: $41,235 (2025)
- Status: Active
- Type: Single Family
- Source: PrimeMLS
- MLS ID: 5095121
- Updated: 6/17/2026
- Added to Site: 2 day(s) ago
Interior
- Number of Rooms: 12
- Interior Features: Attic with Hatch/Scuttle, Blinds, Dining Area, Draperies, Wood Fireplace, 3 or More Fireplaces, Kitchen Island, Kitchen/Dining, Kitchen/Family, Kitchen/Living, Living/Dining, Primary BR w/ BA, Natural Light, Natural Woodwork, Skylight, Window Treatment, 1st Floor Laundry
- Fireplace: Yes
- Appliances: Gas Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Double Oven, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Heater off Boiler
- Flooring: Hardwood
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 6
- Full Bathrooms: 2
- 3/4 Bathrooms: 3
- Half Bathrooms: 1
- Bathroom 1: Bathroom Three Quarter, Level 3
- Bathroom 2: Bathroom Three Quarter, Level 3
- Bathroom 3: Bathroom Full, Level 2
- Bathroom 4: Bathroom Three Quarter, Level 2
- Bathroom 5: Bathroom Half, Level 1
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 6
- Primary Bedroom: Level 2
- Bedroom 1: Level 3
- Bedroom 2: Level 3
- Bedroom 3: Level 3
- Bedroom 4: Level 2
- Bedroom 5: Level 2
Other Rooms
- Living Room: Level 1
- Great Room: Level 1
- Dining Room: Dining Room, Level 1
Additional Information
- Equipment: HW/Batt Smoke Detector
Exterior
- Exterior Features: Building, Partial Fence , Storage
- Color: White
Parking
- Garage: Yes
- Garage Spaces: 3
- Parking: Auto Open, Driveway, Garage, On-Site, Paved, Barn, Attached
Location
- County: Rockingham
- Driving Directions: From Middle Street traveling to downtown Portsmouth, take a left onto Austin Street at the Austin Street / Richards Avenue intersection. The Property will be on your right.
School Information
- School District: Portsmouth
- Elementary School: Little Harbor School
- Middle School: Portsmouth Middle School
- High School: Portsmouth High School
Heating & Cooling
- Cooling Type: None
- Heating Type: Natural Gas, Baseboard, Hot Water
Utilities
- Sewer: Public
Structural Information
- Construction Status: Existing
- Basement Entrance: Interior
- Basement Desc.: Bulkhead, Concrete, Partial, Interior Stairs, Sump Pump
- Roof: Asphalt Shingles
- Stories/Levels: 3
- Square Feet: 7,648
- Finished Total: 7,648 Sq. Ft.
- Finished Above Grnd: 7,648 Sq. Ft.
- Year Built: 1801
Lot Features
- Lot Size (Acres): 0.4
- Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 17,424
- Frontage: Yes Road Frontage
- Frontage Feet: 151
- Driveway/Sidewalk: Paved
- Potential Use: Bed and Breakfast, Residential
- Zoning: GRC
Financial Considerations
- Price Per Sq. Ft.: $470.71
- Assessment Year: 2025
- Assessment Amount: $3,582,500
- Tax Amount: $41,235
- Tax Year: 2025
Disclosures and Reports
- Documents Avail.: Deed, Property Disclosure, Tax Map
- Lot Number: 26
Listed by Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty, Tony Jalbert
We Value Your Privacy
We Value Your Privacy
We Value Your Privacy
Listed by Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty, Tony Jalbert
Listing agent
— 53 Austin St —
Tony Jalbert
Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
NMLS#: 1598647Get Pre-Approved Today
Schools
Schools serving 53 Austin St
School District:Portsmouth School District, Portsmouth, NH
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Little Harbour School 50 Clough Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801 | K-5 | 0.7 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by ATTOM Data Solutions and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
Price & Sales History for 53 Austin St
Tax History
Tax History for 53 Austin St
Year
Property Taxes
Change
Tax Assessment
Change
2025
$41,235
3%
$3,582,500
—
2024
$40,052
-9%
$3,582,500
31%
2023
$44,140
17%
$2,736,500
10%
2022
$37,777
1%
$2,485,300
—
2021
$37,354
11%
$2,485,300
9%
2020
$33,529
-1%
$2,280,900
—
2019
$33,894
47%
$2,280,900
57%
2018
$23,008
7%
$1,452,500
4%
2017
$21,520
—
$1,399,200
—
Disclaimer: Historical tax information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Estimate the Cost
Estimate the Cost for 53 Austin St
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53 Austin Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (MLS# 5095121) is a Single Family property with 6 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and 4 partial bathrooms. 53 Austin Street is currently listed for $3,600,000 and was received on June 17, 2026. Want to learn more about 53 Austin Street? Do you have questions about finding other Single Family real estate for sale in Portsmouth? You can browse all Portsmouth real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.