Just steps from the historic Strawbery Banke Museum and a picturesque carriage ride away from downtown Portsmouth, the Treadwell Mansion offers more than luxurious accommodations—it invites guests to immerse themselves in a living narrative where history and modern elegance intertwine.

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The story of the mansion begins long before its brick walls were ever laid. The site was originally home to Dr. Thomas Packer around 1696 and later became known in 1786 as Colonel Brewster’s Tavern. Reputed for its refinement, it was described as “an elegant house kept by Mr. Brewster for entertainment.” Notably, in May of 1789, John Jay—President of the Continental Congress and the first Chief Justice of the United States—lodged here. That same year, President George Washington visited Portsmouth, staying four days at Colonel Brewster’s. In his diary entry dated October 31, 1789, Washington wrote: “From the Town House I went to Colonel Brewster’s Ta’n, the place provided for my residence; and the President, the Vice-President, the two Senators, the Marshall, and Major Gilman to dine with me, which they did.”

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Tragedy struck in 1813 when the great Portsmouth fire destroyed the Packer House and Tavern, ending over a century of vibrant hospitality. Just five years later, in 1818, a new and stately brick residence rose from the ashes. Constructed in accordance with the Brick Act of 1814—which briefly mandated that multi-story buildings be built of brick to prevent fire—the Treadwell-Jenness Mansion became a defining example of Portsmouth’s Federal-style architecture.

 

The mansion’s first owner, Ann Stocker Pearse Treadwell, was a woman of wealth and social distinction. Married in 1798 to Robert Odiorne Treadwell, a prosperous merchant descended from a 17th-century blacksmith in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Ann inherited his estate upon his death in 1804. She commissioned the construction of the mansion, and though official records list her simply as “Mrs. Treadwell,” her influence is deeply etched into the home’s design and into Portsmouth’s architectural heritage.

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In the mid-19th century, the estate passed to Richard Jenness, a prominent civic leader and former mayor of Portsmouth. Today, the names Treadwell and Jenness together represent a legacy of leadership, refinement, and enduring community presence.

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By the early 20th century, the mansion entered a new chapter as the Hotel Merrick. Purchased by E.G. Merrick in 1901, it evolved into a well-regarded boarding house known for its gracious hospitality and refined ambiance.

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Today, the Treadwell Mansion continues its legacy as a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel, where timeless elegance meets modern comfort. Each room reflects the mansion’s historic charm while offering the refined amenities expected by today’s discerning traveler. More than just a place to stay, the mansion offers guests a chance to walk in the footsteps of presidents, statesmen, and centuries of distinguished visitors. With its unique blend of historic character and contemporary hospitality, the Treadwell Mansion invites you to be part of its enduring story—one where the past is always present, and every moment encourages you to stay in the moment, stay for a while.