5 Bedrooms,
3.5 Bathrooms,
Sleeps 8
Estate
(3400 sq. ft.)
in Middle Haddam, CT
3.5 miles from Lake Pocotopaug
The Captain's House, a 3,400 SF 3-level renovated Victorian, features 5 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths, gourmet kitchen,wraparound deck, badminton/volley ball court and 40' dock. A magical place to relax & recharge...
Knowles Landing is one of the most beautiful waterfront estates on the Connecticut River. This maritime historic landmark is centrally located midway been NYC?and Boston, 25 minutes south of Hartford, and 45 minutes north of New Haven. This stunning 5 bedroom renovated Victorian Captain’s House has an open floor plan and all the modern conveniences you could want – from AC to granite kitchen counters, WIFI, a wraparound porch (with a working signal light) and a delightful afternoon breeze to relax and celebrate life.
Like in Sweden and Japan, it's shoeless at the Captain's House -- bring slippers, socks or some new flip flops. smoking or lab-mix Sophie, however, will be thrilled to receive some extra attention!
Located in a quiet historic village, Middle Haddam has a rich and colorful history of shipbuilding, sea captains and commerce. This 2-acre property includes the 3,400 SF, 3-level Captain’s House which sleeps 8 in style; a 2,100 SF, 3-level renovated Carriage House (host’s studio); gazebo; badminton/volleyball court and deep-water 40’ dock.
Many guests dock their sail and power boats at Knowles Landing. From sunrise to sunset they can cruise and explore this idyllic river! For docking details and possible discounts, visit knowleslanding(dot)com to reach me.
5 Bedrooms
Bedroom #1: The 3rd floor master bedroom suite with a walk-out deck offers a commanding view of the River and property. Queen size raised bed for exquisite river views, skylights, exposed brick with dramatic lighting, sitting area, large bathroom with shower, 2 sinks, stained glass windows and Jacuzzi is the ultimate private getaway!
Bedroom #2: The 2nd floor master bedroom has a Queen size bed, wonderful views of the River, marble bathroom with a shower, 2 sinks, and skylights. This bedroom opens up to a spacious bedroom with panoramic River views and serves as an extra bedroom (see below).
Bedroom #3: The 2nd floor sunroom bedroom is accessed either through French doors off the den, or through a door from the 2nd floor master bedroom. This light-filled bedroom has 3 walls of windows offering a 180-degree riverscape and a delightful afternoon breeze. King-sized bed with storage drawers below. There is a large wardrobe closet and a desk stocked with office supplies.
Bedroom #4: The 2nd floor bedroom off the main stairs has a full-size bed and a bathroom next door off the hallway with tub and shower. This bedroom faces the River and offers a lovely view of the glimmering waters from the comfort of your bed.
Bedroom #5: The cozy library bedroom faces the River on the 2nd floor and has a full-size bed. There is a large closet, and bookshelves filled with great eclectic reads. A full bathroom with a tub/shower is just across the hallway.
2nd Floor Den
From the hallway you can access the den with a 42" Smart TV and incredible River views. This large, window-filled room has two coaches, one of which is a very comfortable pull-out Queen size bed with a Posturepedic mattress.
3-1/2 Bathrooms
The 2nd and 3rd floor master bedrooms have bathrooms ensuite with double sinks and sunlight flooding in thru skylights and windows. The 3rd floor bathroom also has a Jacuzzi. The 2nd floor hallway bathroom has a bathtub/shower. The 1st floor 1/2-bathroom is off the side entrance and kitchen. This large, airy bathroom/mudroom has a gas log fireplace, washer-and-dryer, skylight and closets. You can also access the backyard from the mudroom where there is a clothesline.
Kitchen
The first floor has a flowing, open floor plan with 9’ ceilings, downlights and large windows to capture gorgeous views of the River. The kitchen is a cook’s dream with granite counters, 2 large sinks for the sous chefs, a brass bar sink, Subzero frig, regular and convection ovens, and gas stove top. Eat in the kitchen for a casual meal or savor your gastronomical feat in the dining room (seats 10) with wonderful etched granite fireplace and river views. The kitchen is stocked with cooking and serviceware, utensils, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker, French press, water boiler and kettle, and basic supplies (oil, vinegar, spices, fresh ground coffee, tea, mustard, ketchup).
Living Room
Off the kitchen, the large living room faces the river with breathtaking views out the picture window. Facing west, the sunsets reflecting off the water are simply spectacular! Open the screened French doors, turn on the paddle fan and choose from settle in on one of many comfy chairs and coaches. There is also a gas log fireplace and a stereo with a collection of jazz CDs.
Dining Room
Entering from the kitchen or the foyer, this stunning dining room seats 8-10 with wonderful lighting and river views. There is a wet bar located in the adjacent kitchen. For larger dinner parties, the foyer serves as a wonderful extra dining space to seat an additional 10 guests.
Wraparound Porch
When I give my guests a tour of the Captain's House and bring them out to the wraparound porch with the awesome river views, the lush green trees across the water, the gentle sloping lawn to the tennis court and dock…they absolutely melt. Most of my guests enjoy using the porch, complete with lighting and power, as an outdoor family and dining room.
The Captain’s House (Victorian) is for you and your guests to enjoy. There are chaise lounges and chairs available on the lower riverfront lawn to bask in the sun or under the shade trees. Looking for some exercise and sport? There is a badminton and volleyball court overlooking the River (formerly the Hartru tennis court). Up for a game of croquet or horse shoes? The lawn on the River offers the perfect level playing field – just ask.
The river is usually at its calmest in the early morning and late afternoon. A kayaker’s paradise, there is an easy launch area just to the right of the dock. There are 4 very stable kayaks for your use with flotation devices. Arrangements can also be made if you would like to dock your motor or sail boat at my 40’ deepwater dock. I have mooring whips which worked well for my 25’ fiberglass Chris Craft and power is available.
The Connecticut River stretches 407 miles from Canada to Long Island Sound and captivates even the most reserved observer with its beauty. Known to have the best carp and channel cat fishing in the country – 42 pounds is the state record and was caught in the CT?River. We also have the best striped bass fishing in the Northeast! Every Spring, the bass chase the herring up the River. A salt water fish, bass have a high tolerance for fresh water. Striped bass over 40 pounds have been caught in the River and there are bass tournaments all season – many fishermen cast in front of the dock where the fish like to gather.
In the late afternoon, seize the opportunity to sit on the dock and just watch the River life. Be patient and you may see the fish jump, an eagle soar, or blue heron fly by in search of their next meal.
If you would like to fish, you will need an inland fishing license which can be purchased online.
Who Should Stay
Ideal for couples, groups of friends, families with teenage or older children, history buffs, adventurers, nature and water lovers, fishing enthusiasts, runners, bicyclists, boaters, artists, authors, lovers of life. This property is not ideal for individuals who might have difficulty with many stairs and hills.
Knowles Landing:
This quiet River oasis was once a destination for vacationers to get out of the City back during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many would travel by steamboat to the Landing where there was a steamboat house for tickets and baggage (the steamboat house burned down before the property was purchased, but the foundation still remains in front of the dock).
Shipbuilding History:
Situated atop a commanding hill, this landmark Victorian was built in 1886 by the daughter and son-in-law of local steamboat Captain Edward W. Simpson. Middle Haddam was home to more than a dozen sea captains – some credited with capturing British ships off Long Island during the Revolutionary War. Trade to the West Indies is documented as far back as the 1770s.
The local taverns, shops and inns, which were later converted to lovely homes and a local library, enjoyed financial success until the early 1930s when steamboat service died out along the Connecticut River.
The Connecticut River:
The Connecticut River has been named one of the “Last Great Places” by the Nature Conservancy. One of the most beautiful rivers in the world, it has no industrialization along its shores and its waters are rated clean enough for anything but drinking. It is a summer breeding ground for osprey and the largest concentration of wintering eagles on the East coast when it is a common sight to see eagles flying above the River in search of food.
The Neighborhood:
Walk to the Middle Haddam Library, just up the street with a wonderful collection of books, DVDs and historical references, or take a stroll down Shad Row past the waterfalls and onto Shipyard Road. The Middle Haddam Post Office is also an easy 10-minute walk over a wooden bridge off of Blacksmith Road.
Nearby:
Stop & Shop and other stores are just 2 miles away up RT?66E. Less than a mile away is the best takeout pizza in the area. Great hiking at the 130-acre Hurd State Park is just 2.2 miles south off of 15, or travel east on 66 and follow the signs to the East Hampton Air Line State Park trailhead – a great path that extends 22 miles to Windham.
Local Entertainment, Theatre & Art:
Mohegan Sun Casino is an easy 32-mile drive, and the award-winning Goodspeed Opera House is 9.5 miles off of Route