Cotton Tenant
History
The Cotton Tenant House is one of two modest houses
constructed by Leonard Cotton in 1835 on Atkinson Street. Cotton came from an
old Portsmouth family and started out as a cooper. Cotton capitalized on the
decline in trade and falling wealth in the 1830’s. He opened a retail grocer on
Pleasant Street and was successful enough to purchase investment properties.
As is the case today, fewer people could afford to buy homes and more, and more were renting. Back then Strawbery Banke was – as it is today – a prime location. The Cotton Tenant House was built specifically for rent to moderate income tenants. The house is functional and lacks even the simplest decoration that would have been prized by similar residents who owned their own homes.
Leonard Cotton clearly knew how to make a buck as a landlord. When he died at the age of 72, he owned more than forty properties in the neighborhood.
As is the case today, fewer people could afford to buy homes and more, and more were renting. Back then Strawbery Banke was – as it is today – a prime location. The Cotton Tenant House was built specifically for rent to moderate income tenants. The house is functional and lacks even the simplest decoration that would have been prized by similar residents who owned their own homes.
Leonard Cotton clearly knew how to make a buck as a landlord. When he died at the age of 72, he owned more than forty properties in the neighborhood.
Amenities
Today the Cotton Tenant House is being restored for its
original purpose in the form of a one bedroom apartment across the top floor.
The ground floor is presently unoccupied and may become a museum shop. The
apartment is entered from the front door on Atkinson Street up a traditional
square boxed staircase. The apartment contains a bedroom with two closets and
an adjacent bathroom with tiled shower and stacked Maytag washer/dryer. Across
the landing is the living room with galley kitchen and additional closet space.
Stairs lead to the attic for further dry storage.
All appliances are new and fresh paint reflects abundant sunlight from the adjacent green space. The house is located at the center of the museum, it has an off street car park, gas heating and a pet is allowed.
All appliances are new and fresh paint reflects abundant sunlight from the adjacent green space. The house is located at the center of the museum, it has an off street car park, gas heating and a pet is allowed.
Availability
The apartment would suit a couple or a single professional person. Restoration is about to start and the apartment should be completed for rental by the summer of 2012. Rental will be $1,150 per month excluding utilities. For further information contact: Darlene Olson RE/MAX Coast to Coast Realty darleneolson@remax.net
The apartment would suit a couple or a single professional person. Restoration is about to start and the apartment should be completed for rental by the summer of 2012. Rental will be $1,150 per month excluding utilities. For further information contact: Darlene Olson RE/MAX Coast to Coast Realty darleneolson@remax.net
