PORTSMOUTH - Restoration of the historic Carey Cottage has progressed “nicely” and on schedule throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jack Savage, president of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, which owns the property.

Savage said Chinberg Properties has been working on the interior and exterior of the 38-room property on Little Harbor Road for the restoration being funded by an unnamed family foundation. He said work includes a new water line to add fire-suppressant sprinklers in the historic mansion which may cause temporary closures of part of the Little Harbor Loop trail on the Creek Farm property.

A portion of the property, along the water line, has been roped off this year, he said, to allow plants to recover.

Savage said The Gundalow Company, which partnered with the Forest Society to offer day camps, has continued to offer the camps, with less children to allow for social distancing. Due to demand, he said, the camps will be scheduled through the fall season.

Seacoastonline also covered a visit to the cottage by President Savage and other leaders on September 4. Read the story here.