Come On Inn To Baker House 1650

The Baker House’s exterior is just as impressive as the interior with a luxurious pool, seating areas and more

Welcome to the Baker House 1650, a place where history and opulence fuse in the most cohesive of ways to invite guests inside one of the Hamptons’ most exquisite bed-and-breakfasts. We sat down with owner Antonella Bertello to chat about the House’s history, her role in the community and upcoming projects.

Can you tell us about The Baker House’s history? I have been involved in real estate all my life and I am passionate about it, and while we were doing investment properties with partners in the Hamptons, I walked into the back gardens of The Baker House through that beautiful vintage back wooden gate, saw the 300-year-old purple wisteria and the sunken garden, and it was love at first sight! We bought the main house property in 2004, completed a substantial ‘face-lift’ to it, and opened our doors for Valentine’s weekend in 2005.

Gate to the patio area.

In 2008, the original carriage house (adjacent to the main house) became available, and again, it was a love affair. It is a property that sits beautifully in a flag lot, so it is not visible from any street, with very mature trees, including a gorgeous beech tree in the middle of the property that serves as inspiration for many artists. In 2008 we enlisted the help of the very talented architect Jim McChesney, and the house underwent a complete renovation, which was completed in 2009, and we retained all the carriage house accents. I am very fortunate to call it my home.

The Carriage House living room showcases a spiral staircase, clean lines and an abundance of natural light

How has the property evolved with the different generations? One thing that all of The Baker House owners have in common is that we have a genuine respect for the history of the property and a deep love for it, knowing that we are only the ‘gatekeepers’ for future generations. It requires a lot of constant attention due to its age and heavy use as a B&B and boutique hotel, and we are constantly updating and refreshing. The most recent major renovation was in January and February of this year. The core remains the same, but as technology develops at a faster and faster rate, we incorporate that into the houses.

What are some new projects you’re looking forward to in the upcoming months? Giving back is an essential part of what we do at The Baker House, and being able to provide a wonderful space for them to raise funds for their very worthy causes is so rewarding. We collaborate with many local charities such as the Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, ARF of the Hamptons and so many more.

The outdoor pool area is perfect for lounging in the sun of swimming laps.

I am Peruvian and also have Italian nationality, but was born and raised in Peru where I lived until I was 14. Peru is a very diverse country with a lot to offer, so I joined forces with Peru to the World Expo and have been bringing a little of Peru to the Hamptons, including its amazing food, which has been a total hit here! We do a food fair every fall and we will be doing it again this year, so stay tuned.

We are always looking for great additions like our Baker House candles with our special scent locally sourced from Hamptons Handpoured as well as our own aroma therapy aptly called Love Affair from Aromatech, which can be enjoyed in both houses. Both are bestsellers! We are working on developing a line of beautiful cashmere throws and blankets with James Paul Cheung Cashmere curated by celebrity facialist Thuyen Nguyen, who recently opened a shop on Newtown Lane, as well as a line of top everyday products that are already in high demand from our guests.

An outdoor mimosa brunch

How has the Hamptons community supported The Baker House’s legacy? My relationship with the Hamptons community changed completely when I bought The Baker House in 2004. Before that, I was a happy ‘weekender,’ but as soon as I started dealing with all the businesses out here as well as many of the entities that take care of protecting the Village of East Hampton, I got more and more involved and truly started understanding its essence. It is a wonderful place unlike any other, and the support that I received has been above and beyond. I was recently invited to become a board member of the East Hampton Village Foundation, which is superbly run by Bradford Billet. The Baker House is a cosponsor of the free music concerts on Main Beach every Tuesday, and if you have not been yet, I strongly encourage you do so as it is a real community experience for all and you get to meet a lot of your neighbors.

The dining area is outfitted with a fireplace, fun pops of color and a wooden beamed ceiling

“One thing that all of The Baker House owners have in common is that we have a genuine respect for the history of the property and a deep love for it, knowing that we are only the ‘gatekeepers’ for future generations.”–ANTONELLA BERTELLO

Anything else we can buzz?

Stay tuned for some very special car events and new wellness treatments coming to The Baker House in late summer and this fall. 181 Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.4081, bakerhouse1650.com