A rare opportunity for old house lovers. Welcome to the historic 1796 Emerson House, overlooking the Oyster River, and surrounded by conservation land. This 18th-century, center chimney home has been lovingly maintained and restored, boasting wide heart pine floors, raised panel doors and original hardware, five working Rumford-designed fireplaces, interior window shutters, and front staircase. A gorgeous, screened-in porch, and up-to-date, chef's kitchen both have spectacular water views, and the outdoor living spaces are a dream, including a deck with hot tub, an outdoor cooking area, shower, large bluestone patio, granite walls, and extensive gardens, plus a two-story barn and garden shed. There are 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a large 3 rd floor renovated office and studio (or a fourth bedroom suite, if you prefer). The home, located in the desirable Oyster River school district on a quiet dead-end street, has plenty of privacy yet is within walking distance to downtown Durham, with a new 200-amp electrical service, city water and sewer and natural gas. Fronting the scenic tidal river, the home comes with a private boat mooring with access to Great Bay estuary and Portsmouth Harbor.