Commanding sweeping views of the town, harbor and hills, Spicer Mansion has been a fixture in historic Mystic since 1853.
Paying homage to the Gilded Age of refined hospitality alongside contemporary touches and uncompromising service, this luxury boutique inn, open to guests of all ages, offers eight impeccably appointed guest rooms, a world-class food and beverage program, including a fine dining restaurant exclusive to hotel guests and by reservation, entertaining space and manicured gardens.
Set in the center of a seaside village, Spicer Mansion is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and unsurpassed white-glove service.
The mansion has long been admired as the lavish summer home of Captain Elihu Spicer.
After many years of restoration, Spicer Mansion opened its doors in May 2016 as a boutique inn unlike any other in the area. It offers the very best of refined hospitality in a historic downtown village, steeped in maritime traditions and rich in culture.
With only eight guest rooms this sumptuous inn is the perfect place for a break from the stresses of the modern world and provides discretion and privacy like few other destinations.
Come and enjoy life in refined hospitality and luxurious accommodations in what is sure to become one of the best boutique inns in Connecticut.
Welcome to Mystic. Welcome to Spicer Mansion.
HISTORY
Originally built in 1853, Spicer Mansion was purchased by its namesake, renowned sea captain and benefactor Elihu Spicer as his family’s summer home to escape the stifling summer months in Brooklyn.
Captain Spicer, born in Noank, Connecticut in 1825, displayed a fondness for nautical life at an early age, going to sea when he was only nine years old. By the age of fourteen, he had become a cabin boy on a sailing ship that docked in many ports along the East Coast. Spicer rapidly rose to a Captain’s command, taking charge of the clipper ship Fanny by the age of twenty-two.
The discovery of gold in California and the opening of Japan to the West afforded the opportunity for profit and world-wide travel to far-flung places like San Francisco, India and Hong Kong. But when the Civil War plunged the country into crisis, coastal trade was halted. With normal business on hold, Spicer entered government service and commanded a steamship transporting Union troops.
After the war ended, Captain Spicer entered into a partnership with a life-long Mystic friend, Charles H. Mallory, to form the C.H. Mallory & Co. The venture proved extremely successful in the trade business between New York, Florida and Galveston, Texas. The success allowed Captain Spicer to engage in the philanthropic activities for which he was extremely passionate, including building the Mystic & Noank Library across the street from Spicer Mansion.
The Mansion remained in the Spicer family for over 70 years before being sold and resold over the next five decades. Through the Great Depression and World War II, plagued by changes in fortune and finance, the grand house dimmed. The building was divided into eight rental apartments before ultimately falling into disrepair by the 1970s, facing being formally condemned.
Owners came and went, some working to restore the property to its former glory, but it was not until the Gates family of Stonington purchased the property in 2013 that this historic gem has been allowed to shine once again.
Guest rooms at the Mansion are beautifully appointed, yet all individually designed to mirror the unique style of the original house.
Named after vessels captained by Elihu Spicer or members of his family, the Mansion’s guest rooms pay tribute to luxurious, Victorian-era architecture while providing every modern convenience.
Master craftsmanship is evident at every turn of the gracious interiors; from the impeccably detailed architectural elements to the richly appointed furnishings. Each spacious room has been crafted to resemble elegant private residences.
Spicer Mansion is proud to partner with Duxiana, the global leader in sleep technology, to offer guests an exceptional night’s rest.
Named after the Mansion’s original owner, the Spicer Suite is the grandest room of the hotel. With large windows and high ceilings, the suite offers sweeping views of Mystic Village. Traditional sand-colored walls, a stately four-poster bed, and deep-seated accent chair complete this impressive space.
At 715 square feet, the suite offers a sun room with sitting area and sofa bed, separate bedroom with king-sized Duxiana mattress covered in 600-thread count Matouk linens, and en-suite bathroom with deep-soaking, claw-foot tub and walk-in shower.
A more spacious alternative to other guest rooms, each of one-bedroom Captain Suites is located on the third floor.
These cozy, coved-ceilinged rooms offer elegant accommodation and fine touches including a sitting room with sofa bed, separate bedroom with king-sized Duxiana mattress covered in 600-thread count Matouk linens, and en-suite bathroom with shower.
Named for Captain Spicer’s best friend and business partner, Charles H. Mallory, the 600 square foot Mallory Suite offers views of both Mystic and the estate’s gardens.
Traditional cream walls, a stately Louis XIV-inspired king bed, and deep-seated accent chairs complete this cozy space.
With beautiful sweeping views of its historic downtown, this suite is named after quaint seaside village.
The sand-colored, 480 square foot Mystic Suite offers a plantation-style king bed, upholstered lounge chairs, and antique-inspired furnishings that make this room a quaint retreat.
The largest of the Balcony Kings, Empress is named for a schooner Elihu Spicer’s father commanded on trade voyages to the West Indies. The room is located on the second floor above the dining room.
It offers views of the estate’s gardens with large windows, high ceilings, serene green walls, and a stately Louis XIV-inspired bed. An ample seating space between the bedroom and bathroom featuring linen armchairs complete this luxurious space.
Balcony King guest rooms offer spacious accommodations with approximately 350-400 square feet of luxury, each with a cozy sitting area and balcony overlooking the gardens.
Complete with a king-size Duxiana mattress covered in 600 thread count Matouk linens, en-suite bathroom with shower, and cozy seating area, these rooms offer luxurious touches in a comfortable setting.
Located on the second floor overlooking the Mansion’s gardens, Hound is named after a clipper ship commanded by Captain Spicer.
Traditional blue-grey walls, a plantation-style king bed and a deep-seated accent chair complete this serene space.
Named for a clipper ship captained by Elihu Spicer, Samuel Willets is located on the second floor above the dining room.
The space offers views of the estate’s gardens, complete with balcony. With large windows, high ceilings, serene green walls, and a plantation-style king bed, this guest room is a comfortable escape from the everyday.
Each of Victorian King guest rooms, while slightly smaller than Balcony King rooms, offer elegant accommodations with between 310 and 340 square feet of space.
Complete with a king-size Duxiana mattress covered in 600 thread count Matouk linens, en-suite bathroom with shower, and a workspace, these rooms are replete with luxurious touches in a comfortable setting.
Located on the second floor at the front of the house overlooking historic Mystic, Luzerne is named after the first boat Elihu Spicer’s father commanded. With large windows and high ceilings, the room offers sweeping views of Mystic.
Traditional slate blue walls, a stately four-poster bed, and deep-seated accent chair complete this serene space.
Up the next set of stairs is Magellan on the third floor, named after a schooner Captain Spicer’s father commanded on trade voyages to the West Indies.
The coved ceiling in this room creates a cozy and comfortable space. With warm light gray colored walls, four-poster bed, and two deep-seated accent chairs, Magellan is the perfect place to retire after a long day.
Spicer Mansion offers guests unparalleled culinary experiences. Open to Mansion guests and by reservation, dining at the Mansion is an exclusive affair. Weekdays is offered an a-la-carte breakfast available starting at 8am. On Saturday and Sunday there is a brunch starting at 9am.
CUISINE
The cuisine here at The Spicer Mansion is Contemporary Coastal New England. Hotel's team utilizes native resources from both land and sea.
It is their goal to provide guests with a connection to their food source by thoughtfully sourcing from local fisherman, farmers and artisans.
It’s belief that creativity and new ideas are a result of having an intimate relationship with your food source, and believe that a sense of place is very important when dining. Then menus change often, showcasing techniques that are both modern and traditional.
Come to the Restaurant every weekend for Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Discover the flavors of the season with a colorful menu of brunch classics with an inspired twist.
Enjoy lighter fare, sweet or savory main selections and scrumptious seasonal accompaniments.
Casual
Try Spicer Menu in Mystic’s most buzzed about cocktail lounge, Room No. 9.
Available on the outdoor porches and in the Rose Salon, the Spicer Menu features creative bar fare, assorted light bites and carefully composed cocktails utilizing regionally curated spirits.
Ideal for those seeking lunch or a more casual alternative for dinner, menu items include a daily soup and salad inspiration and select dishes from The Restaurant’s degustation menu. The partnership with local farmers allows to source the highest quality ingredients not only of the season, but also of the day, creating fresh, distinctive dining experiences for guests.
Embark on a journey through the world of caviar, exquisitely prepared and presented along with a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne.
Perfect for engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations.
Spicer Mansion welcomes Randy Rucker as Executive Chef. Randy believes creativity in cooking is a result of having an intimate relationship with his food sources. He believes that respect for raw product is essential and without a high level of integrity, one will not succeed. It is important not only to know where your food comes from, but how it got there in the first place.
He defines luxury as having the ability to share ingredients with people that are inherently them: resources that belong to them as a culture. These items can be native or wild and can only be found during the correct season and in the proper environment. It has been said that food is the story of life and it is imperative to uphold traditions by constantly referring to the past in order to secure the future.
He has great admiration for the men and women who operate the farms and ranches that provide the property with naturally and humanely raised animals. He believes that without their hard work and dedication, that food would not exist. Rucker says “It is my belief that great dining can exist anywhere, but if I can make a connection with food to the area’s history and heritage it reaches new heights – it becomes magical”.
Rucker’s professional career began in Rhode Island where he attended Johnson & Wales University before migrating west to California. There he developed a passion for raw ingredients while working with products like artichokes, sea urchins and wild mushrooms, which were delivered to the back door of the restaurants by the farmer or the forager.
He then returned to Houston and worked for many of Houston’s most respected chefs like John Sheely, Mark Cox, and Tim Keating. In 2005 Rucker opened laidback manor with his mother Bootsie. At laidback manor, Randy received numerous awards and accolades from national press; including Food Arts Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.
Never one to limit his projects, Rucker also operated an underground supper club called tenacity and that led to the head chef position at The Rainbow Lodge. Rucker drew inspiration from an onsite garden and citrus grove.
There his efforts were rewarded with four stars from Modern Luxury—not to mention a very rare four-star review (first in almost nine years) from Alison Cook at The Houston Chronicle.
Rucker then returned to his hometown of Tomball to open Bootsie’s, again with his mother & was named a rising star from Starchefs.com & nominated for two James Beard awards.
He then went on to open Restaurant Bramble in the Tanglewood neighborhood of Houston where the restaurant focused on Third Coast cuisine. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu showcased local farms & ranches as well as wild & indigenous food Rucker & his staff forage for daily.
In the fall of 2016 Rucker moved to Martha’s Vineyard where he was hired as executive chef for State Road Restaurant. In a few short months Rucker was promoted to oversee both State Road and Beach Road restaurants as the companies Culinary Director. It was during this time when Rucker developed a passion for New England’s natural resources.
While developing relationships with local fisherman on the island he was exposed to various species of shellfish, fish, and seaweeds that continue to inspire and cultivate his cooking style today.
Through a simple twist of fate, Rucker is turning the page and moving on to a new chapter in his career and life. Rucker resides in Stonington, CT with his fiancé Amanda and their cat Rufus where they spend time enjoying the outdoors and exploring the area.
Rucker is inspired by his surroundings, music, and everyday life. As executive chef of The Restaurant at Spicer Mansion he hopes to translate his culinary philosophy and the passions he has explored throughout his life and career.
Mingle with up to 10 of your closest friends or colleagues from atop the Belvedere at a cocktail party fit for any occasion.
Enjoy Chef’s selection of hors d’oeuvres, complimentary sparkling and house wine, and spectacular views of Mystic.
Mystic offers a number of beautiful picnic sites, from Esker Point Beach in neighboring Noank to Gillette Castle State Park, home to legendary stage actor, William Gillette.
Should you have an interest in a picnic site, hotel's team is happy to suggest parks and areas accessible by car or bicycle.
The Mansion’s picnics are packed in traditional baskets. Picnicking in Mystic is a wonderful way to enjoy beautiful environment.
If you’d prefer to stay close to home, gardens provide the perfect setting.
Picnics must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance.
MYSTIC RIVER PARK
A small park tucked along the scenic Mystic River, next to the Mystic Drawbridge and a five-minute walk from the Mansion, offers a nice grassy spot to spread out a blanket and watch the boats go by.
ESKER POINT BEACH PARK
The park provides facilities for saltwater swimming and picnicking under a grove of shade trees. A snack bar, restrooms and lifeguards are available during the summer season. This site offers expansive views of Long Island Sound and Mouse Island.
ENDERS ISLAND
This little-known gem boasts serene waterfront gardens alongside heavenly views of the sound. All are welcome to visit the 11-acre island, which is home to the society of St. Edmund, an order of catholic priests and brothers.
DENISON PEQUOTSEPOS NATURE CENTER
Offering acres of wooded trails, scenic meadows, brooks and ponds. There are benches located on the preserve as well as several tables around the nature center. There is a small fee to enter the grounds.
STONINGTON BOROUGH POINT
Stonington Point, next to the Old Lighthouse Museum, is a scenic spot at the end of the village to enjoy a picnic with sweeping harbor views of the three states of New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK
Unique fieldstone castle was home to legendary stage actor, William Gillette. The 184-acre park is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River. Gillette, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage, designed his house with intricately carved locks and wood doors. The park offers hiking trails and picnic spots.
Guests looking for the restaurant experience in a private setting may consider dinner in the Rose Salon or in the Belverdere. Menu options can be perfectly complemented with wine from excellent and varied selections.
Chef, together with a dedicated private dining staff, will provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience.
The hotel’s bar, playfully named Room No. 9 as a nod to the hotel’s eight guest rooms, features regionally curated spirits, carefully composed cocktails and a specialty menu of creative bar fare.
Room No. 9 is designed as an inviting, yet exclusive, gathering place. Rich mahogany, leather and velvet furnishings, 150 year old granite foundation and the soft melodies of the vintage upright piano illuminate the subterranean space and create an intimate stop for an aperitif or nightcap.
Available in the Room No. 9, on the outdoor porches, or in the Rose and Blue Salon, the Spicer Menu features creative and seasonally inspired bar fare, assorted light bites and carefully composed cocktails utilizing regionally curated spirits.
Menu items include seasonally inspired dishes that showcase regions’ bounties and natural luxuries. The Spicer Menu is available from 11:30 until 9pm weekdays, Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 10pm.
Saturday, Sunday09.00h - 15.00h
Monday - Saturday 11.30h - 14.30h
Sunday - Thursday16.00h - 21.00hFriday, Saturday16.00h - 22.00h
Offering unsurpassed privacy, romance and stunning 360-degree views of Mystic, the Belvedere is the perfect setting for memorable occasions.
Perched atop the Mansion, escape to the Belvedere for an intimate dining experience unlike any other.
The Restaurant at Spicer Mansion is fine dining room that offers guests two different options for a multi-course dining experience.
Guests have the option of a defined six course menu or they can choose to embark on a culinary journey and place their trust in the hands of the chef and his culinary staff with Chef’s Menu.
The Chef’s Menu is the best way to explore the flavors of New England and what is happening and available right now in that area. The Chef’s Menu provides the chef and his staff a canvas to illustrate culinary philosophy and to provide guests with an emotion of place.
Savor your drink of choice in the salons, patio or gardens with a good book and serene views.
Enjoy these selections in The Restaurant.
Wine & Spirits
THE SALONS
Spicer Mansion was originally created as a place for entertainment. The house was restored to reflect the generous and hospitable nature of its namesake, Captain Elihu Spicer.
Conceived on a generous scale for receiving guests, Spicer Mansion combines magnificence and intimacy in its Salons. From the two large parlors gracing the front of the house and more intimate Gold Salon at its heart, to the Belvedere offering 360-degree views from atop the Mansion, the Salons provide a glorious backdrop to your stay.
At Spicer Mansion, formality is blended with ease and enjoyment. Guests are invited to enjoy these splendid interiors, decorated with maritime art and antiques from around the world, in the same spirit of refined elegance as visitors to the house in Captain Spicer’s day.
GARDENS AND ESTATE
Set on one and a half acres amongst magnolia and beech trees, the Mansion is an oasis in the village of Mystic. Offering beautifully manicured lawns, perfectly trimmed shrubs, and seasonal blooms, the estate is the perfect place to enjoy one of picnic basket lunches or just a leisurely afternoon stroll.
ART AT SPICER MANSION
From the moment you step foot in Spicer Mansion, its rich sense of maritime history is evident, from the classic, nautical touches throughout the estate to the intricate maritime and coastal landscape paintings adorning the freshly refurbished walls.
The artwork, with statement-making gilded frames, pays homage to renowned sea captain and namesake Elihu Spicer and celebrates Mystic’s storied history as a seafaring community. Of the nearly 50 paintings sourced from leading galleries throughout the region, oil on canvas is the most prevalent medium, while several pastels on paper are on display in The Restaurant.
For the fine art collector, all of the paintings on display are available for purchase.
MYSTIC
Historic Downtown Mystic, nestled along the banks of the Mystic River, is one of New England’s premier vacation destinations.
With a rich tradition as a waterside community, Mystic offers boutique shopping, restaurants and world-famous attractions.
Mystic is home to an array of events, theaters, museums and a myriad of outdoor activities, including sailing, fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing. Guests can also enjoy private golf and tennis by arrangement.
SPICER MOMENTS
Nestled on the Connecticut coastline, Spicer Mansion’s perfectly situated location serves as the inspiration for custom-curated lineup of Spicer Moments, one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate Mystic’s rich culture, maritime history and seaside locale.
Exclusive to Mansion guests, each Spicer Moment is specially designed to enrich the guest experience and connect him or her with the very best of surroundings.
Soar through the sky during a luxury helicopter tour of the Rhode Island coast, Fishers Island and Block Island, or mingle with the cast from the O’Neill Theater Center following a Broadway-bound performance.
Sip Dom Pérignon from atop the Belvedere with its expansive views, or venture deep into the Mystic Maritime Museum’s impressive archives. Explore all of Spicer Moments below, and begin creating magical memories today.
Its rich sense of maritime history is evident, from the classic, nautical touches throughout the estate to the intricate maritime and coastal landscape paintings adorning the freshly refurbished walls.
There is free bicycles on site.
As one of the most important maritime collections in the world, the Mystic Seaport offers an exclusive behind scenes tour of over 450 boats stored in their boat halls.
Available for property buy-outs, the Mansion is the perfect venue for celebration bespoke weddings, private events and family celebrations of all kinds. You will find a versatile combination of magnificence and intimacy throughout the house.
The Connecticut Wine Trail is one of the most exciting and fastest growing wine regions in the United States. Explore the incredible Wineries and Vineyards that this beautiful state has to offer.
Spicer Mansion has partnered with BMW, boasting two beautiful 7-Series vehicles on premises. For a limited time only, one lucky winner and a guest will enjoy a weekend away to the Spicer Mansion in Mystic, Connecticut, courtesy of BMW.
The Florence Griswold Museum is an art museum at 96 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The museum is noted for its collection of American Impressionist paintings. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
Spicer Mansion is the ideal setting to host all your holiday gatherings. Victorian charm, creative menus and exceptional service set the stage for unforgettable experiences.
Experience the New England Coast by helicopter with Wings Air. See stunning aerial views of familiar landmarks up and down the coast.
Professional staff lead you through the maritime collections in storage at the Collections Research Center. See the full variety of objects owned by the Museum and not currently on exhibit.
Spicer Mansion the perfect setting for guests to hold business retreats and meetings. Function space is tailored to the client’s need and exceptional amenities include outstanding cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and personalized service.
The Mystic Art Association was founded by Charles Harold Davis in 1913. It opened the Mystic Arts Center in 1931 as an exhibition space and museum. Mystic Arts Center was renamed Mystic Museum of Art in 2016.
Experience Mystic and her history by water with Captain Jack Spratt, a local expert on the area’s history. Enjoy a private, two-hour cruise aboard the classic 30-foot wooden motor yacht Encore, while feasting on gourmet treats from your picnic basket.
Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea in Mystic is the largest maritime museum in the United States. It is notable for its collection of sailing ships and boats and for the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village.
Come, spend a relaxing day in Olde Mistick Village. Stroll the beautiful lanes and enjoy shopping in distinctive buildings designed to represent a New England Village of about 1720. Olde Mistick Village is home to some of Mystic’s best restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious catered picnic for two on the spectacular property of the O’Neill Theater Center, overlooking Montauk and the Long Island Sound. Enjoy a brand new play or musical, and raise a glass with the cast in the O’Neill pub after the show.
Find styles fit for you—the dress that matches the color of your eyes, the suitcase for that next great adventure or the watch that makes you forget the time. Come shop all of your favorite designer outlets in one great place.
Conceived on a generous scale for receiving guests, Spicer Mansion combines magnificence and intimacy in its Salons. Enjoy a book in front of the fire or a card game by the window. The salons are the perfect place to relax or enjoy a bite to eat.
With beautiful guest rooms and interiors, lush gardens and custom menus, Spicer Mansion is the perfect setting for intimate weddings nestled in the heart of historic downtown Mystic.
SPICER MANSION
15 Elm StreetMysticCT 06355USA