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1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat

Photo gallery for 1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat

1853 Captain Wheeler House - Early Spring Blooms
Front Hall - Formal dining to left, Living to right, Kitchen straight ahead
Living Room
Formal Dining for 4-10
Bright Dining for 6-8

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 103200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Mystic, CT
  • Mystic Downtown Marina
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Mystic Seaport
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

#2 Sailmaker Jason

2 Single Beds

#3 Captain Nat

2 Single Beds

#4 Wing

1 Queen Bed

#5 Cook Adam

2 Single Beds

3rd Floor - Lantern/Cupola

1 Double Bed

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

#1 Navigator Nell

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

#2 Sailmaker Jason

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

#3 Captain Nat's

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

#4 Wing

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

#5 Cook Adam

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

1st Floor Powder room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat

The "1853 Captain Wheeler House" is cheerful and well located for the many attractions and activities which abound all seasons. A 5 minute walk to the thriving village on the Mystic River & Harbor offers a worthy selection of top-notch restaurants & lovely variety of quality shops. Many regional attractions along the Connecticut shore and Rhode Island seacoast are nearby. Guests visit throughout the year for a Summer Vacation, Fall Retreat, Winter Holiday or Spring Break.

THE HOUSE: An Italianate Victorian home of gracious design with plentiful natural light. It's prominent in the Mystic Historic District and sited in a garden of specimen trees & shrubs creating all season interest. Restored by Owners, both Architects, the tall ceilings, gracious rooms, large windows, striking detail, hand-planed panel doors, and plank floors evoke a prosperous period in Mystic's Seafaring Heritage. Captain Wheeler sailed ships to China. The original design of his substantial home has been preserved, incorporating new systems and modern conveniences.

FIRST FLOOR: 5 spacious rooms open to a gracious center stair hall which extends from the East facing front door to the Western kitchen wing. To the right, a quiet parlor offers a place to relax. To the left, a formal dining room affords seating for all guests. Connecting, and adjacent to the kitchen, is an informal dining room. The Owner's study in the NW corner is seldom used by guests, but is available if one must work. Each colorful, light-filled room occupies a corner offering views in two directions.

The KITCHEN in the wing, is light-filled by windows on three sides. The garden is ever-present whether preparing meals, sitting at the small corner table or relaxing on the porch. A limestone floor, maple and soapstone counters, painted wood cabinets and decorations add to its unique character. Features include double sink, self-cleaning double convection ovens, 5-burner gas cook top, refrigerator/freezer/ice-maker, and dishwasher. On a chill day, a corner gas fireplace is welcome. On a warm day, a seat at beckons at the small dining table on the covered porch for a sunrise breakfast or sunset repast.

SECOND FLOOR: 4 cheerful corner bedrooms, with appealing views over the historic harbor environs, share an ample center hall, decorated with handmade family quilts. Two leather easy chairs offer a place to relax, read or stream on the nearby small TV. Each bedroom has twin beds & a private tiled bath with shower or tub/shower. Step down several steps to the wing, queen-size bedroom with vaulted ceilings and views in three directions. There is an adjacent private bath with tub/shower & separate spiral stair to the first floor. Nearby is a laundry room with full-size washer & dryer.

THIRD FLOOR: Above all is the "lantern" also referred to as a cupola. This room, up a steep climb of stairs, has a double bed And windows on four sides with distant views. It affords a maximum of 12 guests, however it must share a private bath on the floor below and is ONLY available by prior arrangement at the time of booking. The house is most comfortable (& preferred) with 8-10 guests.

PLEASE NOTE that events of any type, or gatherings with more than the booking party, are are unacceptable.

GARDEN: Landscape of specimen trees & shrubs complemented by perennials & seasonal plantings, has interest throughout the seasons and attracts many birds.

MOBILITY CONCERNS: All bedrooms are on the 2nd floor, a powder room on the 1st. Access to the 1st floor from the grass drive has 5 steps. Access via the covered side porch from the additional street parking has about 10 steps..

GROUND FLOOR: This level of the house has a separate entry & an apartment available to us. We may or may nor be on the premises, but are available.

We are interested in your Inquiry: . . . . Please let us know if you are familiar with the Mystic & the area, the number and complement in the party and any other information which will assist us in responding. We enjoy sharing our home with others who appreciate historic houses and visiting a seaport village in a region which offers a rich history, culture, nature, water and other activities.

Prior to your arrival, we will provide information on access to the house. However, we enjoy meeting our guests and one of us is often at the house to greet you and answer any specific questions. A handy information book on our home and area is readily available and should answer most questions. We are available by cell/txt/email should you need us. We look forward to your visit.

Mystic is a desired location for WEDDINGS with many fabulous possibilities from wineries to historic locations. Terrific FOOD catered by regional chefs. Abundant year round pastimes and recreational options for guests. The 1853 CAPTAIN WHEELER HOUSE is ideally suited for families of the bride or groom and wedding parties. Mystic continues to be included in national and regional topical recommendations as one of the best towns to visit for many reasons: historic seafaring village, historic character, seafood, cultural options, boutiques, galleries, first-class foodie destination, top-notch breakfast spots, eating on the water's edge.

The 1853 Captain Wheeler House - Mystic Vacation Activities - Many things available in the area!

MYSTIC Seaport events: April ; Pirate Days - May ; LOBSTER Days & Rumrunner Lighthouse Cruise - June: SEA MUSIC Festival, WOODEN BOAT Show & small craft weekend - July 4th Independence Day Celebration, Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous - August: Model Yacht Regatta, Antique Marine Engine Exposition - September: Coastweeks Regatta, Marine Art Exhibition & Antique Vehicle Show - October: Columbus weekend Chowder Days, "Painting in Plein Air", Celestial Navigation & Beer Tasting - for the Holidays - LANTERN LIGHT TOURS, Community Carol Sing & Holiday Magic.

Community & Area Events: Mystic Outdoor ART Festival FIRST Weekend in August - Taste of Mystic, Olde Mistick Village - Argia Twilight Cruises, sail Fisher's Island Sound - Submarine Force Museum & USS Nautilus - USCGA - Coast Guard Academy & Tall Ship US Coast Guard Barque EAGLE - Garlic Festival, Sept - Mystic Eats Riverside Food Festival, Sept - Winery Visits: Stonington Vineyards, Jonathan Edwards & Saltwater Farm.

Property manager

Ann or Rick - Members since 2000

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Well behaved & not requiring childproofed home.
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Events

No events allowed
10 additional guests ONLY by prior agreement
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Thank you. We maintain smoke free premises.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: 10 additional guests ONLY by prior agreement
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mystic

Located in Mystic, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Mystic Seaport and New London Ferry Dock are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ocean Beach Park and Misquamicut State Beach. Check out an event or a game at Mohegan Sun Arena, and consider making time for Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, a top attraction not to be missed. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mystic, CT

What's nearby

  • Mystic Downtown Marina - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Mystic Seaport - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Olde Mistick Village - 4 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

  • Mystic Station - 17 min walk
  • New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mystic Pizza - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Sift Bake Shop - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mystic Drawbridge Ice-Cream - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Engine Room - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1853 Captain Wheeler House-Historic Seaport Home Garden-Rental Retreat located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mystic Arts Center and Mystic Seaport. Mystic Downtown Marina and Mystic River Bascule Bridge are also within 10 minutes. Mystic Station is 17 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lynette S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Fun!

A lovely and spacious home perfect for connecting with family with Mystic and the surrounding areas also at your fingertips
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

The house is exactly as described. Plenty of space for 6 adults. Four of the bedrooms have a private bath - which made getting ready easy. We enjoyed walking to town and did a few hikes/walks nearby. Also did a day trip to Block Island.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location!

Great location, so close to Downtown Mystic!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Lauren D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Charming!

Beautiful house, simply wonderful owners. Exceptionally well decorated and more than enough dishes, silverware, etc. (Just wish it had been air-conditioned in the 90-degree heat.) We would love to go there again someday.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Nice property
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Maureen H.

Nice but with issues ....

This property is in a wonderful location in Mystic. The house is large enough for a large family group. And the yard and garden simply beautiful. However, it seemed to us the owner does not really like having tenants. The list of rules and regulations was quite extreme. Broken chairs were left in the house with signs not to sit in them. Do not touch this and that. It felt as if we were guests in a house lived in by the owner as personal items were everywhere. Clothes in closet, food in freezer. One small drawer in kitchen left for our personal food items. The rest of the large kitchen filled with owners things. There were two large tables in dining rooms but not enough chairs to accommodate. The WiFi was public so we were unable to connect our music. The amenities listed included fireplace and washer dryer. Fireplace and washer not working. As owners of a rental property, we would never leave an appliance in a non working condition for a tenant. It would either be fixed or replaced. Our feeling was owner knew we would be one time renters as we were there for our daughter’s graduation so they maybe let some things go.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

S & S G.

Wonderful historic home full of charm and comfort.

The place was fantastic for our family during my son's wedding weekend in Mystic. Conveniently located and large enough to easily accommodate a large family. Located perfectly for a walk to town and the church! We love Mystic and would return to this home. Would recommend to all that want to experience old nautical Mystic charm.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Abigail D.

Great spot!

A group of friends rented the house for a long birthday weekend. The house was perfect and located within a quick walk of downtown Mystic. We had beautiful weather and were able to sit outside on the back lawn and porch. The bells from the nearby church were great, even the concert on Saturday night. The kitchen has all of the cooking tools you cold possibly want. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Robert M.

Beautiful historic home.

Beautiful home located walking distance from shops and restaurants. Great back porch and yard. Enjoyed our stay very much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Eileen C.

Great stay!

Wonderful house and perfect location for exploring Mystic. We plan on returning for another family reunion.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

John S.

1853 Captain Wheeler is worth it!

Our week in this incredible home was nothing short of spectacular. The most well equipped vacation rental we have ever experienced in 30 years of renting. The close proximity to the Mystic village is ideal for every evening strolls, choices of historical venues, eating and drinking, it has it all. every hour you are delighted to hear the church bells toll and on Sunday from 9:00-9:30 am they wake the village with beautiful chimes. Although no AC, the owner has it figured out on air flow and plenty of fans. Worth the visit and more.

10/10 Excellent

Roland S.

new meets old - very comfortable historical home!

From the beautiful and varied flowers in the yard, to the cupola with a wondrous view over the river, this large home with a bathroom for each of the 5 bedrooms on the second floor and large, gracious living areas on the first, set in the heart of Mystic, meets and beats every expectation. Based upon our well traveled family's own truly memorable experience, we heartily recommend it to any visitor.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W., Benton, PA

Beautiful home and perfectly placed in a beautiful community and close to attractions.

Perfect home for a big family to vacation together.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Timothy H., Phoenix, AZ (USA)

Great home, poor communication

We had an amazing time in Mystic. The house was a great base for us and we were really comfortable there. It was a bit of a communication issue getting into the home as Ann wasn't super responsive in the week or so leading up to our stay. The real issue came after the stay, Ann has been unresponsive and we still have not had our deposit returned to us. I have reached out several times and she will not return phone calls or emails. We left the home in great condition so I don't foresee any issue receiving the deposit back. Even if there was an issue I would expect that she would tell us that. I recommend the home, location, etc, but I am disappointed by the owners. I hope you have a better experience!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm M., Belmont

Wonderful House & Hosts, Delightful Garden, Super!

We visited Mystic last year on our spring sojourn and stayed in this wonderful house with gardens reflecting a strong horticultural interest. Many varieties of trees, shrubs and plants successively blooming. We arrive again shortly and are excited to re-visit some familiar places and discover new. A great home away from home with all of the comforts and necessities (the owners live here much of the time). Bedrooms are fresh and bright, the private bathrooms very convenient when all on the same schedule. House has great character and color with different places to sit and congregate. Early morning coffee rocking on the front porch, lunch for a few on the side porch and afternoon relaxing in the garden. Love the convenient location in this historic, friendly neighborhood with the church bells down the street chiming on the hour and playing music at noon and 6:00. Town is a short walk down the hill with many choices for dining. Definitely a boat oriented village with a long seafaring history. The Mystic Seaport Museum warrants more than a full day and is brimming with maritime history. There's a great local bookstore and several coffee shops. One could spend a week without a car (Amtrak is a 1 mile walk), it's not a necessity and bike rentals are available. However, it is desirable for venturing further which is what some of us did to the Submarine Museum and Florence Griswold. We thank our gracious hosts for sharing their special home with us.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie M., Chicago, IL

Lovely home - Mystic Outdoor Art Festival week

So happy to find this wonderful house available at the time of the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival! A bunch of us who attended art school together and went our own directions gather every couple of years to paint in a new locale. It was great to visit the Florence Griswold Museum, ramble the Art Fair and find varied sites to paint every day. I favored the river just a short walk down the hill. Another couple ventured 10 minutes away to Stonington Village (one to shop, the other to paint) and others to the boatyards just downriver. We collected names of restaurants that appealed, threw them in a hat & drew one for the night's sojourn. Loved the Dogwatch, Bravo Bravo, S&P Oyster & Laditude 41. A couple of nights we grilled at home in the well stocked kitchen and enjoyed the evening in the garden. We ventured forth for breakfast a couple of time to Kitchen Little, Somewhere in Time and Noah's. The house is in a friendly historic neighborhood which is visually appealing with many well cared for historic homes. The yards are gracious and varied and the walk to town easy. I can't remember anything we needed which was lacking. Just a note that there is no AC, but fans should they be needed. Even though it was hot a couple of days, the house stayed amazingly cool due to the large overhanging eaves and the afternoon sea breezes which wafted through the open windows. There was a lot to do and a very nice and low key time was had by all. Thank you.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dan B.

Stellar Spring Visit!

A spring getaway to catch up with siblings and in-laws and just relax and do our own thing. Found this beautiful house which was perfectly located for our needs. Ann was very helpful with regard to special requests for information as most had not visited Mystic before. It was easy for some to walk to the village while others jogged on a nice road along the river, and then all meet for lunch. There are a lot of great choices in town. The owners have created an interesting garden with many varieties of shrubs and the daffodils were blooming in full force. I just wish they had finished their plan identifying everything - obviously a work in progress. The house is comfortable and has a happy feeling reflecting the owner's interests. They are clearly not big on media, although there are several flat panel TV's in strategic locations and reliable wifi throughout the house. But, that's not the reason to visit this wonderful area or stay at the 1853 Captain Wheeler House. We hope to return, maybe to see the garden in the autumn.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Exceptional in every way

This was the second time we stayed here, and it probably won't be the last. It's a spacious, extremely well-maintained home within a short walking distance to the town, including the Seaport area. Great little architectural details throughout, and incredibly comfortable and relaxing. Nice big kitchen and dining areas to accommodate larger families as well. The owner was great to deal too, very pleasant and helpful. If you're considering coming to Mystic, you will not go wrong with this home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Better than a home away from home.

Twelve of us showed up on May 30 to celebrate 2 birthdays and a wedding anniversary. I knew it was the right place to be for our mini-vacation when I saw the well kept gardens. The inside of the house was well kept and very clean. Hope we left it as clean as we found it and maybe some extra items in the refrigerator for the next visitors. Close to Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. Thoroughly enjoyable stay! I overheard several of the group say... 'We have to do this again!'

About the host

Hosted by Ann or Rick - Members since 2000

Host profile image
One of us enjoying the opportunity to skipper on a friend's yawl. The other is below making lunch. We believe that a well-designed garden is an essential element of the house for guests to enjoy and continue to develop it with a variety of specimen trees, shrubs, perennials & flowers.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with this wonderful house and believe that our guests will love it too. The historic and architectural character of the town and its buildings held a special appeal to two architects whose practice has focused on the restoration of historic properties, commercial and residential, for 30+ years. The house is in a protected historic district filled with a variety of well preserved early homes and the village maintains its character as one built on seafaring and boat building. We have a chance to practice our horticultural skills on a garden rather than the roof of our townhouse. However, there never seems to be enough room for all the trees and shrubs we admire. Mystic is conveniently located and on the Boston/NY Amtrak line. It is wonderful, friendly village with all the requisite services and offers many opportunities for relaxation and intellectual stimulation. Of course, the Mystic Seaport Museum (just a mile walk through the village and across the river) and ready access to to the great sailing waters in the environs were a great draw to us as well. We don't really consider this a vacation home as we live here much of the time. However, we love to share it with others who will care for it in our absence while they explore and enjoy what the area has to offer.

What makes this property unique

One seems never to have enough time to do what they choose to do while visiting because there is such a great choice. Our home has particular appeal to multi-generation family gatherings for a number of reasons. It is big enough to offer comfortable accommodation, easily accommodate differing schedules or allow everyone to return from a day's activities to clean up and head out to dinner at the same time. It is a short walk to the village so different age groups can roam at ease without relying on a car. Parents can take young children to the playground while others shop or just relax. Couples on annual getaways also like to visit and take Vineyard tours, try the many restaurants, visit the nearby museums, take a day trip to Block Island. It seems guests love to congregate at the house or in the garden visiting and reading and then go off in different directions pursuing a selected activity be it fishing, walking, antiquing, choosing a beach, biking, birding, or attending one of the many local events at the Mystic Seaport Museum or in town like the Taste of Mystic or the annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival.
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