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Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End

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Property grounds
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Portsmouth, NH
  • Market Square
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Strawbery Banke Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • The Music Hall
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Portsmouth

At this holiday home you'll be within steps of Wentworth Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses and Children's Museum of Portsmouth. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .Home features 3 bathrooms, a fireplace and a patio. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a fenced private garden and a coffee/tea maker are also available. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this South End holiday home include Market Square and Water Country.
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What's nearby

  • Market Square - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Strawbery Banke Museum - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Portsmouth Brewery - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • The Music Hall - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Water Country - 9 min drive - 6.8 km

Getting around

  • Dover Transportation Center - 19 min drive
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hearth Food Garden - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Thirsty Moose Taphouse - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Works Bakery Cafe - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪River House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End

Stay in a beautifully rejuvenated 18th century, light-filled, Georgian home with views of the Piscataqua River, just minutes on foot from Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth's downtown dining and shopping. Staying at the stunningly refurbished Tobias Lear House, where President Washington took tea in November of 1789, will immerse you in Portsmouth's rich history. It's like living in a museum house but with all the comforts of the 21st century. The house’s sleeping arrangements include a family suite with two bedrooms as well as Madam Lear’s Chamber, which features an en suite bathroom. All our bedrooms, most comfortable beds and beautiful views. In May 2023 the Tobias Lear House’s rejuvenation was honored by the NH Preservation Alliance. Due to the house's historic nature and close proximity to neighbors, our maximum is four adults and two children and we do not allow parties or events on site.

Property manager

Anthony Conti

Languages

English

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector in all accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End?

The closest beach to Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End is Hampton Beach (19.5 km).

Does Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and children's dinnerware, it's no surprise that Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End?

No, Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End?

No, pets are not allowed.

Award Winning House in Portmouth's South End Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Charles H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely Amazing!

Staying at the Tobias Lear House in Portsmouth was definitely a 'bucket list' opportunity for my wife and me. We have visited Portsmouth many times, always staying in the downtown area and taking our leisurely strolls through the South Mill Pond area. Well, a few years ago after visiting the Wentworth Museum, we learned the Tobias Lear House can be rented for overnight stays, and we couldn't pass up this opportunity. It did NOT disappoint! The detail of Mr. Foster's efforts (and the crew who did the work) to return the home to its glory of 1760 is amazing. My wife and I are both lovers of everything this home represents and truly enjoyed our stay. The ability to disconnect from today's technology world and just sit and take in the quiet comfort of this home, was not lost on us. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy tea in the same room George Washington had tea in 1789 was surreal. This was just such a great experience. Thank you for making this home available for people to appreciate a small piece of American history first hand.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness

TG @ Historic Lear House

What a wonderful stay we had at the Lear House! The owner spared no expense in their restoration of this home. Stunning paintings & antiques, comfy beds, gorgeous well-equipped kitchen and bathrooms. Perfect location in the heart of the historic district. We loved the Lear House & hope to return someday soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rajeev P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Stay, book without hesitation!

The Tobias Lear home is a jewel of a property located a short walk from the fantastic restaurants and shops of downtown Portsmouth.   My family and I spent a long weekend in this meticulously restored property, enjoying the local shops and restaurants, as well as preparing meals in the homes’ well appointed kitchen.  I would definitely recommend this home and hope to stay there again down the road.  Host was highly responsive and a delight to work with
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect stay for family trip

Everything was perfect. They have done a wonderful job maintaining the historic charm while updating beautiful bathrooms and modern kitchen. We spent the days with coffee over looking the water, walking
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Incredible location

Loved the location and the history
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsay F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Historical Magic

We had the BEST stay in this historical beauty! We drooled over the floors….not to mention all of the attention to detail! Did I mention that I am moving in!!?? Hah. Anyway, fantastic location, easy to walk to town, walking paths, close to the waterfront, historic cemetery close by, great restaurants and shops. What else can I say!?? It’s a Beaute Clark!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Historical Property

We really enjoyed our stay in Portsmouth. Communication with Anthony was excellent. The house is in amazing shape. It is really cool to have the opportunity to stay in a home with so much historical significance. Thank you for opening your home to us!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor M., Owensboro, KY

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Stay

This home has been perfectly renovated to retain the historic details while adding all the modern amenities you want to be comfortable! It was a great place to experience with friends for a destination wedding weekend. My only wish was that we’d stayed a few more nights! I hope to be back one day with family to really relax and enjoy this beautiful house for a longer stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing House!!

The Tobias Lear House was incredible and if we could give it 10/10 stars we would. It was more than we could have dreamed and we were absolutely delighted with our stay. Surrounded and immersed in history, the house is honorably maintained and full of character. We loved the decor, beautiful rugs, books, and artwork. The kitchen and bathrooms were exceptional and had everything and more than we could have asked for. The fridge had been supplied with water, OJ, eggs, butter, jam, as well as bread and bananas, which was a sweet surprise and nice touch. The location was perfect and we enjoyed walking into town. Parking was close and plentiful. The host was very responsive with any questions we had. We truly would recommend this house 100%. We are looking forward to visiting again. Thank you for the opportunity to stay in such a remarkable home. We were grateful and honored to enjoy our time together in this stunning part of history.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dahlton B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous Historic House & Excellent location

This stunning, spectacular home is in the perfect location near the water and within walking distance to wherever you want to be, from nearby gardens, charming, chic shops, and delectable dining. This historic home is impressive with its restoration and opulence. Very comfortable, well-appointed. Thoughtful, communicative hosts. We look forward to coming back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Noah J.

Liked: Cleanliness

High quality property

We loved our stay. The fascinating home, the gorgeous surroundings, and the relaxed feel and beauty of Portsmouth made for a perfect trip. Thank you for a memorable experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandy M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect stay in Portsmouth

Our stay at the exquisite Tobias Lear House was absolutely perfect. It was such a special stay for my daughter’s wedding. We could walk to all wedding events and everything else to offer in beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The home is well represented on the VRBO site-
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

chris f.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

One of the best vacation rentals I’ve had the pleasure to stay in. Top shelf. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

kendra b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Over the top

We took our British family to New England to introduce them to American history and scenery different from their usual trip to us in Florida. We could not have imagined a more perfect house to set the stage. My spouse and I usually select beautiful restored homes (B&B's) when we travel, but this was far superior to any place we've ever stayed. We felt welcomed, even embraced, by the welcoming feeling the house provides - in addition to the amazing restoration and beautiful antiques. In our experience, we've been willing to sacrifice some of the modern conveniences in order to enjoy the ambience of the old homes. Not so in this case. Bathrooms and kitchen are top of the line. I'll close by saying that my husband immediately claimed a spot in the study, with a comfortable chair and amazing reading light and declared that he simply was not leaving! Thank you so much. We will always remember this home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great home for my family!

I was so excited to stay in this historical home and it did not disappoint. This home is beautiful; I felt like I was transported back in time, but we had a beautifully updated kitchen and bathrooms. We enjoyed our morning coffee in the beautiful garden; it was so peaceful. We can’t wait to return and stay longer. Anthony made everything so easy and we appreciated the supplies. Best VRBO experience we’ve ever had!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Serenity M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enchanting

My fiancé and I stayed here in early spring and loved every second! We chose Portsmouth for the nightlife but found ourselves more interested in exploring and enjoying all this beautiful home has to offer. Entering the front door was like stepping back in time - with all the comforts of modern living. It was clear from every detail that great care was placed on rehabilitating this home in a way that preserves all of its glory, while elevating it to the fully imagined dream of the family that worked so hard to build it. We spent our entire first evening roaming from room to room; exploring, reading about its history, and enjoying each other's company in a way this world has forgotten. We highly recommend gathering your closest friends and enjoying this incredible experience together. We saved the first night for ourselves and had our friends join us for the second night. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for an experience unlike any other is this lifetime. We greatly appreciate the care that was taken in the home itself and in making us feel at home. We will be back! 💗
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris-Anne K.

Liked: Cleanliness

History buffs paradise!

The Tobias Lear House met all of our expectations and more. The home is immaculate and filled with beautiful 18th and 19th century furniture. We enjoyed just sitting in the front parlor ( where George Washington stopped for tea), reading some of the many books on local history that were provided throughout the home.The kitchen has top of the line appliances, and the owner was gracious to leave goodies for us upon our arrival! The home is a nestled in a quiet neighborhood just a 10 minute walk to town and Strawberry Banke. We look forward to returning again !
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

meredith P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautifully restored historic home with modern amenities

We came from California to meet up with our adult children living on the east coast for a New England Christmas experience, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The house has so much history and is beautifully furnished with quality antiques and art, not to mention books galore. Modern kitchen and bathrooms are well-appointed, and the location is ideal, being one block from the river and a short walk to town. When we arrived after a long day of travel we were pleasantly surprised to find the house with provisions in the kitchen and decorated for the holidays in authentic Colonial style, with poinsettias, pine boughs, holly and fruit all around and even a small Christmas tree in the front parlor - such a gracious and unexpected touch! Ice skating a few blocks away was a treat, and we enjoyed several excellent meals in town and prepared a home-cooked dinner on Christmas. Anthony was very helpful, easy to work with and responsive. We would return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing historic house in Portsmouth

We rented this house over Thanksgiving and it was an incredible experience and a genuine privilege. The house is beautifully rehabilitated but still amazingly has the same floorboards on which George Washington once walked. The history is there and the house has all the modern conveniences - luxurious showers and a wonderful kitchen equipped within everything one needs to cook a feast. And Anthony was incredibly helpful throughout the booking process and our stay. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marianne J., Tennessee

Liked: Cleanliness

True Colonial Experience

Amazing location! Very well appointed with period furniture throughout! Beautiful gardens and outdoor amenities. Convenient nearby parking. Surrounded by period homes. Our group had a wonderful experience in this home. Anthony was a great host. Knowing that George Washington actually had tea in one of the parlors created such an atmosphere!! I would come back in a minute!! Thank you for your hospitality
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Colonial Gem

We feel fortunate to have stayed in this home. It's a piece of history, with beautiful views, and tasteful modern upgrades of the highest quality. We do ask one thing: if anyone reading this stays in the home, please treat this property respectfully! We want to stay there again and hope the owners continue to allow guests. The home is the perfect combination of ideal location, luxurious accommodations, and class. Thank you for sharing home!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Historical - yet modern - magnificence.

It is difficult to provide a summary for this wonderful property. The level of attention to detail and care provided to this home - and it’s rehabilitation - is simply stunning. It served as a perfect spot for our family to enjoy one another and some of America‘s history at the same time. The property manager and the owner are to be commended for their high level of attention to every detail. Our family is filled with wonderful memories from our stay at the Tobias Lear House.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine G.

Liked: Cleanliness

THE nicest place imaginable.........

The property grounds were filled with plants and flowers, so inviting. The house was just amazing, the kitchen was beautiful, had everything we needed, the bathrooms were so nice, and there was plenty of room for the 4 of us. The kitchen and all 3 bathrooms are modern while the rest of the house will take you way back in time. I was so happy I chose to stay here, what an experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C., Boston

Liked: Cleanliness

Incredible historic house in an amazing location!

We had a wonderful stay at the Tobias Lear house. It is definitely one of the best VRBOs we've ever found, and we have stayed in many, many of them over the years. It was impeccably clean and offered all sorts of extra thoughtful touches like grocery staples waiting for us upon our arrival; Anthony reaching out to us prior to our stay to see if we would like any restaurant or activity recommendations; flexibility with our arrival time; very responsive and easy communication with the property manager; and seamless/easy check-in and check-out instructions. This house is extremely well-maintained and has amazing antique furniture and fixtures (but has been completely redone very recently and so feels very modern and comfortable). It has every amenity and supply we could have needed, including luxurious towels and bedding, etc. We would love to come back again and would give this property 10 stars if we could! The neighborhood is amazing and walkable to all sorts of shops and restaurants (and right by the water). The house has 3 included parking spots, so that was an added convenience. We stayed with our three children, but would highly recommend this property to anyone!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anthony H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A spectacular piece of history

It's hard to overstate how much we enjoyed staying in the Tobias Lear house. From the period furnishings to the fantastic location, it was more than we had hoped for. The house itself it a true gem, a mix of old and new – most of the house is period furnished but has been updated with modern bathrooms and a fantastic kitchen. We were able to leave the car parked and walk to many nearby attractions and wonderful shopping and dining. We regretted that we had only booked it for two nights. It was an experience we won't soon forget.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022