House Lust: A Storybook Gambrel Cottage in the Heart of Aquidneck Island

The affordable 1938 charmer, complete with a farmer's porch and disco ball tub, is close to vineyards, farms and the beach.

November 3, 2020

Here’s a thing I never knew I needed until now: a teeny clawfoot tub bedecked with mosaic tiles and set, like a disco ball, beneath a pretty stained glass window.

There’s an uncanny amount of “I need that” around every corner of this Gambrel-style cottage in south Portsmouth, which was built in 1938 and hit the market in early October. The home was last sold in 2015 and the current owners modernized with a light hand. Outside of the kitchen — which got a punchy paint job with navy lower cabinets and white uppers — each room in the home was neutralized in grays, beiges, blues and greens. The transformation lends an airiness to an otherwise tiny cottage.

It’s the type of house that’s easy to imagine as home, with an early learning center next door and two vineyards, a berry farm, a bird sanctuary and other family-friendly amenities within walking distance. The downside: Only one bathroom. But wait ’til you see it.

Here’s your House Lust:

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264 East Main Road in Portsmouth is on the market for $355,000. Original asking price was $369,000. The home has three beds and one bath over 1,248 square feet. (Photos via Residential Properties)

264 East Main Road in Portsmouth is on the market for $355,000. Original asking price was $369,000. The home has three beds and one bath over 1,248 square feet. (Photos via Residential Properties)

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A view of the farmer's porch, which features trellises for privacy and mature greenery. The porch affords views of the stonewall-lined property, which is set back atop a small hill overlooking Route 138.

A view of the farmer's porch, which features trellises for privacy and mature greenery. The porch affords views of the stonewall-lined property, which is set back atop a small hill overlooking Route 138.

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The front door of the home, built in 1938, opens to the staircase.
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The house has hardwood flooring throughout.
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An original working fireplace features a tile surround and wooden mantel.
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A view of the dining room.
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The dining room leads to the kitchen, which has a small breakfast table in a sunny nook by two windows.

The dining room leads to the kitchen, which has a small breakfast table in a sunny nook by two windows.

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A view of the kitchen from the breakfast table.
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A closer view of the staircase with a detailed newel.
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One of three bedrooms on the second floor.
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Another bedroom.
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The third bedroom.
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A view of the bathroom, located on the second floor. The small clawfoot tub is affixed with mosaic tiles. A glassed-in shower is set off to the side.

A view of the bathroom, located on the second floor. The small clawfoot tub is affixed with mosaic tiles. A glassed-in shower is set off to the side.

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The property features a small fenced-in yard.
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A view through the arbor to a gravel sitting area with a chiminea fireplace.
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A closer view of the outdoor sitting area.
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The two-car garage is set up as a multifunctional space.
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A view of the studio space in the two-car garage.

For more information on 264 East Main Road in Portsmouth, contact Residential Properties’ Paula Silva at 401-996-9855or visit residentialproperties.com.