Live Atop Portsmouth's Historic Custom House, Steps from Market Square
Rarely does a home like this come available in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Occupying the top floor of the landmark brick Custom House at the corner of Daniel and Penhallow Streets, this one-of-a-kind residence pairs early-1800s architecture with a freshly painted interior and a newly renovated main bath. A private street-level entrance leads to a home that feels worlds away from the bustle below.
The showpiece is the great room, where soaring cathedral ceilings reveal the building's original hand-hewn timber trusses, set against a full wall of exposed brick and anchored by a decorative fireplace. Track and gallery lighting highlight the woodwork, and a loft above adds a flexible den, office, or reading nook with its own exposed brick, built-in bookshelves, and half bath.
The chef's kitchen features cherry cabinetry, granite counters, a stainless chimney hood, a wine fridge, and a peninsula with bar seating that opens to the dining area. The gas range, oven, dishwasher, and washer and dryer have all been replaced within the past two years. Wide-plank pine floors, crisp white trim, and deep-set windows run throughout.
The primary bedroom is generously sized with double closets, and the newly renovated full bath just outside features a vanity and towel warmer. A second bedroom sits under a vaulted ceiling with windows on two sides. French doors open to a covered private porch with composite decking and views over the rooftops and chimneys of the historic district.
Additional comforts include ductless mini-split cooling and recessed lighting. Step outside and you are moments from Market Square, the waterfront, Prescott Park, and dozens of Portsmouth's best restaurants, cafes, and shops. Ristorante Massimo is literally downstairs.
Resident parking is available at the nearby Hanover Street Garage for $200/month.
Owner pays for water and heat (included in rent). Tenant is responsible for electric (avg $150/mo over prior year with two residents in the unit). First month's rent and security deposit (one month) due at signing. No smoking allowed. No pets allowed. Unfurnished. Available immediately with 1- or 2-year lease.
Apartment for rent
Apartment
Available Mon Oct 26 2026
No pets
Air conditioner, wall unit
In unit laundry
Baseboard
What's special
Decorative fireplaceOriginal hand-hewn timber trussesDuctless mini-split coolingPrivate street-level entranceStainless chimney hoodWine fridgeWide-plank pine floors
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Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Travel times
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Heating
- Baseboard
Cooling
- Air Conditioner, Wall Unit
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Garbage Disposal, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer
- Laundry: In Unit
Features
- Flooring: Hardwood, Tile
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 1,886 sqft
Property
Parking
- Details: Contact manager
Features
- Patio & porch: Patio
- Exterior features: Balcony, Exposed Beams, Historic Building
Details
- Parcel number: PRSMM0107B0011L6
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: Apartment
- Property subtype: Apartment
Utilities & green energy
- Utilities for property: Water
Building
Management
- Pets allowed: No
Community & HOA
Location
- Region: Portsmouth
Financial & listing details
- Lease term: 1 Year
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/20/2026 | Listed for rent | $3,600+46.9%$2/sqft |
Source: Zillow Rentals Report a problem | ||
| 1/30/2021 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/3/2017 | Listing removed | $2,450$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 6/19/2017 | Price change | $2,450-7.5%$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 6/15/2017 | Sold | $600,000-4%$318/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 6/15/2017 | Listed for rent | $2,650$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 4/21/2017 | Pending sale | $624,900$331/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4624966 Report a problem | ||
| 4/3/2017 | Listed for sale | $624,900+32.8%$331/sqft |
Source: Great Island Realty LLC #4624966 Report a problem | ||
| 7/24/2015 | Sold | $470,666-1.9%$250/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 6/9/2015 | Pending sale | $479,900$254/sqft |
Source: Olde Port Properties #4419988 Report a problem | ||
| 5/9/2015 | Listed for sale | $479,900+45.4%$254/sqft |
Source: Olde Port Properties #4419988 Report a problem | ||
| 12/30/2011 | Sold | $330,000$175/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||






