The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages
The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages on Shelter Island, part of the Hamptons, is one of the oldest hotels on Long Island. Ever since it opened 95 years ago, the property has been a mainstay for vacationers seeking a relaxing getaway with a warm, old-fashioned feel that’s a throwback to another era.
Now, in celebration of turning 95, The Pridwin has reopened following an extensive two-year renovation and is better than ever before. With refreshed white paint and signature green window casements, its 33 rooms and 16 private cottages sit on 7 pristine acres of waterfront property overlooking Shelter Island’s Crescent Beach. Staying here is like glamping and being transported back in time to one of those classic Adirondack summer camps…only chicer and with excellent service to boot.
Cape Resorts, owners of Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor and several historic hotels in Cape May, have partnered with the Petry family for the reboot- the Petry’s have owned and operated the property since 1961. Curtis Bashaw, the managing partner of Cape Resorts, says that he wanted to update the historic property while keeping the beloved traditions (s’mores around the firepit at night, for one) and original salt of the earth atmosphere.
A Hickory cottage at The Pridwin
The design, under the direction of Colleen Bashaw of Brown Hall Design, is a creative mix of the past and modern day. Most of the wainscoting, hardwood floors and wicker furniture are original and juxtaposed with new, bright fabrics and contemporary wood furniture. Other new elements include custom carpets in greens and blues for the guest rooms, hand-brushed oak cannonball beds with rope details and botanical-themed carpets and garden print upholstery in the public spaces. The cottages feature fireplaces and water views.
The Pridwin of today boasts amenities aplenty: in addition to a pool and fitness center, there’s a spa with 3 treatment rooms as well as a game room and convenience shop named ‘Edie’s’, after The Pridwin’s former matriarch Edie Petry. Guests can take advantage of free watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding and have a staff of locals on-hand to help them plan their days.
The swimming pool at The Pridwin boasts water views
When it comes to imbibing, the horseshoe-shaped Crescent Bar features creative cocktails and an extensive list of wines. Come sunset, this is the place where guests gather, drink in hand, and mingle on the long porch. On the food front, The Terrace, overlooking the water, serves dishes to please every type of eater, from grilled cheese with tomato soup like your mom used to make to entree salads and locally caught seafood.
In the short time since it has reopened, The Pridwin has had its share of celebrity visitors: Christie Brinkley and her family arrived by boat for dinner at the Terrace, and on August 11, Brooke Shields, Jonathan Adler, Simon Doonan and designer Nicole Miller hosted an event to benefit the New York Academy of Art with easels on the front lawn. And I can’t forget to mention that designer Dennis Basso played rummikub with friends by the pool on a recent afternoon.
To sum it up, The Pridwin is a campy and feel-good place. That’s exactly why it’s here to stay.