Welcome to the penthouse at the historic Sheafe House, where timeless New England character meets sophisticated downtown living. Originally built in 1827 and completely renovated in 2005, this residence seamlessly blends historic architectural details with modern amenities, including new masonry work in both the unit interior walls and building exterior walls, updated HVAC and sprinkler systems, and secure elevator that opens directly into the condo. Located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, this exceptional home is just steps from Prescott Park, the waterfront, restaurants, boutiques, and everything the city has to offer. The TWO DEEDED PARKING SPACES are a rare downtown luxury. Inside, cathedral ceilings, exposed brick walls, original wood beams, and abundant natural light create a stunning living space. The open-concept layout features a gourmet kitchen with an oversized granite island, premium stainless steel appliances and a custom iron pot rack handcrafted by a local blacksmith. A gas stove adds warmth and ambiance. The spacious primary suite offers room for a king-sized bed and sitting area or home office, along with a luxurious en-suite bath featuring a soaking tub and walk-in tiled shower. A separate guest wing includes a second bedroom and adjacent ¾ bath, providing privacy for family or visitors. Three ductless mini-split A/C/heat pump units, gas heat, and generous in-unit storage ensure year-round comfort. Enjoy views of the Memorial Bridge and North Church steeple from this one-of-a-kind penthouse. Outside, beautiful granite front steps provide the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee or evening beverage while taking in the vibrant downtown atmosphere. Professionally managed and pet-friendly, this turnkey home offers secure luxury living in one of Portsmouth's most desirable historic buildings. Furnishings are negotiable, making this an exceptional opportunity to move right in and enjoy the very best of downtown Portsmouth living.
Active
Listed by: The Aland Realty Group • Jennifer Stevens
Price cut: $75K (8/27)
$1,575,000
159 State Street #5, Portsmouth, NH 03801
2beds
1,800sqft
Condominium
Built in 1827
-- sqft lot
$-- Zestimate®
$875/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Two deeded parking spacesOriginal wood beamsGenerous in-unit storageGas heatBeautiful granite front stepsAbundant natural lightExposed brick walls
- 55 days
- 1,018
- 50
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Jennifer Stevens,
The Aland Realty Group 603-501-0463
Source: PrimeMLS,MLS#: 5099227
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 3/4 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Baseboard, Hot Water, Gas Stove, Mini Split, Ductless
Cooling
- Mini Split
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Refrigerator, Washer, Electric Stove
Features
- Cathedral Ceiling(s), Ceiling Fan(s), Elevator, Kitchen Island, Primary BR w/ BA
- Doors: Security Door(s)
- Basement: Full,Partially Finished,Exterior Stairs,Interior Entry
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Gas
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,800
- Total interior livable area: 1,800 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 1,800
- Finished area below ground: 0
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Paved, Assigned, Deeded, Driveway, Parking Spaces 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
Lot
- Features: City Lot, Condo Development, In Town, Near Shopping
Details
- Parcel number: PRSMM0107B0046L305
- Zoning description: CD4
- Other equipment: Sprinkler System
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: Condo
- Architectural style: Colonial
- Property subtype: Condominium
Materials
- Masonry, Post and Beam, Brick Exterior
- Foundation: Brick, Stone
- Roof: Asphalt Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1827
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 150 Amp Service
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Utilities for property: Cable Available
Community & HOA
HOA
- Services included: Maintenance Grounds, Plowing, Sewer, Trash, Water
- Additional fee info: Fee: $1056
Location
- Region: Portsmouth
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $875/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,068,200
- Annual tax amount: $12,295
- Date on market: 7/10/2026
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/27/2026 | Price change | $1,575,000-4.5%$875/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 7/10/2026 | Listed for sale | $1,650,000+108.9%$917/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 1/7/2020 | Sold | $790,000-1.1%$439/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 7/17/2019 | Listing removed | $799,000$444/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4738831 Report a problem | ||
| 7/10/2019 | Price change | $799,000-3.7%$444/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4738831 Report a problem | ||
| 5/14/2019 | Price change | $829,900-6.2%$461/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4738831 Report a problem | ||
| 3/21/2019 | Price change | $885,000-4.9%$492/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4738831 Report a problem | ||
| 3/5/2019 | Listed for sale | $930,350+32.9%$517/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4738831 Report a problem | ||
| 6/19/2015 | Sold | $699,933+0%$389/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 4/24/2015 | Price change | $699,900-2.8%$389/sqft |
Source: BHHS Verani Seacoast #4394534 Report a problem | ||
| 11/26/2014 | Listed for sale | $719,900+16.1%$400/sqft |
Source: BHHS Verani Portsmouth #4394534 Report a problem | ||
| 6/23/2006 | Sold | $620,000$344/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11,942 -12.5% | $1,068,200 +26.3% |
| 2023 | $13,643 +6.1% | $845,800 |
| 2022 | $12,856 +3.4% | $845,800 |
| 2020 | $12,433 +0.5% | $845,800 +1.6% |
| 2019 | $12,366 -10.6% | $832,200 -4.7% |
| 2018 | $13,830 +3% | $873,100 |
| 2017 | $13,428 +22.4% | $873,100 +35.6% |
| 2016 | $10,970 +1.5% | $643,800 |
| 2015 | $10,809 +13.6% | $643,800 +22.5% |
| 2014 | $9,512 +3.1% | $525,500 |
| 2012 | $9,223 +1.6% | $525,500 |
| 2011 | $9,075 -0.8% | $525,500 |
| 2010 | $9,149 | $525,500 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
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Neighborhood: 03801
Nearby schools
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Little Harbor School
- Middle: Portsmouth Middle School
- High: Portsmouth High School
- District: Portsmouth
Source: PrimeMLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.





