Notes from the host
1807 Williams Home & Smith Cottage
Embrace maritime history at the enchanting Williams Home & Smith Cottage! Built by the relatives of one of the original families who settled on the east side of Mystic River, the 1807 Williams Home property oozes with history and character! You're going to fall in love with this nautical haven in the heart of Old Mystic, CT, the original colonial settlement near the Head O' the River~ only a 3-mile voyage to Mystic Seaport Museum and eateries. You can stroll or bike ride just around the corner to the scenic River Rd. Enjoy the comfy beds, nautical treasures, and backyard for a cozy firepit evening or a summer barbeque.
We invite you on a sensory journey through time while you stay in this historic gem!
The history buff in you will love the story behind the 1807 Williams Home. The building started as the Wayside Inn, a regular stopping point for stagecoaches on their New London-Providence runs. On January 17, 1840, Secretary of State Daniel Webster, traveling by sleigh, stopped in for a drink on his way to the Groton Ferry to catch a boat to New York! The Smith Guesthouse was named in honor of being the local blacksmith shop in the early 1900s. If only walls had ears, imagine the stories they could recount. Perhaps you could listen and hear the walls whisper words of the past!
HIGHLIGHTS
* Nautical touches, antiques, modern amenities, and an eye for detail
* Perfect setup for larger groups
* 4 common rooms and 2 dining tables
* 8 beds (sleeps 14), 2 bedrooms on 1st floor,
* New super comfy Casper memory foam mattresses, fresh pillows
* Includes 2 king-sized beds
* New smart TVs in every bedroom
* 3rd-floor 65" Sony TV, sound bar, subwoofer, sectional couch,
* 2 fully equipped kitchens
* Central location~ few minute's drive to attractions and the Mystic River
* Murals by artist Susan Leach
* Fast Wi-Fi ideal for streaming or work
* Firepit
* Multiple outdoor seating areas
* Parking up to 5 spaces
LOCATION
We are located on Main Street in the hamlet of Old Mystic at the head of the Mystic River. 1807 Williams House is a 5-minute ride to the Mystic Seaport, shops, and restaurants, where you can indulge in Mystic River and Mystic Seaport history. Walk or bike on the scenic River Rd just around the corner from our home!
Main Street is a bustling corner~ at a 3-way stop sign across Holly Hock Antiques and Old Mystic Post Office. It's busy with road noise during the day but quiet and peaceful hamlet in the evenings.
Around the corner from scenic River Road to downtown Mystic- a great walk, jog, or bike ride.
Haley's Way Playground and Field are located behind the property- a great place to bring the kids and your pup to run.
LIVING & ENTERTAINMENT
In the Williams Home's main house, you'll have 2 common rooms and a formal dining room. The Smith Cottage offers an additional living space that your family or friend group can spread out and relax completely during your stay. There is space for everyone, whether you want to come together as a group or take some 'you' time in a relaxing, private nook.
Williams Home Tavern Room (1st- floor)
A fabulous relaxing space to gather with family and friends filled with nautical antiques and furnished with a long navy blue couch, four comfy side chairs, and ottomans for extra seating. The antique colonial fireplace with electric fireplace insert adds a layered, warm ambiance. The Sonos music system finishes off the tavern atmosphere. You'll find plenty of board games and puzzles for fun evenings together
The Williams Home Sailmaker (3rd-floor)
This 3rd-floor common area is open to the bedroom area on the other side of the attic and is furnished with a large sectional sofa with a queen pullout couch.
With a Sony 65" Smart Sony TV, this is an excellent space for children to hang out after dinner, which means you can enjoy a laid-back after-dinner conversation around the dining table or in the Tavern Room.
There is also a Sony Channel Soundbar with a Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, a Nest mini, and plenty of board games and puzzles.
Other members of your group can nestle up and relax in the Smith Cottage living room for games or a movie night.
COOKING & DINING (1st-floor)
Cook from the heart in our fully equipped kitchen, which has everything you need to whip up fabulous meals during your stay.
Plus, you'll have access to the kitchen in the Smith Cottage.
The Williams Home Keeping Room is our intimate dining area, which seats up to 10 guests and features a room-length nautical mural, Sonos System speakers for ambient background music, and plenty of antique dishes to set the mood for a memorable dining experience. You're welcome to move the tavern table from the kitchen to the Keeping Room to accommodate a larger dinner gathering.
The Smith Cottage has a welcoming table to accommodate your guests for an intimate meal or to play games.
WILLIAMS HOME SLEEPING
All bedrooms feature historically themed Susan Leach murals, new Casper memory foam mattresses, fresh pillows, beautiful linens, smart TVs with Roku Sticks, alarm clocks with sleep sounds, USB charger ports on each bedside, iron and ironing board, plenty of soft fluffy towels, and complimentary toiletries so you can pack lighter.
BEDROOM 1: Cordage Room (1st-floor)
Sleeps 2-3; queen bed, twin daybed, ensuite bath with shower/tub, and kitchenette
*The bed is very high and may require the use of our bed steps*
BEDROOM 2: Ship Carver Room (2nd- floor)
Sleeps 2; king bed, work desk, loveseat, antique fireplace (decorative only), and a large ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
BEDROOM 3: Cooperage Room (2nd- floor)
Sleeps 2; queen bed, armoire, fireplace with an electric fireplace insert, and a cozy sitting area
The detached full bathroom with a shower/tub across the hallway is shared with guests staying in the Sailmaker attic bedroom and equipped with a washer and dryer.
BEDROOM 4: Sailmaker Room (3rd-floor)
Sleeps 4; queen rope bed, work desk, and wingback chair, L-shaped sectional sofa has a pullout queen bed to accommodate 2 guests. Guests staying on the 3rd floor share the detached full bathroom on the 2nd floor with Cooperage Room guests
**NOTE**
The attic bedroom and common room with a sectional queen sleeper sofa and TV are open to one another without complete separation. Guests staying in the attic need to be aware and comfortable with the sleeping arrangements.
SMITH COTTAGE SLEEPING
BEDROOM 1: Open-concept king-size bedroom on the first floor. It has a partition wall but no doors.
BEDROOM 2: Open-concept, queen bed with ladder stairs leading up to the loft. The steps are STEEP and NOT recommended for children under 8 years old or anyone with balance or coordination challenges.
A shared full bathroom on the 1st floor requires one step up to access.
OUTDOOR SPACE
Chill out in the backyard, which is furnished with 6 Adirondack chairs, stools, picnic tables, hammocks, a firepit (a bundle of firewood is provided), and two 32" propane grills (propane is provided).
FAMILY & DOG
At 1807 Williams Home, we love to welcome children and your furry family members. You'll find a high chair, pack-n-play, baby tub for little guests, and plenty of board games and books to keep younger guests occupied.
We welcome two well-behaved dogs of small to medium size. Please check out our house rules and confirm dog guests when you book.
Pet fee: $100/pet
PROPERTY TRUTHS
Smith loft steps are STEEP and not recommended for younger children or anymore with mobility issues.
Smith Cottage is an open space with only a partition wall between the king bedroom and living room area.
Cordage Suite's bed is very high and will require our bed steps.
On a bustling corner at a 3-way stop sign across Holly Hock Antiques and the Old Mystic Post Office. It's busy with road noise during the day but a quiet and peaceful hamlet in the evenings.
Original glass windows can be drafty in the wintertime, allowing a bug or two in.
Circa 1807, the floorboards are wide and move and creak a bit.
Sometimes doors stick and need a push or a pull, as wood naturally expands and contracts with the New England weather. :-)
We are sure you would love to stay at the Williams Home & Smith Cottage, and we'd love to host you!
Warmly,
Debbie (& Paul, too)
Mystic Vacation Rentals LLC
Hosted by Debbie and Paul Bied
