Welcome to 28 Whidden Street. This historic South End home was purportedly built in 1740 by a sea captain and was the first home built on the street. This 18th century, historic 4-bedroom home features three fireplaces, exposed brickwork, hand-hewn beams, raised paneling and pocket shutters, plaster walls and ceilings, plus a magical candlelit dining room. The kitchen with its soapstone sink easily connects with the rest of the home, creating a circular flow around the center chimney which is perfect for gatherings and entertaining.

The 9-panel front door with strap hinges opens to a dramatic “good morning staircase”* with beautiful exposed brick walls which connects all three floors. On one side of the second floor is a primary bedroom with a surprisingly large closet and an en-suite full bathroom featuring more exposed brick plus a washer and dryer for easy laundry. On the other side is another full bathroom and bedroom which is all connected to the third floor by a double staircase. On the third floor you’ll find two more bedrooms built into the eaves with exposed beams that emphasize the period architecture.

The home’s exterior is a great example of 18th century architecture and boasts two driveways for lots of parking—a rarity in the South End! Out back you’ll find a fenced yard and ample-sized garden area. Right off the second driveway is a short brick pathway that leads you to a direct entrance to the kitchen and first floor powder room. 

The former garage was converted into a summer room and studio—it is ready to be revived or converted back into a functional garage or a finished space that could be an extension of the home. 

This house is a testament to period architecture. It has been taken care of for the past 35 years by a well known and beloved local historian and is now ready for its next caretaker.

The Restoration

28 Whidden Street was restored around 1987 by Albin Conkey. It was replumbed, rewired, insulated and more. The original beams and subfloor were modernized, and concrete footings were added which helps avoid some of the pitfalls of antique homes. The dry basement has a partial slab and has been outfitted with a new forced hot air furnace. We have received quotes for roof replacement, exterior painting and tree removal which can be provided by request. 

Whidden Street

Whidden Street was named after the Whidden family. Captain Michael Ichabod John Whidden was born in 1624 in England, came to Portsmouth, NH and married Elizabeth Mary Tate in 1642 in Strawbery Banke, not far from this very street. The Whidden family thrived in Portsmouth and were a family of joiners, bricklayers and masons. A descendent, Michael Whidden, was a builder in the 1700s in Portsmouth and built many homes. One of the homes that he built in 1720 is now part of “The Hill” and was moved there during the urban renewal project in Portsmouth during the 1970s.

Whidden Street today is a quiet street in the Strawbery Banke area that ends at South Mill Pond and is within walking distance to all of downtown Portsmouth’s amenities. Homes are rarely available on this quiet, dead-end street which has access to South Mill Pond and a short distance to the South Mill Pond Recreation Department with pickleball and tennis courts. This is your chance to own a piece of history in Portsmouth’s highly desirable South End. 

*Good Morning Staircase

A "good morning staircase" are stairs in antique homes that lead to upper chambers. The name comes from the tradition of early morning greetings between occupants from their bedrooms and respective landings before descending downstairs.

This staircase design began in the 17th-century colonial era. The stair would rise from the front vestibule towards the chimney block to reach the upper chambers and take advantage of the heat. Today, it makes for a wonderful architectural feature and a nostalgic reminder of living in colonial times.