The Historic Mansion

I hardly ever write reviews, but I had to set the record straight about this charming place. The New Haven Historic Mansion is a real gem, with rich history and a distinctive design. Nick was incredibly kind and helpful as we settled in, and his tour of the mansion was informative and engaging, with fascinating details about its past. It was one of the highlights of our whole trip. I loved the beautiful art by Nick’s wife displayed around the house, which gave it a personal touch. My bed was wonderfully comfortable, a relief since I have back pain. The mansion feels like a home away from home, a kind of place you can’t find anymore. I’ll stay here every time I visit New Haven. Highly recommend it to history buffs and anyone who wants to explore a piece of New Haven’s heritage. I’d give the whole experience a 10/10.

The house has some history, and Nick was friendly, gave us a quick tour, and talked about its past. His wife’s handmade dolls and the other art around the place were unusual, though having so many dolls there gave me an uneasy, creepy feeling. I was surprised none of the other reviews mentioned them. The exterior looked neglected, there wasn’t a sign, and parking was limited to one car. Our room could use an update too. The furniture and window coverings felt like they belonged in the 1800s.

The location and price were good, and the beds were comfortable. Inside, the decor is very quirky, with homemade art and lots of furniture and other things covered up. Hearing the house’s history was nice, though the whole place felt a little odd. It wasn’t spotless, but it wasn’t dirty either, and the rooms were fine for leaving your stuff. We couldn’t find WiFi, though we didn’t ask, and you shouldn’t expect perfect rooms. Check-in is after 4 PM, since the older man who runs it, and I think owns it, seems to handle everything himself. He was helpful and nice. The outside needs tidying, and at first we weren’t sure we had the right place. Call if you need him to come to the door. The room keys are real keys.

The handmade dolls throughout the house are quite extraordinary, and there’s original art all around since the owner is an artist. The home was built in 1830, is on the National Register, and has an interesting past. If historic houses appeal to you, this is a good place to stay. It’s within walking distance of downtown New Haven and the beach, and the price is very competitive for the area. Just keep in mind it’s a historic mansion, not a B&B.