Antonella Bertello moves fast. She loves fast cars, fast boats, and meticulous service. When it’s time to slow down, though, she only needs to step into her award-winning oasis, The Baker House 1650 in East Hampton. Since 2004, she has been the visionary and creative force behind this iconic property.
“When I first saw the property, I was surprised how I connected immediately,” she shared. Talking to Bertello, it became apparent that when she feels something and knows it is right in every aspect of her life, she forges ahead. When she first set eyes on the property and the vintage door that led the way to the patio, it was love at first sight. She went forward with perseverance and expertise in real estate, design, and sales and didn’t look back.
Four years after her initial purchase, Bertello also bought the adjacent historic Carriage House, which leads to the main house and is an original part of the estate. This set the foundation for the magic that makes The Baker House 1650 what it is today.
Talking to Bertello from the Carriage House, where she lives, only confirms that she becomes passionately engaged with everything she does and with every investment she makes — whether for a fast new car, a luxury boat, or a real estate investment, they all become part of who she is. Guests feel this fervor in every detail of the property and her commitment to ensuring this destination remains a respite from the outside world.
Preserving the historic while accommodating guests’ needs, the property is outfitted with everything guests may want to connect during their stay. Most, though, even hyper-connected New Yorkers, feel the pull of the serenity and choose to digitally detox for a while. She has seamlessly blended these and other modern amenities with gorgeous hand-hewn beams and fireplaces that date back to 1648 when Captain Howe sold the property to Thomas Baker two years later. This is how The Baker House 1650 name came to be. As she talks, it’s evident there is so much history to this award-winning historic property.
From her beloved Chef Alba, guests regularly ask for the exceptional blueberry pancakes.
“I am Peruvian and Italian,” said Bertello. “But it was Chef Alba’s determination to learn Peruvian cooking. She is the real deal. The Baker House experience wouldn’t be possible without her and my entire team of superstars.”
“From the handyman to Alba to everyone working with us, we are a family,” she continued. Not surprisingly, Chef Alba shops locally and taps the onsite herb garden for her dishes — creatively making beautiful breakfasts for guests.
There isn’t a restaurant per se at The Baker House. It is a bed and breakfast with rave reviews about its breakfasts, brunches, and gourmet snacks throughout the day. For Antonella, it’s all about quality and the surroundings, including alfresco dining on the patio and champagne and caviar in candlelit gardens. A year-round destination, the addition of outdoor heated igloos has proven incredibly popular, with food offerings including cheese boards, meats, and crudités platters. Yoga and Pilates are set to debut in the Carriage House gardens, with a smoothie bar.
Afternoon Tea at the Baker House is one of the newer, more popular experiences offered. “We brought back this English tradition. Even young girls love it. They come all dressed up, often carrying their favorite American Girl doll, to join our mini teas.”
Never forgetting the important details, Bertello uses William Morris tea service and teas from Plain-T in Southampton. “Guests who want to upgrade can add Altima Caviar to their tea experience,” she said.
With the 2024 season around the corner, Bertello continues to add touches as a labor of love, always striving to further guests’ experience at The Baker House. A carefully curated special event calendar also includes exclusive receptions, focusing on local charities and giving back to the community. Not surprisingly, the venue is also a top choice for weddings and private events since it’s a one-of-a-kind space.
The property has three pools — two outdoor and one heated indoor pool. The Baker Spa is a destination in and of itself, with a full menu of top-rated services. “It surprises people to realize we have a full-service spa here,” said Bertello.
Life for Bertello isn’t just about being at the helm of a premier travel destination. Over the years, owning and running this historic and beautiful property has made her an integral part of the community.
“Years ago, I was just a weekender out here,” she said. “Now, I am part of the year-round, daily local community and always try to find the perfect balance of hosting guests, important parties, and charitable giving.”
The calendar is always busy, from the popular annual Author’s Night benefit for East Hampton Library in August to luxury car events, and much more.
Her favorite spots on the East End include Georgica Beach and Shelter Island, and she enjoys boating. As a sponsor of Tuesdays at Main Concerts at Main Beach during the summer, that is another favorite. The LongHouse Reserve and the Madoo Conservancy are also some top mentions.
“I am not a foodie, but I love many dining spots on the East End, including The Palm, Bostwick’s, The American Hotel, The Blue Parrot, Sant Ambroeus, Le Bilboquet, Lulu’s, and Duryea’s Montauk, and so many more,” she said.
Bertello’s involvement with local, national, and worldwide organizations is fueled by her interests, personal connection to a particular cause, and love of people. As an ambassador for The Mission Huascaran in the Hamptons, this group does everything it can to better the lives of women and their families living at the foothills of the Huascarán Mountain in the Peruvian Sierra. Their handmade products, part of “Knitting Hope,” are now on display at The Baker House.
“I didn’t know that when I bought The Baker House, it would also allow me to make an important impact on so many people and organizations. It has made me forever connected to the community, allowing me to meet incredible individuals from all walks of life who I now proudly call my friends,” she added.
When you visit in the future, be sure to have a martini at the bar, but don’t forget to take a moment to gaze at historic details like the original barn, hay doors, wrought iron staircase, and slate and wooden floors. And be sure to say hello to Bertello and her beloved dogs, Bella and Georgia. If you can’t find her, she may be in the spa. Even rockstars and speed-seekers need to unwind.
Upcoming events include the second annual Hamptons Whodunit Mystery and Crime Festival from April 11 to 14. Ongoing events include monthly sip and shops, afternoon teas held every other Sunday and weekly after Memorial Day Weekend, and Wölffer Estate wine tastings. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy Aperitivo at Baker.
