Corinthian columns hold the Greek Revival portico of the John Hart House at 403 The Hill in New Hampshire. Built in the late 18th century, this comparatively modest three-story, wood-frame house quietly tells a layered story: stylistic changes reflect architectural trends up to the mid 19th century. It was moved to this spot in the 1970s as part of a road-widening project and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
You stand in The Hill, a close-knit cluster of historic houses bounded on the north by Deer Street and on the east by High Street at the northern edge of downtown Portsmouth. This grouping was created by that same road project, bringing houses originally on or near Deer Street together here. The John Hart House sits on the west side of the cluster, just south of the Daniel Pinkham House and west of the Phoebe Hart House.
Look at the clapboarded exterior, the hip roof, and the two interior chimneys; the main facade is five bays wide and the center entrance is sheltered by a Greek Revival portico with Corinthian columns. Notice the windows’ Federal-period eared moulding, and remember that the interior also includes Georgian elements. Notice the Corinthian columns and eared window moulding on this west-facing facade.