Mathis House a Victorian Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room

In the heart of the historic district of Toms River is a unique place where time seems to stand still. The Mathis House Victorian Tea Room is an elegant mansion that combines the functions of a cozy bed and breakfast and an exquisite tea room. This building, a striking example of late 19th-century Colonial Revival architecture, is considered one of the architectural jewels of New Jersey in the USA.

Mathis House Victorian Tea Room. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in 1898, the mansion is striking in its stature: massive windows, a grand portico, and detailed Victorian decor transport guests to an era of luxury and sophistication. Inside, visitors are greeted by the atmosphere of an old estate with antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, and working fireplaces, creating a unique sense of home warmth and historical significance.

Mathis House is not just a point on a map, but a place for creating memories. Whether it's a romantic weekend, a traditional English tea with homemade scones, or celebrating a special event, this house offers a rare opportunity to touch the living heritage of the past without sacrificing modern comfort.

To clarify booking details or plan a private event, you can use the following contact information. The mansion's management is always ready to assist in organizing your visit.

The main reason to visit Mathis House is the traditional afternoon tea. In an authentic Victorian setting, guests are served exquisite teas in porcelain cups, accompanied by tiered trays of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and signature warm scones. It is a ritual that allows you to escape from the everyday and feel like a guest at a high-society reception from the turn of the last century.

Be sure to set aside time to walk through the mansion itself. The interiors are filled with antiques, every detail of which deserves attention. You can climb to the third floor to the famous Widow’s Watch balcony, which offers a picturesque view of the river. For shopping enthusiasts, the house features a unique shop called Christmas in July, where even in the height of summer you can purchase unique holiday decorations and handmade gifts.

If you are looking for a venue for a special occasion, Mathis House is the perfect setting for a wedding, birthday, or romantic date. The elegant architecture and well-maintained grounds of the mansion provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. For those who want to prolong the experience, cozy rooms are available, each decorated in an individual style that preserves historical authenticity.

The attraction is located at 600 Main St, in the heart of the historic center of Toms River. Thanks to its convenient location on the main street, the mansion is easy to find, recognizable by its distinctive Victorian appearance. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to reach it via Route 37 across the famous Thomas A. Mathis Bridge, which connects the mainland with the Barnegat Bay coast.

For those who prefer public transport, there are bus routes serving the region within USA. The nearest bus station is within walking distance, from where you can take a pleasant stroll down Main Street or take a taxi directly to the mansion's entrance. Guest parking is available right next to the building.

The location of Mathis House is ideal for those vacationing on the Jersey Shore—the drive from popular beaches takes only a few minutes. This makes the tea room an excellent option for a day trip to swap the seaside landscape for the refined atmosphere of an old estate.

The history of this magnificent building began in 1898, when it was built for a local entrepreneur as a showcase of the Colonial Revival style. The mansion quickly became an architectural landmark of the city, drawing attention with its scale and graceful decor. In 1912, the house was purchased by Thomas A. Mathis, known as "Captain Tom"—a prominent politician and master mariner whose name the bridge across Barnegat Bay now bears.

During the Mathis family's tenure, the house became a center of social life. Lavish dinners and receptions were held here, reminiscent of the atmosphere seen in the series "Downton Abbey." The house was fully staffed, and daily life was organized to the highest standards of the time. Interestingly, Captain Tom was a versatile personality: besides politics and business (he owned a Ford dealership and a pharmacy), he was passionate about quilting, and one of his handmade quilts is still kept in the local historical society.

A lesser-known fact is that at one point in its history, the mansion temporarily served as a hospital, contributing to the needs of the community. Despite the passing of eras, the building has retained its original charm and many original interior details. Today, Mathis House continues to thrive, transformed into a cozy hotel and tea room where the legacy of the Mathis family and the traditions of Victorian hospitality are carefully preserved.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Mathis House, we recommend setting aside at least 1–2 hours for your visit. This is enough time for a classic afternoon tea, which includes several types of tea, exquisite appetizers, and fresh pastries served at a leisurely Victorian pace.

If you plan not only to have a snack but also to explore the mansion's interiors, browse the gift shop, or go up to the Widow’s Watch observation point, it is worth planning for half a day. For those who decide to stay overnight in the bed & breakfast format, the stay turns into a full immersion in history that can span an entire weekend.

The Mathis House Victorian Tea Room welcomes guests daily. The mansion's doors are open throughout the week, making it easy to fit a visit into your New Jersey itinerary.

Tea room operating hours:

\n
• Monday — Sunday: from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
\n

Please note that for tea ceremonies or events, advance booking is recommended as the venue is very popular.

A visit to the Mathis House tea room can be easily combined with a walk to other interesting spots in the city. The historic center offers many opportunities for cultural leisure and gastronomic discoveries, allowing you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this coastal region.

Both architectural monuments from past centuries and modern establishments are located nearby, where you can continue your evening after a traditional tea. Here is a list of nearby locations that might interest you: