The historic Hedges Inn in East Hampton has officially changed hands, much to the relief of local residents who were concerned about its potential transformation into a private club. The new owners, Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, who are also part-time residents in the area, have taken over the property located at 74 James Lane. The news comes after the Cumming family decided to sell the inn, with details of the sale price remaining undisclosed.
Previously, there were fears in the community regarding a proposed purchase by Scott Sartiano, which raised concerns about the inn becoming another location for the exclusive Zero Bond club. However, the Wetenhalls' ownership has sparked optimism among locals, as their vision aligns closely with community values.
As the summer season approaches, the Wetenhalls have planned inviting guests for community friends events in place of the nightlife that might have been associated with a Zero Bond establishment. One of the key aspirations of the new owners is to establish a restaurant that serves three meals a day. Sarah Wetenhall emphasized the importance of the inn's rich history and its well-regarded breakfast offerings, historically linked to Caroline Hedges, the inn’s namesake.
Before the busy Memorial Day weekend, the couple will implement some minor updates to the property. Following the summer, the inn will close its doors temporarily to undergo significant renovations aimed at refreshing guest accommodations. Enhancements will include renovations to bathrooms and improvements in painting, carpeting, and furnishings.
Though they manage The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, the Wetenhalls are deeply connected to the Hamptons community, participating in various local foundations and associations. Their relationship with the Cummings family extends back several years, facilitated by mutual friends.
The East Hampton community is eager to see how the Hedges Inn will evolve under this new ownership, and many residents remain hopeful that it will continue to be a cherished local landmark.