From The Archives

Historical Victorian house in Portsmouth, NH

25 Lafayette Rd is a well preserved authentic victorian built by Mr. Ballard, a prosperous Portsmouth citizen. Like many similar towns along the coast, Portsmouth was thriving in the 18th & 19th century-thanks to the spice trades. Tall ships would anchor and captains built large mansions complete with "widows walks". Portsmouth was also a fishing town, incorporated in the sixteen hundreds. While the wealthy merchants and captains lived away from the water, the more modest fishermen lived in smaller houses on the shores of the Piscataqua River. At that time, water or waterviews were not at a premium, and the more prosperous residents preferred to be away from the wind and salty spray. Thus most of the larger houses were built away from the shore.

When Mr. Ballard started building his new "dream house" the location was highly desirable. He himself had grown up in the historical Tobias Lear's House, owned by his family near the Piscataqua in the South End of town. His new house was a grand project, he selected the pink granite in various local quarries for the foundation. He chose the highest quality and finest grained wood for the doors & trim and exquisite dining room fireplace. The tin ceiling of that room was enhanced by a beautiful hancrafted Bohemian crystal chandelier. (unfortunaltey the 2nd owner took it when he sold the house).
The masterpiece of the house was to be the majestic handcrafted staircase (dating 1740) that he moved from the Tobias Lear's House. Tobias Lear V was educated at Harvard and became a tutor to George Washingtons grandchildren, later he became Washingtons private secretary. Since George Washington paid several visits to Tobias Lear at his Portsmouth residence, he most likely went up and down this very staircase now located at 25 Lafayette Rd. The handsome newel post and ornate banister rise from the entrance foyer to the second floor. This historical tid-bit along with the beautiful detailing throughout the house make it special and unique.

Mr. Ballards only daughter, a Portsmouth school teacher lived at the house after her fathers death. It was later sold to Mr. Wheeler (who stole the chandelier!)and purchased in the 1970's by Mr. Stearn. Mr Stearn renovated the garage (he collected antique cars), updated the kitchen and added a downstairs lavatory. The rest of the house remainded intact through another ownership.