The Hedges Inn in East Hampton enters a new chapter as it reopens after an interior redesign led by acclaimed designer and author David Netto. Known for his sophisticated yet irreverent style, Netto brings his distinctive aesthetic and East End roots to refresh the Inn’s storied character, preserving its historic charm while introducing a more refined, residential feel.
“So much of the magic of The Hedges was already there — the history, the intimacy, the charm, and the feeling of an authentic East Hampton home with a story behind it,” said Sarah Wetenhall, Owner & CEO of The Hedges Inn. “In seeking to make it the most beautiful and fully realized version of itself, David understood immediately how to lean into the property’s character and coziness while elevating it with a sense of sophistication that feels completely natural. His connection to East Hampton is incredibly important; he understands the community in a personal way, and his work has a timelessness that never feels forced or overly decorated. He brings warmth, wit, confidence, and irreverence to the interiors in a way that now makes the experience of staying at The Hedges feel as layered and memorable as the level of service we deliver.”
“It’s a very sweet, homecoming feeling, getting to participate in a project like this in the town where I grew up,” said designer David Netto. “The Hedges has always meant so much to the life of the village as a visual landmark — it’s the first thing you see that tells you you’re home — and now it’s going to offer that on the inside, too. Sarah has a gift for making hotels which are glamorous, happy, but always regional, celebrating a strong sense of place. I knew I could deliver that, because I’d been waiting so long for it out here myself — I’m just glad she knew it!”
The redesign encompasses all interior spaces of the Inn, including its 12 guest rooms, restaurant, bar, and public areas. Rather than reinventing The Hedges Inn, Netto approached the project as a thoughtful refinement of what has long made the property so beloved — creating interiors that feel warmer, richer, and more inviting while staying true to the spirit of the house.
Throughout the Inn, antique and vintage pieces sourced from the UK, Maine, and Massachusetts, including the Brimfield Antique Market, are layered with custom furnishings, tailored upholstery, and handcrafted details, giving the spaces a collected, residential feel, while holding onto the historic character that has defined The Hedges Inn since 1873.
The redesign incorporates a mix of longtime brand partners and artisanal makers familiar to the Wetenhalls’ world of hospitality and design, including linens and terry by Matouk, bathroom fixtures by Waterworks, and textiles by Schumacher featured throughout the restaurant.
A focal point of the redesign is a custom scenic de Gournay wall covering for the parlor room, created by Wetenhall and Netto and inspired by the landscapes, landmarks, and architectural character of East Hampton. The hand-painted scene weaves together references to the village’s historic homes, beaches, and natural surroundings, alongside layered personal details and hidden motifs drawn from the Wetenhall family’s history and life on the East End.
Following the breakout first season of Swifty’s at The Hedges, the restaurant and bar have been reimagined to create a more vibrant, visually immersive dining experience. A redesigned bar, improved restaurant flow, and a stronger connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces create the setting.
Project architect Kiko Sanchez and his firm FGS Design oversaw the architectural scope of the renovation, ensuring the refreshed interiors remain aligned with the Inn’s historic character, while local contracting firm Fifth & Dune, led by Kevin Warren, spearheaded the restoration.