The Hedges Inn, now owned by John Cumming, is in contract to be sold to Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, marking an end to a year of drama that saw the 1873 inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, actively courted by Scott Sartiano and his celebrity hangout, Zero Bond. The flirtation with the private membership club sparked outrage among longtime village residents who packed into public hearings last spring in support of legislation that added the word “nightclub” to village code and curbed hours in the Main Street Historic District.
The price of the transaction was not disclosed.
A press release from the Wetenhall family, who own the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla., and a house in Sag Harbor, set a new tone that was welcomed by the village administration.
“The Wetenhalls embrace the profound responsibility of preserving the Hedges and maintaining its legacy as an integral part of the community,” the release read. Ms. Wetenhall is a trustee of the East Hampton Historical Society, a member of the Ladies Village Improvement Society, and a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames. The couple plan to open a three-meal-a-day restaurant at the location that they promised will abide by all local regulations.
“The Village of East Hampton is a true treasure, and we are committed to preserving its character,” said Ms. Wetenhall. “Our purchase of the Hedges Inn is not just a real estate transaction; it is a commitment to protecting this important piece of our community’s history for future generations. As guardians of the Hedges, we are dedicated to strengthening community ties while honoring the village’s cultural heritage,” she continued. “Our goal is to create an experience where guests feel welcomed and valued, where tradition and modernity come together seamlessly. We look forward to providing an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience for both longtime residents as well as those discovering the village for the first time.”
Mayor Jerry Larsen was enthusiastic in a phone call yesterday. “I’m thrilled,” he said. “I think they’re going to be a great asset to the community. They have a similar situation in Palm Beach, operating a hotel and restaurant in a community that is very strict. They’re very thoughtful about noise. I think they’re going to be a really good fit. They’re certainly not looking to run any kind of late-night establishment. I did tell her she couldn’t make it pink,” he joked. (The Colony touts itself as Palm Beach’s “pinkest hotel.”)
In October, worried when rumors circulated that Mr. Cumming was considering selling the establishment to Mr. Sartiano, Mayor Larsen wrote Town Supervisor Kathee-Burke Gonzalez, requesting that the town consider purchasing historic village inns with community preservation fund money, which he felt would give the village more control over their operation.
With the sale, Mr. Cumming, whose family owned the inn for more than 30 years, also appeared relieved to pass the institution off to someone who appreciated its historical significance and place in the fabric of the village.
“The Hedges has long been more than just a property; it has been a cherished part of our family history, filled with memories and experiences that span over 30 years,” he said in the Wetenhalls’ press release. “As we transition into a new chapter, it is of great personal importance to entrust this legacy to someone with deep appreciation for the unique charm and history of East Hampton to ensure that the essence of the Hedges will be maintained. The Wetenhall family exceeds that wish.”
Zero Bond, the private social club based in New York City with ties to celebrities like Elon Musk, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Taylor Swift, was in negotiation with Mr. Cumming last spring to lease the inn before the village turned up the heat with legislation. Ultimately, Mr. Sartiano was deterred, but he still opened an offshoot of his Italian restaurant Sartiano’s at the inn over the summer.
In The New York Post, Mr. Sartiano accused the East Hampton Village police of targeting the eatery with enforcement, something the village denied. The tit for tat continued through the summer, with the village filing a formal complaint with the New York State Liquor Authority, questioning the status of Mr. Sartiano’s liquor license, and citing the establishment for fire code violations.
The issue with the historic inns in the village is that they abut residential districts. Special zoning laws have been enacted, including “transitional yards” that require greater setbacks along shared property lines so that the commercial operations disturb neighbors less. The Hedges Inn has been involved with litigation in the village previously, as recently as 2018, when the direct neighbors of the inn complained of noise emanating from the establishment during wedding ceremonies.
“Andrew and I have long been looking for the correct hospitality acquisition in the Hamptons,” Ms. Wetenhall added in an emailed statement. “As longtime residents of the East End, we are keenly aware of the need for a luxury hospitality option in the market. We are focused on how we can enhance the Hedges’ offerings in a way that benefits both the local community and visitors — and we are excited to introduce our unique blend of tradition with innovation to East Hampton Village, just as we have done with the Colony Palm Beach.”