Colony Hotel Owners Purchase East Hampton’s Hedges Inn

The Hedges Inn in East Hampton has new ownership. Much to the relief of locals, there are no ties to private club Zero Bond.

Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, part-time local residents who also own the Colony Hotel in Florida’s Palm Beach, purchased the property at 74 James Lane, Women’s Wear Daily reported. The Cumming family sold the property for an undisclosed price.

While there were rampant fears over the summer that the historic inn would become a private club thanks to Scott Sartiano’s attempted purchase, the Wetenhalls’ brand is more aligned with the community’s desires.

“Under their stewardship, I am confident that The Hedges will not only sustain its historic significance but also evolve to meet the needs and expectations of both locals and travelers,” East Hampton mayor John Cumming told the publication.

One of those needs the Wetenhalls plan to meet is for a three-meal restaurant in the area; Sarah specifically noted that the history of the property included a “delicious breakfast” procured by Caroline Hedges, the namesake of the inn.

As for the wild nights promised by the possibility of a Zero Bond outpost in the Hamptons, the Wetenhalls have something even more electric planned at the inn: trivia nights.

In the months leading up to Memorial Day, the Wetenhalls plan to make minor changes to the property. After the summer season, they will close to restore guest rooms, focusing on updates to bathrooms, painting, carpeting and furniture.

Even though they run The Colony in Palm Beach, the Wetenhalls spend time in the Hamptons and are both members of local foundations and associations. They met the Cummings family years ago through mutual friends.

— Holden Walter-Warner