This historic waterfront home, built circa 1886 along Pickering’s Creek in Portsmouth, offers timeless Victorian charm enhanced by modern renovations. The open-concept interior features sweeping water views from every room, including a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances. The architectural style exemplifies classic Victorian with detailed trim and a steep gabled roof. Recent expansions add a versatile finished third story with panoramic water views. Outdoor living spaces include a pergola, firepit, deck, and private dock on tidal waters. Priced at $3,995,500, this rare property on a quiet no-outlet street is thoughtfully designed for privacy and comfort year-round, making it a unique blend of history and luxury.

Historic Waterfront Property

A charming cluster of historic homes nestled by a calm waterfront harbor, surrounded by autumnal trees with warm-toned foliage. The main house features traditional shingle roofing, multiple chimneys, and soft earth-tone painted siding with black-framed windows glowing warmly from interior lighting. A neatly paved courtyard and side walkways connect the adjacent smaller homes painted in neutral and muted red hues, blending historical New England coastal architecture with a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. The property includes a pergola-covered outdoor dining area, a round stone patio with seating around a firepit, and private docks extending into a marina dotted with small boats and kayaks.

Outdoor Firepit Seating

A cozy outdoor seating area arranged around a central firepit, set on a gravel circle that contrasts with the lush green grass surrounding it. Six Adirondack-style wooden chairs encircle the firepit, each paired with a small weathered wooden side table holding a lit candle, adding soft ambient lighting. A closed, bright orange patio umbrella stands among the seating, providing a pop of vibrant color. The background reveals a tranquil waterfront with docks, boats, and a few buildings, creating a peaceful harbor atmosphere. Natural elements blend with functional design for relaxed outdoor gatherings.

Outdoor Dining Pergola

Located in a lush backyard adjacent to waterfront, a sturdy wooden pergola with open-beam rafters hosts an inviting dining area. The pergola glows warmly from string lights wrapped around its beams, casting a cozy ambiance as twilight sets in. Beneath, a rectangular wooden table surrounded by six cushioned chairs rests on a neatly bordered gravel patch, providing a rustic yet refined outdoor gathering space. The area is framed by flowering planters atop stone pedestals and green lawn extends around. Nearby, Adirondack chairs and a dock hint at peaceful lakeside leisure. The fence and garage in the background give the yard a private, tranquil atmosphere.

Outdoor Deck Seating

A wooden deck with modern, minimalist outdoor furniture in neutral gray tones, including a sofa, two armchairs, and ottomans, arranged around small side tables. A large orange umbrella provides shade, adding a vibrant pop of color against the natural backdrop. The deck railing features horizontal metal cables supporting a sleek design that complements the furniture’s clean lines. Beyond the deck, a pergola with rustic wood beams and a small green shed contribute to a charming yard space that overlooks a calm waterfront with moored boats and a distant view of houses and docks beneath a mostly clear sky.

Waterfront Dock

A sturdy metal gangway with handrails leads down to a wooden floating dock on calm harbored water. The dock has several posts for mooring boats and houses two reclining lounge chairs, inviting relaxation with waterfront views. Across the water, a row of historic American homes with varied pastel and white exteriors sits along the rocky embankment. Trees with autumn foliage and a few boats docked further away punctuate the serene harbor scene. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, enhancing the peaceful, coastal charm of this waterfront property.

Backyard Pergola Dining

A sturdy wooden pergola stands over a rectangular dining table surrounded by eight matching chairs, all constructed from weathered wood for a rustic charm. The dining area is neatly bordered by gray stone pavers and filled with small gravel, blending naturally into the vibrant green lawn. Two stone pedestals with potted plants frame the pergola’s entrance, adding an organic touch. In the background, a green garden shed with black doors sits beside a waterfront view featuring docked boats and trees with autumn foliage. Soft string lights hang from the pergola, promising cozy evening gatherings in this serene outdoor space.

Backyard Pergola Dining

A sturdy wooden pergola with exposed beams stands over a rectangular dining table surrounded by eight chairs, creating an inviting outdoor dining space. Soft string lights hang beneath the pergola, casting a warm, ambient glow as evening falls. The dining area is set in a small gravel patch bordered by stone, contrasting with the surrounding lush green lawn. Behind the pergola, a historic American house with muted blue-gray painted siding and ornate triangular gable detailing is illuminated from within, giving a cozy and timeless atmosphere. The backyard extends to paved driveway and neighboring homes, blending nature and classic architecture.

Outdoor Patio Seating

Gray cushioned outdoor furniture including a three-seater sofa, two armchairs, and an ottoman occupy a wooden deck with weathered look planks. A small round wooden side table holds minimalistic decor pieces. The space is shaded by a large orange patio umbrella standing over the sofa, providing vibrant contrast against the otherwise neutral color palette. The house exterior is clad in horizontal blue-gray siding, with sleek black-framed windows reflecting the surrounding environment. Tall green arborvitae line the perimeter, creating a sense of privacy and natural greenery, complemented by a modern stainless steel barbecue grill.

Outdoor Firepit Seating

A cozy outdoor seating area arranged around a circular firepit with bright orange flames creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Weathered wooden Adirondack chairs and matching small round tables surround the firepit on a ground covered in small gravel stones. Each table holds candles in glass holders, adding to the ambient lighting as dusk settles. Beyond the seating area lies a calm body of water with several boats docked at piers. The backdrop includes a mix of residential buildings, greenery, and industrial cranes, blending rustic charm with maritime elements under a fading pastel sunset sky.

Waterfront Exterior

A charming historic gray house sits beside calm water, framed by trees showcasing autumn colors. The home’s vertical siding and shingled accents evoke classic New England coastal architecture. A small boat dock with a metal ramp extends over the water, leading to a floating platform. Two wooden lounge chairs face the water on a neatly kept grassy yard, suggesting relaxation. An outbuilding painted similarly to the house sits to the right, adorned with a large mounted shark sculpture, adding a maritime, whimsical touch. The overall scene blends natural surroundings with quaint, coastal living charm.

Waterfront Backyard and Dock

A serene backyard space situated along a calm body of water, featuring a private dock with two lounge chairs and a gangway connecting it to the shore. The lawn area contains a fire pit surrounded by outdoor seating and a pergola structure outfitted with string lights, perfect for evening gatherings. The home’s exterior is painted muted blue-gray with warm internal lighting glowing from multiple windows, contrasting harmoniously with the surrounding greenery and autumn-hued trees. Adjacent structures include a small boathouse with paddles and a decorative shark sculpture, blending functional and artistic elements in this waterfront setting.

Waterfront Property Overview

A cluster of historic homes sits beside a tranquil harbor, connected by a narrow street and accented by mature autumn-colored trees. The homes feature classic American colonial architecture, with steep gable roofs, multiple chimneys, and a variety of exteriors including shingle, painted wood siding, and brick. A manicured lawn area boasts patios with umbrellas and pergolas, inviting outdoor living by the water. Private docks and boats line the calm waters, enhancing the maritime atmosphere. In the background, a bustling industrial harbor contrasts with the peaceful neighborhood, blending history, nature, and modern waterfront life seamlessly.

Kitchen Island and Seating

A spacious kitchen anchored by a large, curved island with white paneled cabinetry and a sleek black countertop. The island extends to incorporate a raised bar area with three modern gray bar stools. Above the island, three slender black pendant lights provide focused illumination, complementing the recessed ceiling lights. The kitchen cabinetry is classic white with detailed molding, blending seamlessly with the neutral light gray walls. Warm, wide-plank wooden floors add character and warmth, contrasting the modern elements of the built-in appliances and the glass-fronted display cabinet to the right. Artworks on the walls enhance the cozy yet elegant ambiance.

Living Room Seating

Soft gray walls harmonize with white trim and plantation shutters, framing valuable natural light through large corner windows. Two plush gray armchairs sit beside a warm caramel leather sofa, offering a balance of textures and tones with a subtle modern vibe. The center wooden coffee table with intricate wood grain and raised edge detailing anchors the space, topped by a white sculptural seashell. Artistic expressions hang on the walls: a large abstract painting with vibrant reds and blues paired with a series of smaller black-framed photographs, enriching the room’s contemporary yet inviting aesthetic. A black modern floor lamp and a gold-and-glass lamp on a black side table add to the warmth and sophistication of this well-curated living area.

Dining Room Details

A rustic wooden dining table anchors the room, surrounded by six cushioned leather chairs in a warm tan color. Light gray walls provide a neutral backdrop, highlighting the room’s classic white window trims and plantation shutters. Three large windows flood the space with natural light and offer views of an outdoor area with a grill and patio umbrella. A bronze chandelier with frosted glass shades adds vintage charm overhead. The floor is polished hardwood with a light, patterned rug beneath the table. Two small framed artworks adorn the walls, while a slender console table beneath the windows holds glassware and decorative pieces, blending traditional elegance with cozy comfort.

Bathroom Vanity and Tub

A sleek, contemporary bathroom with a vaulted ceiling and angled walls painted in soft gray, paired with crisp white trim around the window and baseboards. A large window looks out onto a waterfront scene, bringing natural light and openness. The long floating vanity has a dark gray stone countertop with a built-in sink and modern chrome fixtures, accompanied by two vertical wall sconces flanking the mirror for soft, even lighting. The adjacent bathtub shares the same dark stone surround, and a skylight overhead adds bright natural illumination, enhancing the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Cozy Sitting Area

The room features a pair of matching armchairs with light beige upholstery patterned in subtle geometric shapes, framed by warm wooden arms and legs. A circular woven ottoman in the center serves as a coffee table, topped with a small plant, books, and a decorative diffuser. The walls are painted a soft taupe tone with white sliding panel doors set low beneath an angled ceiling, reflecting an attic or upper-floor cozy nook. Natural pine floors add rustic warmth, complemented by a large neutral gray area rug. A tall floor lamp and potted plants enhance the inviting atmosphere.

Creative Workspace

The room is a bright, organized creative workspace with light gray walls and natural light from a window. A large colorful rug with intricate patterns covers the polished wooden floor. An angular vaulted ceiling with recessed lighting adds openness. A white built-in shelf holds art supplies and books, while a model sailboat adds a nautical touch. Multiple vibrant, framed posters with artistic and musical themes adorn the wall above the shelf. To the right, a cozy seating area with a tan leather chair, patterned ottoman, and a modern floor lamp creates a warm, inviting nook. The adjacent hallway, with white doors and striped runner rugs, leads to other parts of the home.

Waterfront Neighborhood View

A panoramic aerial view of a charming historic waterfront neighborhood with houses lining a calm blue harbor. The homes appear to be traditional New England style with gabled roofs, wood siding, and muted earth tones like grey, beige, white, and soft reds. Small docks and piers extend into the water, with several boats moored nearby, emphasizing a classic maritime lifestyle. Autumn foliage adds warm accents of orange, yellow, and red across the scattered trees and garden spaces. The scene combines natural beauty and quaint architectural character, creating a picturesque coastal community feel.

Waterfront Backyard

A charming waterfront backyard with a private dock extends over calm waters, complete with two wooden lounge chairs for relaxation. A small boathouse painted in soft blue-gray stands adjacent to the shore, adorned with nautical decorations such as kayaks and a mounted fish, enhancing the maritime character. The green lawn is bordered by rocks, leading up to elegant, historic American homes featuring wood shingles, pitched roofs, and classical window designs. Outdoor seating areas include Adirondack chairs around a fire pit and a wooden pergola with a dining set shaded by an orange umbrella, creating inviting spaces for leisure and social gatherings amidst colorful autumn foliage.

Entry Hallway Wall Art

A narrow entry hallway with classic design elements including wide baseboards and thick crown moldings painted crisp white contrasts softly against the light gray walls. The wooden floorboards are polished with a warm honey tone, adding an inviting natural texture beneath. Four large, framed pop art prints in bold, psychedelic colors—yellow, red, green, and pink—line the right wall, injecting vibrant, contemporary energy into the historic setting. A textured glass panel front door allows diffused natural light, complementing the eclectic blend of traditional architecture with modern artistic expression. An oriental rug partially visible explores deeper color contrasts.

Kitchen Countertop and Dining View

Soft white cabinetry with classic paneling frames a striking black stone countertop featuring natural veining that adds texture and depth. The sink area is equipped with a brushed metal faucet, blending modern utility with traditional aesthetics. Warm wooden floors with rich grain patterns contrast the sleek counter, providing an inviting warmth. Sleek black pendant lights hang above, illuminating the space with minimalist elegance. The kitchen opens to a cozy dining area highlighted by large windows with white shutters, casting natural light and revealing a traditional chandelier above a wooden dining table, merging historic charm with contemporary design.

Kitchen Bar and Dining Area

White cabinetry with recessed panels and black hardware lines the kitchen, blending classic and modern design. A sleek black countertop extends over the curved kitchen bar, accompanied by three dark gray leather bar stools with metal frames. Pendant lights with black conical shades hang above the counter. Warm honey-toned wide plank wood floors contrast with the neutral walls and white trim, adding rustic charm. Beyond, a dining area with tan upholstered chairs around a wooden table is softly illuminated by a graceful brass chandelier. Large glass doors open to an outdoor seating area, creating an inviting flow to the space.

Kitchen Pantry and Appliances

A compact kitchen pantry with white cabinetry and black hardware offers organized open shelving for white dishware and stacked plates. The dark countertop contrasts with the light cabinetry, creating a clean, timeless look. A stainless steel toaster oven sits on the counter beneath warm LED under-cabinet lighting. Adjacent stainless steel built-in microwave and oven stack vertically, enhancing modern convenience and efficiency next to traditional elements. The warm-toned wooden flooring introduces natural warmth and complements the neutral, understated wall and box trim colors, creating a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary kitchen style.

Cozy Sitting Area

The space features wide, polished wooden floorboards that add warmth and character against soft taupe walls. Two modern, light gray upholstered armchairs with clean lines face each other beside a small round table with slender black legs, topped with a delicate green plant. A large window with crisp white trim illuminates the room with natural light and offers a water view, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. A tall, slender lamp with a patterned shade stands in the corner, balancing a brass wall lamp with geometric white shades. A black cast iron stove sits below a floating shelf, topped by a striking portrait of a person in a striped jester hat and a serious expression.

Living Room Seating Area

Neutral beige walls and white trim create a bright and airy atmosphere within this cozy living room space. A large flat-screen TV is mounted above a sleek black media console with a modern turntable and speaker. Two gray upholstered armchairs are positioned near a bay window with white plantation shutters that allow natural light in. A richly grained wooden coffee table with decorative cutouts holds a sculptural white object, while the warm honey-colored leather sofa offers additional seating. A textured area rug anchors the arrangement, blending contemporary elements with classic architectural details such as wide door frames and baseboards.

Dining Area and Kitchen

A solid wood dining table with a natural finish anchors the space, accompanied by tan upholstered chairs. The table is decorated with a bouquet of muted hydrangeas and an arrangement of clear and black candle holders. Large windows with white trim and plantation shutters allow natural light to flood the room and offer views of an outdoor area and beyond. A classic chandelier with curved metal arms and cream-colored shades hangs above the table. The adjoining kitchen shows black countertops, white cabinetry, modern pendant lights, and contemporary artwork, blending rustic charm with modern elegance.

Bedroom Sleeping Area

A cozy bedroom presents a serene and minimalist design, dominated by soft gray walls and bedding that complements a charcoal upholstered bed frame. The polished hardwood floor adds warmth and contrasts gently with a large light gray area rug beneath the bed. On either side of the bed, matching wooden nightstands with a rustic finish hold small potted greenery and reading lamps, amplifying comfort. Three slim, vertical wall art pieces hang above the bed, serving as subtle focal points. White paneled closet doors and a simple doorway lead to further rooms, maintaining a clean, uncluttered ambiance.

Bathroom Bathtub Area

A spacious built-in bathtub sits beneath a slanted ceiling, bordered by a gray stone countertop with sleek, modern chrome fixtures. The walls are painted in a muted blue-gray tone, contrasted by pristine white trim around the classic double-hung window, which frames a serene water view outside. Marble-look backsplash tiles in a horizontal layout extend around the tub area, adding a subtle elegance. The floor is tiled in dark slate arranged in a herringbone pattern, enhancing the room’s sophisticated yet calming atmosphere, perfectly blending historic architectural details with contemporary finishes.

Bedroom Interior

Neutral gray walls frame a cozy bedroom punctuated by natural wood flooring with wide, rustic planks. The bed, dressed in crisp white linens and a light textured throw, is centered on an intricately patterned reddish-brown area rug that adds depth and warmth. On one side, a modern metallic nightstand with two drawers holds minimal decor—a framed photo, candle, and small vase with a single orange flower. Opposite, a tall antique wooden dresser with elegant brass hardware adds classic charm. Two large windows with white trim provide ample natural light, enhancing the room’s serene and inviting atmosphere.

Bathroom Vanity Area

A compact bathroom corner bathed in natural light from a large window featuring classic white framing. A simple white vanity with flat panel doors supports a sleek countertop with an undermount sink. Above it hangs a rectangular mirror with a white frame, illuminated by a modern light fixture with geometric glass shades. Walls are painted a soft, neutral gray, complementing the clean, minimalist white fixtures. A single green towel and a small potted fern introduce subtle touches of color and life. Adjacent white toilet and baseboards maintain the cohesive, fresh aesthetic of this understated traditional bathroom space.

Listing Agent: Liz Levey-Pruyn of The Aland Realty Group via Zillow