By Jim Servin
PURIST: The Hedges Inn is a 152-year-old landmark. Do you foresee any challenges and opportunities working with the historic property?
SARAH WETENHALL: The history here isn’t just something we inherited; it’s something we intend to celebrate. Every beam, every floorboard has a story, and we see incredible potential to let that legacy shape the guest experience in meaningful, layered ways.
PURIST: You’ve certainly had experience with similar properties.
SW: Andrew and I have had the honor of stewarding The Colony, where we’ve spent years thoughtfully restoring and reimagining the property while preserving its architectural charm and historic heart. That taught us the value—and the nuance—of honoring the past while creating something that feels fresh, relevant and alive.
At The Hedges, the opportunity is much the same: to highlight the soul of the original structure while gently introducing moments of comfort, luxury and delight. The Hedges has all the bones, and quite the story. As people who have spent many years in East Hampton—and now live just down the road in Sag Harbor—The Hedges has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s one of those rare properties that feels woven into the fabric of the village.
Restoration at this level requires care—balancing historical integrity with modern expectations, working closely with experts and letting the building guide the process. Our goal isn’t to forget the past, but to build on it, and to ensure The Hedges thrives for generations to come as a vibrant, welcoming destination where heritage and contemporary comfort merge seamlessly.
PURIST: What sorts of amenities specific to East Hampton will you include at The Hedges?
SW: Our full-service restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, sets the tone. With indoor and outdoor seating, warm hospitality, and a menu rooted in elevated American cuisine, it’s equally suited for celebratory dinners, sun-soaked lunches and a relaxed morning on the patio. The restaurant will be equal parts refined and relaxed, with 100 seats spread across a vibrant indoor dining room and a sunlit patio that was made for golden hour.
PURIST: The restaurant is a social hub of The Hedges.
SW: It’s not just a place to eat, it is a place to gather: a space where locals and guests can start their mornings, mark special occasions or simply settle in for an effortless, delicious meal.
PURIST: The location is also conveniently situated just down the road from East Hampton’s Main Beach.
SW: Yes, and for those looking to enjoy the East End’s natural beauty, we’ve made beachgoing effortless with our signature beach butler experience—complete with a custom beach buggy, curated refreshments and personalized setups by the water.
For those looking to explore, our bespoke bike fleet and around-town transportation—including a fleet of Volvo EX90 electric vehicles and our signature “Colony Pink” Land Rover Defender—make getting around both stylish and sustainable. Sustainability is a natural part of our philosophy; less about buzzwords, more about lasting impact thehedgeseasthampton.com