History is reimagined as local landmark Canoe Place makes a splendorous return.
“First stop out East” for hundreds of years, Canoe Place was first established in 1697. The historic inn reopens this summer, lovingly restored and reimagined as the Canoe Place Inn complete with cottages, pool and gardens, regionally inspired dining and a beautifully renovated grand ballroom (boasting soaring ceilings and seating for up to 330 guests for dinner and a separate window-wrapped pavilion). Nestled on the canal, guests can opt for to stay in one of the local landmark’s 20 luxurious guest suites, five guest cottages or the more contemporary Canoe Place Boathouses—accommodations just across the Shinnecock Canal that feature multiple bedrooms in a luxurious residential environment serviced by partner Inspirato.
The bathrooms boast clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic
The historic site of America’s oldest inn, the destination was first established as a wayhouse in 1697 and been home to notable Colonialera inns that welcomed travelers for several centuries before being destroyed by fire in 1921. The current inn is a faithful restoration of the subsequent 1922 structure, a Dutch Colonial Revival design by William Lawrence Bottomley.
In addition to the suites, guests can stay in the hillside cottages
The project was led by established Long Island developers Mitchell Rechler and Gregg Rechler of Rechler Equity Partners. “Since we began on this restoration journey back in 2005, it has been our priority to not only honor the history of these grounds but to bring something special back to the Hampton Bays community,” says Mitchell Rechler of Rechler Equity Partners. “Whether creating hospitality education programs for Hampton Bays School District or simply offering a place to gather for life’s moments, big and small, we are honored to bring Canoe Place back as an intrinsic thread in the fabric of the community and a portal of discovery for travelers and new guests.” Main Street Hospitality was a pivotal partner in bringing their vision for the property to life. “Canoe Place brings together everything that Main Street Hospitality is all about in one exciting place: community-led hospitality, the preservation of American history, and places where guests can connect in a meaningful way,” says Sarah Eustis, founder of Main Street Hospitality. “It has been our honor to work alongside Rechler Equity Group to revive one of the Northeast’s most treasured landmarks.” The property’s interiors were designed by acclaimed Brooklyn-based firm Workstead and feature art from local and internationally renowned painters and sculptors.
Seasonal cocktails are inpired by the local land
Tucked away within the restored inn is a full-service spa created in partnership with the acclaimed ONDA Beauty team (co-founded by Larissa Thomson, Naomi Watts and Sarah Bryden-Brown), offering signature experiences such as the Ultimate Lift Facial and Total Wellness Massage.
The historic grounds of Canoe Place Inn & Cottages.
“I, along with the entire ONDA team, am so thrilled to be partnering with the storied Canoe Place,” says Watts. “We’re enchanted by the history of the property and can’t wait to share it with our beloved fans.”
Good Ground Tavern spotlights local ingredients prepared simply and beautifully
Silver Street Hospitality has been selected to develop and operate the culinary program in partnership with Main Street Hospitality, which spotlights the East End community of farmers, artisanal makers and fishermen, paying seasonal homage to both the local fields and sea. Featuring open-fire cooking, housemade pastas and pizzas, and a focus on local seafood and ingredients, the property’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Good Ground Tavern, is helmed by Relais & Château veteran chef Ülfet Ralph. 239 Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, canoeplace.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY MATTHEW WILLIAMS COURTESY OF BRAND; CULINARY PHOTO BY EVAN SUNG
