A rare and unique opportunity is now available in the heart of Portsmouth. Borden Farm Estates, located at 2951 East Main Road, offers not only a deep connection to the town’s history but also a clear path forward for much-needed housing and thoughtful development in the community.
Set on 2.84 acres, the property is anchored by a six-unit Second Empire Victorian farmhouse, built in 1865 and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three of the condominium units in the farmhouse have already been sold, while three remain available for retail sale or rental, giving the new owner immediate income potential or residential housing. The property also includes a 5,623-square-foot barn with full approvals in place to be converted into four residential units. Altogether, approvals are in place for 26 total residences on the site: six within the historic farmhouse, four in the barn, and sixteen additional ground-up new construction homes.
The sale includes the complete development package with site plans, septic approvals, and engineered and architectural renderings. Perhaps most importantly, the rigorous approval process with the Town of Portsmouth has already been completed, saving the next owner a significant amount of time and effort.
“There’s an incredible amount of opportunity for someone to curate a special community here,” said Tyler Bernadyn, who is co-listing the property with his RE/MAX Results colleague, Kevin Castner. “I’ve seen so many places where historic character and modern needs for housing can blend together, on our island and in other historic communities like Charleston, Savannah, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. There is a beauty in the balance of both approaches.”
Bernadyn also noted that the demand for housing across Aquidneck Island and Rhode Island as a whole continues to rise, making projects like this not only unique but vital. “Having represented the sale of this property in the past, I’ve always recognized the incredible potential here. Now, with the approvals fully in place, the opportunity for the next owner to step in and bring that vision to life has never been more compelling.”
Castner added that development is just one direction for the future of this land. “Converting the barn to a single-family or commercial unit is always a possibility. It’s all about the buyer’s ‘why’ and what the end user sees for this great parcel of land on East Main Road,” said Castner.
Borden Farm traces its roots back to the 1600s, when the land was deeded to the Borden family by the King of England. Today, it stands as both a testament to Portsmouth’s past and an extraordinary canvas for the future.
“This is an incredible opportunity to purchase a piece of Portsmouth history and be a steward for the future of this remarkable parcel of land,” Castner said.
Here’s a link to the listing. For more information or to request a showing, contact Tyler Bernadyn at TylerB@resultswithremax.com or 401-241-1851 and Kevin Castner at kevinsellsnewport@gmail.com or 401-529-9275.