Colony Hotel founders bring Palm Beach posh to East Hamptons Hedges Inn

Despite having only 13 rooms, the historic Hedges Inn — which sits at the entrance to East Hampton village and across from its idyllic pond — has made oversized headlines in the last year. Scott Sartiano, the man behind celebrity-packed private club Zero Bond, leased the inn last summer in the hopes of launching a spinoff club.He was met with insurmountable resistance by village officials and residents, who feared a nightlife vibe and its accompanying noise and traffic.

After a flurry of opposition, his lease was not renewed.Now the bed-and-breakfast’s new owners, Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall, have been welcomed with open arms.It doesn’t hurt that the Wetenhalls had a home in East Hampton for 15 years (until 2021) and also transformed The Colony Hotel into a buzzy Palm Beach destination where vacationing New Yorkers and locals alike flock to its poolside restaurant Swifty’s and its rousing trivia and bingo nights.The couple brought many of those same elements to the Hedges when it opened last week — along with the whimsical design that’s been part of The Colony’s lure.

“There is a style that thrives with destinations close to the sea,’’ Sarah tells Alexa.“We want the Hedges to become the best version of herself, and a visual representation of East Hampton, the way The Colony is a visual representation of Palm Beach.

It will have the summer Americana aesthetic that’s so well loved.’’ That means shake shingles; lots of red, white and blue; plus plenty of pops of The Colony’s famed pink.The inn’s ground floor was already renovated by the previous owners, and the rooms will be refreshed this year, with a larger overhaul planned after the summer season. “Andrew and I love to travel, but we also love the creature comforts of home,’’ Sarah explains.

To this end, they are adding Matouk sheets, towels and robes along with luxury amenities.“We are all about creating a fun summer, and we will do so with a smile on our face and kin...