The highly anticipated Canoe Place Inn & Cottages opened its doors last week, signifying a return to glory after sitting vacant for nearly two decades. Situated on the site of America’s oldest inn, for hundreds of years Canoe Place in Hampton Bays was referred to as “The First Stop Out East.” Now, the iconic inn historically frequented by starlets, socialites, politicians and presidents alike, will once again, revitalize the beloved hamlet in the Town of Southampton.
Set on six manicured acres adjacent to the Shinnecock Canal, accommodations at the restored Canoe Place include 13 guest rooms, seven luxurious suites and five guest cottages. The boutique-style inn also features a regionally inspired, chef-driven restaurant and bar with indoor and al fresco dining, a pool, spa and destination-worthy events spaces. Just across the canal are 37 residential style Canoe Place Boathouses, serviced by luxury membership club, Inspirato.
Meticulously restored by established Long Island developers Mitchell and Gregg Rechler of Rechler Equity Partners, the team tapped some of the industry’s top talent for the momentous undertaking, partnering with independent hospitality management firm, Main Street Hospitality to bring Canoe Place to life. Acclaimed design firm Workstead reimagined the interiors for the new build while James Gersten and his firm Silver Street Hospitality conceptualized and will oversee the food & beverage program.
“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 with 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.”
At Canoe Place, the grandeur of a bygone era meets the understated comfort of a classic Hamptons residence. Workstead selected the vintage-inspired scalloped motifs, botanical and trellis-patterned wallpapers, clawfoot bathtubs and meadow-like carpets complement hunter green and white striped awnings on private balconies and original wood burning fireplaces to create the ultimate, “garden by the sea” Hampton’s retreat.
In-room bathroom amenities by sustainable beauty line Costa Brazil mark the brand’s first hotel partnership. Guests will also appreciate thoughtful touches such as the cozy Alicia Adams alpaca signature throws at the end of each bed, phone charging pads on the nightstand and locally sourced wines and spirits in the beautifully appointed mini-bar.
Perched on a hillside above the inn along winding pathways are one- to four-bedroom guest cottages, each equipped with a private backyard, grill and fire pit, outdoor shower and wrap-around front porch creating the allure of an exclusive neighborhood but with the conveniences and luxuries of the Inn.
Canoe Place’s formidable art collection, personally curated by Mitchell and Gregg Rechler, adds a fantastical touch, showcasing the work of local and internationally renowned artists, including Doug Aiken, Yoan Capote and Tony Tasset. Known for his representations of Native American traditions contextualized within history, a Jeffrey Gibson painting prominently positioned in the lobby pays homage to the Shinnecock people who first inhabited the area.
The property’s restaurant, Good Ground Tavern, helmed by Relais & Château veteran Chef Ülfet Ralph brings creative, Mediterranean-infused takes on classic cuisine, centered around open fire cooking, house-made pastas and pizzas, and craft cocktails. The comfortable, modern tavern will offer 100 cozy indoor seats between the Tavern bar and charming wood-paneled, China-lined Bottle Room and an additional 120 al fresco seats at the outdoor ‘garden by the sea’ terrace and bar filled with lush greenery and climbing trellis.
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Photography by Matthew Williams.
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