Idling on the corner of Woods Lane and Main Street in East Hampton, it’s impossible for the stunning, quintessential East Home building across the way and just beyond Town Pond not to catch your attention.
The Hedges Inn (74 James Lane, East Hampton, 631-324-7101) has long been a local show-stopper. The pretty white picket fence with a crisp American flag anchored into the gate post, waving in the breeze; the beckoning columned front porch and stately front door; the nine, double-hung, six-pane windows hugged by wooden shutters and festooned by beautiful window boxes created by East Hampton’s own Groundworks. And, of course, the perfectly manicured hedges and other lovely perennial flourishes — puffy, reblooming hydrangea and lush ferns — in full, glorious bloom for the season.
But while all that is certainly dreamy enough, it’s the inside that’s currently the showstopper. After months and months (and months) of dedicated, precise and careful renovation, the historic Hedges Inn has reopened for the season this month with an updated yet timeless re-vamp that deserves a standing ovation, thanks to the dedication of its new owners, Sarah and David Wettenhall and the talent they brought in to help in the revamping of the circa 1873 home: designer and long-time East Hampton visitor David Netto, architect Kiko Sanchez of FGS Design and East Hampton-based builder/contractor Fifth & Dune.
“So much of The Hedges Inn was already there — the history, the intimacy, the charm and the feeling of an authentic East Hampton home with a story behind it, said owner and CEO of the property Sarah Wetenhall in a statement to the press. “David understood immediately how to lean into the property’s character and coziness while elevating it with a sense of sophistication that feels completely natural.”
New and vintage pieces, the latter of which were sourced everywhere from Maine to the United Kingdom, create an eclectic but pulled together scene for the redesigned interiors. (Photo credit: Greg Kessler Studio/Getty Images for Sanders)
The top-to-bottom renovation created a multitude of moments to discover on both floors, from little book nooks and relaxing, cozy conversation corners; to the stunning, custom de Gournay wall covering in the parlor, depicting scenes from East Hampton (and a few fun Easter Eggs for the very observant); to a refresh of Wettenhall’s outpost of the famed eat-and-be-seen restaurant, Swifty’s, the original of which shuttered in New York a decade ago.
No detail escaped Netto’s careful eye, with classic choices like Schumacher fabrics and Matouk linens adding tons of texture to the rooms and public areas. Photo credit: Greg Kessler Studio/Getty Images for Sanders)
But the true stand-outs are the 12 rooms, where Netto’s eye for detail, smart sourcing and uncanny ability to layer and blend patterns, textures, timeless yet eye-catching colors as well as both modern pieces and antique extras make for one of the most unique and East Hampton-esque hospitality experiences on the East End.
They’re also offering some fairly swanky summer amenities, like Yeti-packed coolers for a day at East Hampton’s Main Beach, packed with lunch from Swifty’s and a sandy set-up that includes teak and candy-stripe canvas beach chairs, towels and umbrellas all delivered and picked up by your very own beach butler; a pretty pink Land Rover or multi-seat beach buggy to deliver you to the waves in style; retro-chic bicycles with wicker baskets and hydrangea-print seats; bonafide beach bonfires with blankets, drinks and gourmet s’mores, and even dog-friendly accommodations (for petite pups 25 pounds or less) and requisite furry-friend guest services, including food and water bowls and treats.
Also new this season, renowned hair and beauty guru Paul Labrecque will be in residence starting July 1, if your day on the ocean gave you untamable tresses.
“It’s a very sweet, homecoming feeling, getting to participate in the project like this in the town where I grew up,” says Netto. “The Hedges has always meant so much to the life of the village as a visual landmark — it’s the first thing you see that tells you you’re home.”
To make a reservation at The Hedges Inn or at Swifty’s restaurant, click here.
