Summer in the Hamptons offers the best of everything: spectacular architecture, historic estates, pristine beaches, classic yachts, world-class golf, a dynamic farm-to-table culinary scene, and a chance to mix with Hollywood A-listers and Manhattan power brokers. The good news is you don’t necessarily have to own a multimillion-dollar estate to live like you do. But after spending a few days at any of these special summer spots, you’ll start shopping for a beachfront estate because you won’t want to leave.
The Baker House 1650
Nestled in historic East Hampton Village, The Baker House 1650 is a masterpiece of 17th-century Cotswold-inspired architecture. While possessing the aura of an English manor, this tony bed and breakfast caters to guests with luxe modern comforts at the historic main house. Features include an infinity-edge pool, grand living room with piano and fireplace, library, bar, and spa with sauna and Jacuzzi.
The property’s secret jewel is the Baker Carriage House, situated on its own private, exquisitely landscaped acre just behind the main house. You can rent its suites all summer long.
An impeccable restoration retained many original details: barn doors, a wrought iron spiral staircase, hay doors, and slate and wood floors. The bedrooms have sleigh beds, writing desks, plush seating, antique rugs, and stunning spa-like marble baths. 181 Main Street, East Hampton.
The Inn at Windmill Lane
Located in the heart of Amagansett village, the Inn at Windmill Lane is a private retreat for luxury lovers on the East End. Arguably one of the Hamptons’ best-kept secrets, this inn is known for delivering personalized attention and total privacy, making it popular with A-List celebrities and tastemakers year round. If you long to have a home in the Hamptons without all of the responsibility, then this is the perfect place for you.
Perfectly aligned with the Hamptons’ laidback luxury vibe, it has seven suites in the main house and three private, gated cottages nestled into a vast landscaped garden. Its showpiece is its newest accommodation, 21 House, a 3,800-square-foot, four-bedroom home set on a serene, well-manicured spot.
This sprawling residence features four king Duxiana beds, four baths, two powder rooms, four fireplaces, an elegant dining room, spacious living room, full gourmet chef’s kitchen, outdoor dining areas, and spa treatment room with a grand Michelangelo marble bathtub. 23 Windmill Lane, Amagansett.
Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina
Looking to dock your yacht at your resort hotel? Check out Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, which just opened for the season on the South Fork’s tip. The resort boasts stylishly renovated guestrooms, restaurants, and meeting spaces, and its 232-slip marina is the largest in the Hamptons.
Designer Stella Abdoulin created a relaxed coastal chic vibe throughout the 107 guest rooms, pool club, and entertaining spaces. And in true Gurney’s fashion, the resort is loaded with programs and services, including casual and fine dining restaurants, three pools, a private beach, kid’s club, and concierge services. 32 Star Island Road, Montauk.
The Maidstone Hotel
The historic Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton dates back to 1740 but has been updated with the stylish Swedish influence of owner Jenny Ljungberg Baker. She describes the vibe as a welcoming blend of American ease plus a sophisticated, 17th-century European sensibility. In addition to 16 rooms in the historic main house, three cottages, each celebrating an influential Scandinavian personality, dot the garden’s perimeter. Enjoy outdoor dining and après beach aperitifs, play games, or explore the chef ’s herb garden outside. Come evening, indulge with a three-course candlelit dinner in the intimate restaurant, dedicated to the pleasure of Slow Food dining, plus sample wine from the extensive cellar underneath. 207 Main Street, East Hampton.
Rockstar Rental
When you really want to make a splash, you rent a residence like this exclusive Wyandanch Lane mansion (or others) available this summer. The main floor features a stunning entry hall in addition to a study and formal dining room. It also boasts an oversized kitchen, large living room, and multiple bedroom suites to ensure that no guest feels second best.
And of corse, you get a game room, theater, massage room, and a full gym with steam and sauna too. But maybe most importantly, the two-acre property is just steps from a virtually private beach and includes a heated pool and rooftop deck with endless ocean views. It rents for $300K (two-week minimum) in the high season, or you can have it for the whole year for just $850K. 196 Wyandanch Lane, Southampton, haraldgrantrealestate.com