As the seasons change, so does the yearly influx of visitors to downtown Mystic’s aquarium, art galleries, wineries, restaurants and historic places. But although the seaside town boasts numerous family-friendly lodging options, until recently, there was a serious lack of more adult-oriented, luxury accommodations. Spicer Mansion aims to fill that void.

Spicer Mansion sits on Elm Street, a quiet side street in Historic Mystic, located just minutes away from Interstate 95. Originally built in 1853, the mansion was bought by the Gates family in 2013, and it has been a buzz of construction ever since. Now, all that hard work is about to culminate in something wonderful.

In late May, the construction vehicles cleared away and Spicer Mansion once again opened its storied doors to visitors. The building, which formerly served as the summer home of renowned philanthropist Captain Elihu Spicer and his family, before being divided into apartments and falling into disrepair, has been completely renovated from top to bottom. Charming accents from the Gilded Age—such as parquet floors, hand-painted ceilings, and plaster moldings—have been restored to their original glory, while contemporary touches like heated floors and Jacuzzi tubs add a distinctly modern touch. New additions abound, like Room No. 9—a basement speakeasy tucked discreetly behind a bookcase—and a conservatory located just off the dining room.

Each of the mansion’s eight guest rooms are named after ships that Spicer himself, or members of his family, captained. The rooms are luxuriously appointed with Duxiana mattresses, 600-thread count Matouk linens, and some boast additional sitting rooms and claw-foot deep soaking bathtubs. Rooms range in price from $430 to $830 a night, although rates are subject to change. As Spicer Mansion is a private establishment, the restaurant and speakeasy are open to guests or by invitation only, and guests of the inn must be 16 years of age or older. The privacy this allows makes Spicer Mansion the ideal location for intimate gatherings, small retreats, or corporate meetings.

More than just a bed and breakfast, the sophisticated new Spicer Mansion has much to offer its guests. Luxury accommodations aside, perhaps the most valuable resource the mansion has to offer is its white-glove, highly personalized service.

“With only eight rooms, every guest can feel that they’re being invited into a wealthy family member’s home, rather than a hotel,” says Candice Traskos, group director of communications.

Another exciting highlight of this service is a fine-dining restaurant, complete with a six-course tasting menu, handcrafted by executive chef Jennifer Backman.

“The restaurant is really going to be quite special,” says Traskos. “It will be an event. Guests will be invited to join us in one of our entertaining salons, where they’ll enjoy canapés and cocktails while reviewing the dinner menu and then once they’re ready, they’ll be invited to sit down in the restaurant for dinner.” And in true mansion style, dinner is nothing less than an event.

“It’s a 2½-hour experience, so it’s not just something you go for a quick bite to eat. It really is a special [occasion],” she notes, recommending the tasting menu for celebratory occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

If you’re venturing out on foot, bookworms will enjoy the Groton + Noank Library, located just down the street—a building which also belonged to Captain Spicer. Right around the corner is Bank Square Books, where you can catch an author signing and browse the exceptional staff recommendations. You’ll also find art galleries nearby, as well as the Mystic Museum of Art, where the calendar of events changes monthly and often includes paint nights and art classes. Wander the shop-lined streets of downtown Mystic and stop in for a sweet treat at the new Sift Bake Shop.

Guests of the mansion also have access to the house BMW 750Li and chauffer, for excursions to nearby attractions. Prefer to leave the organizing to someone else? Spicer Mansion has a menu of unforgettable options: a series of unique experiences, known as “Spicer Moments,” are available for purchase—including luxury helicopter tours, intimate picnics, and behind-the-scenes peeks into maritime history.

Spicer Mansion is currently accepting reservations. Call 855-969-3117 or visit spicermansion.com.