LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS
221 North Street, The Hill House, circa 1825

Four-story 1825 English basement home furnished entirely with original family belongings. It is evident from the furnishings that the Hill family was avid collectors and lived graciously over a period of 150 years. The house remains in its original condition, with limited renovation through the years. The Hill House provides headquarters for the Portsmouth Historical Association.

228 North Street,  The Hester House, circa 1808

Known as the William H. Wilson House, this 200 year old Early Regency home was constructed by William Holt Wilson for his sons William Jr. and Arthur.  The home had four rooms, a separate kitchen, and servant's quarters. William was a well-known attorney, real estate agent and court clerk in his day.  He also operated ferries and was the first person to ferry vehicles across the Elizabeth River. The main foyer shows off a wonderful spiral staircase, with a mahogany newel post and handrails, and tiger eye maple balusters. The original floors, random width white pine boards, remain throughout the whole house.  Of special note, each original mantle piece is hand carved.

306 North Street, The Cuthreill House, circa 1842

This home is a traditional side hall house in the Greek revival style, which was popular in the antebellum Tidewater region. The original portion of the house is known to have been present and completed by 1842.  The first owner of the property was Mary Burnett, a woman who both purchased and owned property independently in the 1700s, uncommon for the time.  Shortly after the Civil War, the property was sold in 1844 to Carmie Ann Hunter, another woman who owned the property independently.

208 Glasgow Street, The French House, circa late 1880s

The home was built in the late 1880s as a rather plain late Victorian duplex with two porches.  In 1978 it was purchased by Les and Elizabeth French.  The Commission of Architectural Review allowed them to convert it to a single family dwelling and upgrade its appearance.  It was taken down to the bare studs and recovered with beaded wood siding.  Today the structure has a late Colonial /Early Federal look.  The unusual porch columns are modeled after the James Geddy house in Colonial Williamsburg.  A cheerful and welcoming feeling greets visitors. The original newel posts and balusters were used in the staircase.  The corner blocks, door, and window trim all replicate what was found in the house. The fireplace mantle in the living room was salvaged from a house being demolished in the 600 block of Dinwiddie Street.  An album of before and after pictures is located in the living room for you to browse through.

205 Glasgow Street, The Fuller House, circa 1820 (or earlier)

This house is the last remaining from a row of five identical houses that once extended along Crawford Parkway. The houses were part of Irish Row, so named because of the residents' Irish descent.  The home is a solid brick structure with a slate roof and random width flooring throughout it.  The dwelling was originally a two-family structure with two sets of stairs with one main room downstairs and one bedroom upstairs.  It is believed to have been built by a sea captain. This quaint house has a center chimney for the four fireplaces.  Allow the charm of this house to put you in the Holiday spirit.

 421 Middle Street, The Larys House, circa 1880

This three-story, single-family home resides on property that once was a railroad spur used to transport the adjacent Ball House from Crawford Street to its present location.  It was placed to one side of the property to allow for a formal garden bordering London Blvd.  After World War II it was converted to a duplex apartment house, a configuration it retained until just last year.  The current owners, Bob and Rebecca Larys, have made several modifications, including the construction of a new downstairs kitchen, a completely new master bedroom and bathroom suite on the second floor, and removal of an inner foyer wall and closet, exposing the staircase to view.  Most recently the old double doors were removed and replaced with a single formal entrance.  The accents, lighting, and furniture portray the owners' contemporary taste with a flair for the unusual (best evidenced in the fossil denizens of the kitchen counter tops.)  Ongoing work includes a renovation of the butler's pantry and guest bathroom at the rear of the house.  Finally, the owners' plan an eventual return of the formal garden to its Victorian era glory.  Thank you for visiting!

412 London Street, The Branton House, circa 1740-1780

As you enter the Branton House, guests will immediately notice details of this historic home.  The home was originally a 'salt-box' (one story in the back and two in the front).  The home's original staircase, wide pine floors, and original fireplaces still remain. The basic early 18th Century floor plan still exists with a kitchen and powder room added at a later date.  A small rear addition was added onto the second floor to accommodate an upstairs bathroom and small addition to the bedroom in the late 19th Century.  Rafters joined with pegs in the attic are evidence of 18th Century construction.  Most of the owner's furniture has been in the family for three generations.  Step out the back door and enjoy a comfortable, relaxing landscaped garden with English Boxwood, Crepe Myrtles, Leyland Cypress, Confederate Jasmine, and Little Gem Magnolias.