Young packet clipper ship Captain Hiram Harding built this stately Greek revival style sea captain's home in 1839 for his bride of one year, Lydia. Captain Harding, a well-known sea captain from Chatham, and Lydia had nine children. His oldest son Joseph also became a sea captain and many of the rooms are named after his daughters (Eliza Jane, Mariah, Hope and Hannah Rebekah) and some of the ships he and his son Joseph captained (Whirlwind, Wild Hunter and Northern Light).

The Harding family was well known in Chatham and Cape Cod. There are several roads, buildings and the largest beach in Chatham named after him.

In 1915, Mariah, the youngest daughter sold the home to Daniel Manson, a shipping magnate from Salem, MA. Manson used the Captain's House as a summer residence and in 1928 moved the "bow roof" cape on to the estate. The Cape, now known as the "Captain's Cottage" was Manson's retreat where he entertained many of his cronies to bourbon and poker. Daniel's son Joe founded Chatham Ford on Main Street in the 1930s.

The Manson family sold the estate that included a 20-acre farm and several cranberry bogs to the Palmer family in the early 1950s. Mr. Palmer, who was a dentist, subdivided the property and much of the estate was converted into single family dwellings along Palmer and Manamock Drives.

The Runyon family purchased the remainder of the estate comprising 2½ acres in 1972 and opened a boarding house in the main building catering to families in the summer months. At that time the "Carriage House" was a barn and stables, the "Captain's Cottage" was a two bedroom cape and the "Stables" was a tool shed.

In 1983, the Eakins purchased the property and turned it into an inn with 8 bedrooms. During their 10-year tenure they converted the barn and stables into a 5 unit "Carriage House" and the "Captain's Cottage" into 3 units. The tool shed became a dormitory for young girls from England and the continent who worked as wait staff, front office and housekeeping. The Inn was seasonal, closing in mid-November and reopening in mid-March. During this period the Eakins greatly improved the property to the point that in 1986 the Inn was awarded AAA Four-Diamond status.

Dave McMaster, a retired Navy Commander and ex-corporate CEO and Jan, his English wife, assumed “Keeper of the Inn” responsibilities in 1993. They added the luxurious “Stables” building in 1997 and equipped all of the rooms with fireplaces and TV/VCR combinations and seven of the rooms with whirlpools. The McMasters continued to improve the inn, maintaining its AAA Four-Diamond status throughout their thirteen year tenure.

Now, Jill & James Meyer are striving to make the Captain’s House one of the premier inns on the East Coast. The grounds are a delight with English gardens, a large herb garden, several fountains and patios and plenty of outdoor seating with comfortable Adirondack chairs. Guests can enjoy a swim and a poolside lunch at the outdoor heated pool or work off those calories in the fitness center.

The Captain's House Inn is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or peaceful retreat.