House Lust: An Airy Former Public House and Tavern in Portsmouth’s Town Center is on the Market
Built in the 1600s, it was also a post office and an inn.
This place has served a whole lot of people over its lifetime. Even those with troubled histories, from an elderly hellion to mothers in recovery, found self-worth, shelter and hospitality here.
“I sold this property before,” says Frank Oliveira of RE/MAX Newport, who listed the airy, expansive Colonial last month. “But what really got me excited about the property is when the historical people went through it.”
According to the Portsmouth Historical Society, the circa-1660 Colonial was operated as a “house of publik intertainment for straingers and others” (sic, sic, sic — at least in twenty-first century) by the region’s oldest rabble-rouser, Edward Lay. His rap sheet includes “abusive carriage and expressions” in Connecticut and “abuse and turbulent conduct” on Martha’s Vineyard. The town was reluctant to give Lay a permit, but the Assembly intervened, citing his old age (seventy-one) and his inability to otherwise earn a living.
Lay lasted but three years as proprietor of the inn — during one of which he illegally served “strong drink” and was fined forty shillings — before he died, leaving his wife in charge. Martha grew the business into an alehouse and tavern and, 100 years later, a tavern still operated at the location, per historical records. An expansion made room for a post office and, later, the place served as an antiques shop. In recent memory, the home operated as a facility where young mothers with substance use disorder could work on their recovery while living with their children.
Oliveira says the current owners are consolidating two separate recovery homes — this one, and another in Newport — in a bigger space, necessitating the sale of the house. The property remains zoned for commercial and residential, so future buyers could operate a business from the auxiliary space, which has a separate entrance.
“It’s a different kind of house, and it probably wouldn’t appeal to everyone,” he says.
The right buyer would appreciate history, both in the distant and recent past. Also onsite is an underground bomb shelter that was built in the 1950s. It has three rooms, a cot and an air pipe, Oliveira says.
“I just think, if somebody wants a unique home, this is it,” he says.
Here’s your House Lust:
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2538 East Main Road in Portsmouth is on the market for $775,000. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
2538 East Main Road in Portsmouth is on the market for $775,000. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A view of the entryway. The original structure was built circa 1660 and expanded over the years. Updates include a new septic and roof. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
A view of the entryway. The original structure was built circa 1660 and expanded over the years. Updates include a new septic and roof. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A view of the open living area. The home has multiple fireplaces. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
A view of the open living area. The home has multiple fireplaces. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Another view of the main living area, looking toward the kitchen with fireplace and beehive oven. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
Another view of the main living area, looking toward the kitchen with fireplace and beehive oven. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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The kitchen features a U-shaped prep area. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A closer look at the fireplace with beehive oven. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Another view of the kitchen. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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The downstairs bath. The home has two full baths and two half-baths. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
The downstairs bath. The home has two full baths and two half-baths. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A view of the master bedroom. The fireplace is currently covered. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
A view of the master bedroom. The fireplace is currently covered. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A bathroom connected to the master bedroom. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A cedar closet in the master bath. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Through the master bathroom is another room, either a sitting area or a bedroom. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
Through the master bathroom is another room, either a sitting area or a bedroom. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A close-up of the original white pine floors. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A walk-up staircase was recently added to the attic, which currently serves as storage. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
A walk-up staircase was recently added to the attic, which currently serves as storage. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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A side view of the auxiliary business space. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Inside the auxiliary commercial space. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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It is currently used as a conference room. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Another look at the space. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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It has a half-bath and an open second level. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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Upstairs in the commercial space. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
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The rear of the property. It's about .68 acres in town center and within walking distance to shopping and the library. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
The rear of the property. It's about .68 acres in town center and within walking distance to shopping and the library. (Photography courtesy of RE/MAX Newport)
For more information on 2538 East Main Road in Portsmouth, contact RE/MAX Newport’s Frank Oliveira at 401-848-6755 or visit newporttothemax.com.