Townhouse Apt 2 w Parking in Downtown Portsmouth

2-level quirky cool apt in a 19th century townhouse in Portsmouth's National Register Downtown Historic District. Guests have exclusive use of the entire apartment during their stay. Both levels are open to cross sea breezes from Portsmouth Harbor just a few blocks away; the 3rd floor loft has birds' eye views of historic properties and open sky, and is filled with warm woodwork. Second floor level includes kitchen, parlor, and second bath with clawfoot tub, trimmed in period mouldings.

The 175 year old property was the site of Daniel Webster's home which burned down in the Great Fire. This building was erected with required brick firewalls--exposed in the loft. The ornate and wide mouldings were produced by the mill whose owner once lived across the street. All the spaces have been decorated with curated local art, and furnished with an eclectic mix of modern, vintage, and antique pieces--with a dash of contemporary accessories and tech for guest convenience and entertainment.
++++
The wood flooring in the loft is original to the building--as are the **STEEP STAIRS TO THE LOFT.** If any family members have mobility challenges--or tend to travel with oversized luggage--the loft might not be the best spot for them. But there is a pullout queen sofa bed in the parlor on the second floor. In fact, the 2-level space allows extended families to claim private territory!
++++
The kitchen is basic--not a "chef's kitchen" by any means. But a family could easily rustle up bacon & eggs for breakfast, or a simple pasta dinner, or re-heat leftovers from Portsmouth's fabulous restaurants.
++++
Need even more room for family, working, or separate lounging? Then also book the first floor Studio and/or the 1-bedroom Apt 1--or rent the whole townhouse building--by searching Airbnb for "Portsmouth Historic District Studio w Parking and "Historic 1 Bedroom w Parking" or "Historic Portsmouth Townhouse."
++++
Additional “Piano Parlor” 1st floor office space for rent for an additional $40/day. (shown at end of listing photos.)
++++
The property is managed by the owner who lives just a few blocks away, and hosted and cleaned by Meghan, a local, self-employed small business owner. She is utilizing *Enhanced Cleaning Protocols*, and compostable disposable towelettes are also provided for guest use for cleaning/disinfecting during the stay, if desired.

The entire 2 levels of the apartment 2 townhouse are for your exclusive use. One off-street parking space on the property is included during your stay. One extra spot may be available for an additional $25/day fee. Inquire before or after booking.
Extra cars can also park in the free 72-hour lot one block away, or in the metered spaces in front of the building.
Once you park, you won't need your car again unless you want to head out to our local beaches or trails.

I am the property owner and have *SuperHost* status, but have passed the baton to my Co-Host, Meghan, to be #1 in Guest Relations .
My husband & I are focused on restoring this historic building and slowly transitioning to semi-retirement. We live just a few blocks away and are always available to support Meghan and tend to any physical plant needs.

We prefer guests send any questions via the messaging string. If an urgent concern, a call or text is prudent. *Safety/health emergency, always call 911 first.*

Our building is in Historic Downtown Portsmouth--a National Historic Registry designation--and just steps to dining, shops, theaters, historic sites, and parks. The rental is just two blocks from Market Square, but toward the quieter side so a bit less hubbub.
The Black History Trail office is just across the street, Stawbery Banke 2 blocks east, one more block east to Prescott Park Gardens and Arts festival, and stunning African Burial Ground memorial 1 block west.

You have your own parking space on the property which is great because no need for a car; you can walk everywhere! There are bike rentals in town-as well as kayak rentals in the South End and New Castle.

***PLEASE READ IN FULL: WE ARE PARTICULAR AND MAYBE THAT’S NOT YOUR VIBE. This listing is offered to extended/families up to 6 people or VERY chill friend groups. There are no parties or celebratory events, or revelry of any kind permitted, and only booked guests are allowed on the property during the stay.* (Daytime visitors may be allowed with written permission from the Host.)
Other guests in the building use the front entrance to the building, and expect a typical residential atmosphere and low level of noise.
++++
***There is no central air: ACs are placed in the 2nd floor kitchen, 3rd floor loft living area opposite the primary bedroom, and in the loft sleeping nook. Available fans can be used to move cool air. Ceiling fans can also be used. *Note: the loft is a tall attic space in a historic building, so some hot sunny days, and especially heat waves, present a challenge to keep the loft below 76 in the afternoon. We find that if shades are kept closed to the sun all day, and windows are opened at dusk to let in cool evening air with ACs set to Fan, the space can stay comfortable and get cool for sleeping--but it may require some active managing by guests.
The steam heat system is also unusual for most people--it fires only at a set low point so radiators cool between firings. The loft has an additional gas radiator and fireplace, plus an on demand heater in the bathroom, and we provide space heaters for auxiliary heat as desired.
++++
Brand new reproduction state-of-the-art insulated windows were installed in December 2024, making for a much warmer and quieter experience.
++++
We are sticklers about energy conservation—no open windows allowed during heating or AC season (unless AC is on fan mode), lights should be off when you’re out, etc., and we supply one set of bath towels per guest, per stay, for water and energy conservation. (Longer-length stay guests can certainly wash them with their own laundry in the unit's W&D.)
++++
We now roll our cleaning fees into the nightly rate, but we want you to know that the people tending to your rental are paid a fair and living wage for their work: $100-$150 depending on group size for this apartment.
++++
We do ask guests to strip their beds and wash any used dishes/glassware/utensils before they check out. This helps make cleaning safer for our housekeeper, and housekeeping rates reasonable.
++++
Finally, please keep in mind that this is a vintage and historic building with some quirks as well as charms. We strive to provide a space with both character and comfort, and are proud to be locally owned and managed.

*Guest will be charged $290 for each additional person on the premises beyond the number listed in the booking.

**Please also read HOUSE RULES section towards bottom of listing before you book.