Step into the charm of New England history with this diverse collection of historic homes dating from the early 1900s to the roaring 1920s, each offering a unique opportunity across New Hampshire. Imagine restoring a 1920 waterfront home in Alton, priced at $859,900, perfectly poised for transformation on over 1.5 acres by Merrymeeting River. In Portsmouth, a cozy 1920 bungalow sells for $649,900, featuring scenic Piscatiqua River views and proximity to vibrant downtown culture. Nashua presents two remarkable investment options: a 7-room, 3-bedroom leased residence at $549,000, and a sizable 4,708 SF multi-unit property boasting 16 rooms for $1,499,000. Each home embodies potential for historic preservation or modern reinvention, inviting buyers to reimagine their perfect living space or income property today.

1. 1920 New Englander Home in Alton, NH

This waterfront 1920 New Englander home in Alton, New Hampshire offers a rare opportunity for restoration and customization on 1.54 acres of scenic land with direct water access. The property has recently received essential exterior upgrades including new siding, roof, and windows, ensuring long-lasting durability. The fully gutted interior provides a blank canvas for a builder or designer to create a unique living space that blends historic charm with modern amenities. Priced at $859,900, this home presents endless potential for a family residence or home business, surrounded by tranquil natural beauty along the Merrymeeting River.

Historic American Home

This two-story historic home features gray horizontal siding with white trim around windows and corners, typical of early American architecture. The steep gable roof showcases gray shingles and a central brick chimney, reflecting traditional craftsmanship. A full-length enclosed porch with multiple large windows and a white door provides a bright entryway, emphasizing natural light. The foundation includes lattice-style skirting painted gray, complementing the siding. Small, white-framed dormer windows appear on the upper story. A detached white garage with a peaked roof stands nearby. Surrounding green lawn areas and paved driveways illustrate a simple, functional layout with period detail.

Historic Home

This traditional American home features a two-story layout with a complex roofline of intersecting gables. Its exterior showcases light gray horizontal siding paired with white trim highlighting the window frames and fascia. Multiple large windows invite natural light into the home, including double-hung styles on the upper and lower floors. A brick chimney rises from the roof, grounding the design in classic residential architecture. An enclosed porch with a black metal sloped roof provides an inviting entry, while green grass surrounds the property. The setting includes distant hills and mature trees, contributing to a tranquil, historic atmosphere.

Historic Home Exterior

This American historic home features two stories and a gable roof with dark gray shingles. The exterior walls are clad in light gray horizontal siding, complemented by white trim around the windows and edges. Large double-hung white-framed windows on both floors provide natural light. A screened-in porch with a black metal roof extends from the side, offering a sunlit sitting area furnished with wicker chairs and a small table. The house is set on a green lawn adjacent to a road and adjacent to a cemetery, with mature trees and distant hills adding to the rural ambiance.

Detached Garage

This detached garage features a white-painted wooden exterior with horizontal siding and a traditional gable roof covered in brown shingles. The front wall includes a large paneled garage door with rectangular windows, allowing natural light to filter inside. A round, simple clock is mounted above the garage door, contributing to the historic character. The garage backs onto a fenced lawn area with lush green grass and mature trees, blending the structure into its natural, rural setting. The asphalt driveway leads directly to the garage entrance, creating easy vehicle access consistent with mid-20th-century American home designs.

Unfinished Interior

This room features exposed wooden framing and insulation, emphasizing its current construction phase. Three white-framed windows allow ample natural light, casting soft shadows across the raw plywood floor. The ceiling displays a grid of wooden beams, showcasing traditional building techniques. A white door with a central glass pane provides an exterior view of bare trees and a cloudy sky, integrating the outdoors with the interior space. The walls remain open, revealing fibrous insulation in a yellowish hue. Light-colored wood dominates the palette, creating a warm yet unfinished atmosphere that highlights the craftsmanship of early American home building methods.

Sunroom

This historic sunroom features a hardwood floor with a warm honey tone that extends throughout the space. Large double-hung windows with white trim allow abundant natural light and views of the outside neighborhood, emphasizing the room’s open connection to the outdoors. The walls are partially stripped to exposed wooden studs, revealing the home’s original structure. A white patterned press-tin ceiling adds vintage character indicative of traditional American architecture. A brass chandelier hangs centrally, complementing the ceiling detail. Functional elements include storage shelves, a wet/dry vacuum, a small television atop wooden cabinets, and a stainless steel trash bin.

Interior Frame

This historic American room features exposed wooden framing, revealing the structure beneath the finished surfaces. The ceiling is stripped down to its wooden beams and joists, showcasing craftsmanship typical of early construction techniques. Two large windows with white painted sashes provide natural light and ventilation, contrasting with the dark stained wood wall studs behind them. The flooring consists of wide wooden planks with a worn finish, indicating years of use. A solid wood door with rich honey tones stands partly open, leading into an adjacent space. The room offers a glimpse into traditional building methods and materials.

Entryway Hall

This entryway hall features warm wood flooring and rich wooden trim around doorways, signifying classic early 20th-century design. A cream ceiling with delicate patterned tiles adds historic elegance, complemented by a vintage chandelier with floral accents. Against one wall, built-in cabinetry in robust, dark wood provides both function and visual weight, contrasting with lighter unfinished wood in adjacent areas. Visible through a large framed opening is a room under renovation, exposing framing and natural light. An open doorway leads to a stairwell with simple wooden balusters, while the space contains scattered tools and household items, blending historic features with ongoing updates.

Renovation Space

This room combines exposed wooden framing and structural beams, revealing the original construction materials and joinery. A large, double-pane window on the far wall allows abundant natural light, highlighting the warm, unfinished hardwood floor. Two wooden doors with distinct grain patterns add historic charm, while the partially stripped wall exposes plaster and lath beneath stripped wallpaper. The ceiling framework, arranged in a grid pattern, suggests ongoing renovation. The use of natural wood tones and original architectural elements reflects early American craftsmanship. Overall, the space presents a blend of historic authenticity and transformative restoration potential.

Listing Agent: Shaun McCluskey of Maxfield Real Estate/Wolfeboro via Zillow 

2. 1920 Bungalow Home in Portsmouth, NH

This charming 1920 bungalow-style ranch home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers a timeless retreat overlooking the scenic Piscatiqua River. Situated on a perfectly landscaped corner lot, it is just steps from Prescott Park and historic downtown’s vibrant waterfront events and dining. The three-room layout features a bedroom, sunny living room, and an eat-in kitchen with butcher block counters and open shelving, alongside an updated bath with shower. Enjoy morning coffee on the outdoor patio while watching boats drift by. Priced at $649,900, this ideal pied-a-terre blends historic charm with modern updates for weekend or full-time residency.

Historic Cottage

This small blue cottage features wooden siding with dark trim outlining the roof and windows. A gray shingled roof slopes gently over the simple rectangular structure. A prominent bay window projects outward, adorned with white framing, allowing light into the interior. Creeping ivy climbs the walls, softening the architecture and blending with the surrounding greenery. The front door is natural wood with glass panes, welcoming guests into the home. A stone pathway leads to a small outdoor dining area with black metal furniture, bordered by lush plants and a stone retaining wall. Neighbouring homes show varied historic styles, enhancing the cottage’s charm.

Historic Cottage

The small blue cottage features horizontal siding and a dark shingled roof with two brick chimneys. A white-framed bay window protrudes from the front, accompanied by a natural wood door with a glass inset and a vintage-style address plaque. Ivy climbs the house corners, enhancing the historic character. A brick driveway comfortably fits one white sedan, leading to black stair railings on the left. A stone-edged flower garden borders the right side, filled with bright green leafy plants. An outdoor seating area with a dark table and navy umbrella offers a cozy spot beside the cottage on the corner street.

Historic House Exterior

This historic American home features a white-painted wooden exterior with traditional clapboard siding and a simple gable roof. Two red doors with small triangular awnings mark the entrances, suggesting a duplex or multi-family design. Multiple double-hung windows with white frames allow ample natural light. The outdoor area includes a black metal patio table and chairs beneath a large black umbrella, providing shaded seating. Lush green hosta plants border the patio area, contrasting with the paved driveway. A cherry blossom tree adds seasonal color nearby. Utility poles, power lines, and a metal bridge over water in the distance reflect a working, urban setting.

Sitting Area

This sitting area features a clean, minimalist layout with light wooden flooring that contrasts softly with white paneled walls. A light grey sofa anchors one side, adorned with a long, patterned cushion. Against the opposite wall, a tall, beige wingback chair sits beside a small, round table with a blue glass top and black metal legs. The room’s decor includes two large framed artworks, one of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and another featuring a red lobster, adding a playful and historic touch. Natural light filters through a window with a white roller shade, enhancing the space’s airy feel.

Living Room

The living room features a streamlined design with a long gray sofa adorned with a large, patterned cushion. A tall, modern floor lamp with globe bulbs illuminates the space beside a wide, vertical mirror that visually expands the room. The walls are painted pale gray with subtle vertical paneling, enhancing the room’s brightness. A white, cushioned armchair rests under two framed landscape paintings above it. The large windows on the left have white Roman shades, allowing natural light to flood the room. A blue geometric area rug adds color and texture, complementing the hardwood floor. A monochrome framed print decorates the main wall.

Kitchen Dining

A compact kitchen dining area features a rectangular table draped with a light beige cloth, surrounded by four navy blue chairs. The room’s walls are painted a soft white, complementing the six-panel windows dressed with white roman shades that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy. A white, vintage-style refrigerator stands beside a small white cabinet with sculpted detailing. Light wooden open shelves above a matching wooden countertop hold colorful mugs, dishes, and glassware, with additional cookware stored neatly underneath. The flooring consists of light wood laminate, and a central brass chandelier with exposed bulbs provides warm illumination.

Kitchen Corner

This kitchen corner features a compact layout with light wood laminate flooring and soft, white-painted walls that brighten the space. A white refrigerator topped with a microwave sits adjacent to two floating wooden shelves displaying colorful dishes and glassware. The corner counter consists of natural, unfinished wood with open shelving beneath for pots and kitchenware. On one wall, a framed landscape painting adds historic charm, while a modern line-drawn figure print hangs near a wooden side table with a small potted plant. Contemporary dark chairs surround a dining table draped with a beige textured runner. Warm overhead lighting completes the inviting setting.

Bedroom Interior

A compact bedroom features a centrally placed bed with a patterned beige and brown bedspread that adds subtle detail to the space. The headboard is upholstered in dark material, contributing contrast against the pale gray, vertically paneled walls. Two wall-mounted brass sconces with cream shades flank a small window, providing balanced lighting. A large rectangular mirror with a simple gold frame hangs on one wall, enhancing the room’s depth. Wooden flooring in a light finish complements the muted wall tones. A flat-screen television is mounted on the opposite wall, next to a framed picture of a lighthouse scene, blending modern with historic charm.

Listing Agent: Patrick Carey of Carey Giampa, LLC/Seabrook Beach via Zillow 

3. 1900 Residential Home in Nashua, NH

This historic 1900 residential home is located in Nashua, New Hampshire, presenting a spacious 3,460 square feet of living space. Featuring 7 rooms, including 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, it offers a balanced blend of heritage and modern living. The property is currently leased, providing immediate tenant occupancy with tenants responsible for utilities. Parking is readily available with both public and off-street options. Situated on a gently sloped lot, the home’s exterior boasts a contemporary update with solar panels and a serene backyard setting. The listing price for this significant property is $549,000.

Living Space

This living area centers around a flat-screen television mounted high on a cream-colored wall with a gentle vaulted ceiling above. A metal shelving unit to the left holds folded textiles and electronics, while a small wooden cabinet sits adjacent. Natural light enters from the right side window, next to a wooden side table topped with a white lamp. The floor is carpeted in a light beige tone, providing warmth and softness. A simple square mirror with a mosaic frame hangs beside the television, reflecting light. The room balances practical storage and comfort within a modest, understated design.

Historic Home

This two-story historic American home features a simple rectangular layout with light-colored siding contrasted by dark window frames. A wooden deck extends from the rear, equipped with a red patio umbrella and casual outdoor furniture, enhancing its livable outdoor space. The roof, covered with asphalt shingles, includes solar panels suggesting a blend of traditional architecture and modern technology. Surrounding the home, a lightly wooded area and patches of melting snow indicate a transitional season. Nearby similar homes rest on gently sloping terrain, creating a quaint neighborhood atmosphere. Utility elements, including a telephone pole, contribute practical details to the scene.

Historic Home Exterior

This historic American home features a simple, vertical façade clad in pale grey siding, emphasizing clean lines and functional design. Two garage doors flank a central, white-paneled door, highlighting a practical main entrance to the lower level. The side elevation includes several rectangular windows arranged vertically, preserving historic stylistic cues reminiscent of early American colonial influences. The sloping roof and minimal decorative detailing enhance its utilitarian charm. Adjacent homes with similar design elements and a mixture of stone foundations and wood materials contribute to a unified neighborhood aesthetic. Natural sunlight casts soft shadows, accentuating the texture of the exterior surfaces.

Historic Home Exterior

This historic American home features simple, clean lines with wood siding painted in a light, neutral tone. The roof varies in slope, combining both steep and moderate pitches covered with dark shingles. The structure includes a main section with higher walls and an attached lower wing, emphasizing functional design typical of early American architecture. The exterior wall textures show horizontal clapboard patterns, enhancing visual interest. Surrounding the home, mature pine trees provide natural shading and a scenic backdrop. Minimal outdoor furnishings include two white chairs and an air conditioning unit, blending practicality with the home’s understated, historic charm.

Historic Home Exterior

A two-story historic American home features light grey wooden siding with white trim around multiple rectangular windows arranged asymmetrically. The structure includes a flat roof section that slopes gently to one side. On the lower level, two white garage doors provide vehicle access, and a small deck with wooden railing extends from the rear right corner, elevated above a grassy area with natural rock landscaping. The house is surrounded by mature trees, including pines, adding natural greenery. Overhead utility lines stretch diagonally across the sky above the home, contributing to the vintage neighborhood atmosphere.

Listing Agent: Nick Ackerman of NAI Norwood Group via Zillow 

4. 1900 Multi-Unit Home in Nashua, NH

Built in 1900, this historic multi-unit home is a notable property situated in Nashua, New Hampshire. Featuring six units, the house offers a total of 4,708 square feet with 16 rooms, including 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms. Currently leased, the tenants are responsible for their utilities while benefiting from public water and sewer services. The spacious premises require scheduled tours to preserve the privacy and integrity of the property. Listed at $1,499,000, this early 20th-century home holds significant appeal within the community, blending its century-old charm with a great location and ample living space.

Historic Home Exterior

This historic American home features a classic two-story layout with light yellow wooden siding and contrasting black shutters on each window. The roof combines gabled and hipped styles, topped with traditional brick chimneys. A covered porch supported by square columns invites entry, with red-painted steps leading up to it. Multiple double-hung windows create balanced symmetry across the facade, offering varied perspectives inside. The surrounding paved area serves as parking, accentuated by patches of lingering snow and leafless deciduous trees, highlighting a late winter setting. Architectural elements suggest a Colonial Revival influence, harmonizing vintage charm with a residential environment.

Historic Home

This two-story historic American home features soft yellow siding with contrasting black shutters and white trim. A central green front door with a classic pediment and fluted columns welcomes visitors, accessed by a concrete stairway with simple iron railings. Windows are symmetrically arranged, enhancing the balanced, traditional aesthetic. The roof sports wide eaves with decorative brackets, suggestive of mid-19th-century architecture. To the right, a raised porch with wood lattice skirting offers outdoor seating space. Surrounding leafless trees and patches of melting snow indicate a late winter or early spring setting, highlighting the home’s charming, timeless presence.

Kitchen Interior

This narrow kitchen space features white walls and cabinetry contrasted by a wooden counter and red accents throughout. A small, vintage-style electric stove with four burners stands next to a white sink under a window covered by a light yellow curtain. A tall white refrigerator sits against one wall, adjacent to a black metal shelving unit holding various kitchen items and a microwave. Two red chairs rest against the wall, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. The floor is covered with beige tiles and a red runner rug runs along the length of the kitchen, blending practical design with a touch of historic charm.

Historic Outbuilding

A small, rectangular outbuilding stands isolated on a gravel lot, painted in faded yellow with white trim outlining the corners and window frames. Wood siding runs horizontally, showing slight weathering from age. Two small, multi-pane windows on the shorter and longer sides admit natural light inside. The simple gable roof consists of dark shingles, and a chimney protrudes from the rear section, suggesting a heating source. Surrounding the structure, leafless trees cast long shadows on the gravel, and the blue sky overhead enhances its vintage charm. Nearby parked cars and residential houses provide a modern contrast to this historic auxiliary building.

Historic Property

A cream-colored, two-story American house with traditional rectangular windows and a hip roof occupies the right side of a paved driveway. Mature leafless trees cast shadows on the ground, hinting at a late winter or early spring setting with traces of snow on patches of grass nearby. Additional historic-style homes and parked cars line the driveway, suggesting a small neighborhood or estate. The architecture reflects early 20th-century modest residential design, with simple siding and functional exterior staircases. The scene balances natural elements and built form under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, evoking a quiet suburban atmosphere.

Garage Entrance

This small historic garage features a symmetrical facade with pale yellow horizontal siding and white trim. The central dark green double wooden doors boast square glass panes in their upper sections, allowing natural light inside. A peaked triangular pediment crowns the structure, decorated with dentil molding that reflects classic architectural detail. The asphalt driveway leads directly to the entrance, bordered by patches of residual snow and bare trees that hint at a late winter or early spring setting. This quaint building blends practical design with traditional stylistic elements, serving as a modest yet charming feature of the property.

Historic Home

A two-story historic American home features classic colonial-style architecture with a gabled roof, dormer window, and symmetrical facade. The exterior is painted pale yellow with white trim and contrasting black shutters framing tall, rectangular windows. A small covered porch with simple columns and a curved archway welcomes visitors at the front entry, accessed by a short flight of stone steps. Surrounding the home are leafless deciduous trees, and patches of snow remain on the ground, indicating late winter. The quiet residential street setting showcases mature landscaping and well-maintained neighboring homes reflecting traditional New England charm and heritage.

Historic Home

This American historic home features a two-story layout with a symmetrical yellow exterior and dark green front door, accented by classic white trim. The roof, steep and gray-shingled, includes dormer windows for attic light and ventilation. The front porch showcases colonial influences with its columns and overhanging balcony above, surrounded by a wooden railing. Multiple sets of windows with black shutters bring natural light inside while contributing to the traditional aesthetic. Mature trees frame the structure, complementing the grassy yard. The combination of siding texture, roof style, and porch design reflects early American residential architecture from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Kitchen Area

A compact kitchen layout features warm wooden cabinetry with raised panel doors on both upper and lower sections. Light beige countertops complement the medium wood tones. A white gas stove with oven sits centrally beneath a white microwave oven, flanked by an open pantry stocked with dry goods. Flooring consists of dark wood or wood-look material, offering contrast. The space includes a double stainless steel sink with a curved faucet, adjacent to a coffee maker and various small appliances. A striped rug adds subtle pattern, while neutral walls and a drop ceiling with white tiles maintain a practical, timeless atmosphere.

Listing Agent: Nick Ackerman of NAI Norwood Group via Zillow