Front Hall

Upon entering Rundlet-May House after ascending the steps, the guests at this Middle Street home were no doubt amazed by the wall of warm air that greeted them upon entering the front door after ascending the stairs outside. The heat register in the central hall is surrounded by marble plates that retained the heat. The whole effect would have been a moment of theatre; welcoming guests in state-of-the-art warmth and therefore also underscoring the importance of who they were visiting. Portsmouth-made mahogany sofas line the hall, leading to the parlor, sitting room, dining room, kitchens, and stairway lead to the bedrooms.