East hampton’s hedges inn gets a luxe reboot – courtesy of a designer’s godfather
The Hamptons just got a serious style upgrade, thanks to a collision of old money and fresh vision. Forget the tired clichés; East Hampton’s Hedges Inn, a historic landmark welcoming visitors since 1873, is now a sophisticated escape courtesy of celebrated designer David Netto and hotelier Sarah Wetenhall.
A legacy reforged
It all began with a painted legacy. A 1970 Alan Campbell artwork, originally a gift for Netto’s godfather, David Netto’s parents, now hangs proudly in the Inn’s library. But the rejuvenation goes far deeper than a single piece of art. Wetenhall and Netto recognized a need – a dearth of truly exceptional hospitality options in the area – and seized the opportunity to transform the Hedges into something truly special.
“5 Hertford at the beach” – a coastal refinement
Netto’s vision? “5 Hertford at the beach,” a subtle nod to Robin Birley’s iconicLondon members’ club. The result isn’t a slavish imitation, though. Instead, he’s layered a distinctly New England sensibility onto a historic framework. He brought in Chris Bulter to painstakingly recreate faux woodwork, aiming for the grandeur of a Newport colonial. The effect is both instantly recognizable and surprisingly airy.
Glossy paint, strategically placed sconces, and trellis paneling—Netto deployed these design tricks with surgical precision to combat the building's inherently ‘puppet theater dimensions,’ as he brilliantly puts it. It’s a masterful exercise in spatial illusion, creating a luxurious, indoor-outdoor experience, punctuated by framed vintage signal flags and the vibrant patterns of Pierre Frey wallpapers.
“We wanted to give those lucky beachgoers the inn they never knew they wanted,” Netto stated, paraphrasing the legendary Albert Hadley. And judging by the photos, they’ve succeeded spectacularly. The reopening on June 11th promises a dramatically elevated experience, solidifying the Hedges’ position as the definitive welcome mat to East Hampton.