You’re driving down Main Street in East Hampton. It’s summer, or maybe that crisp October window where the light hits the turning leaves just right. You pass the boutiques, the high-end galleries, and the endless parade of SUVs. Then you see it. White clapboard. Black shutters. A structure that looks like it’s been anchored to the ground since before the country was even a country. This is The 1770 House East Hampton NY. It’s not just another boutique hotel. Honestly, it’s the physical manifestation of "old money" Hamptons—but without the snobbery that usually comes with it.
Most people think of the Hamptons as a modern playground for the ultra-wealthy. They think of glass mansions on the dunes. But the 1770 House represents something else. It represents a history that dates back to the mid-18th century when the building served as a private home for the Parsons family before becoming an inn. It’s seen everything. It’s survived the British occupation during the Revolution. It’s survived the hurricane of '38. It’s survived the transition from a sleepy farming village to a global celebrity hotspot.
The Real Deal Behind the History
Let's get the facts straight because people often mix up these old East End properties. The 1770 House East Hampton NY wasn't always a restaurant and inn. It started as a residence built in—you guessed it—1770. It was eventually converted into an inn around the mid-20th century, specifically the 1940s, and has since been meticulously restored. The current owners, the Ben-Kiki family, have managed to keep the soul of the place intact. That’s hard to do. Usually, when people "renovate" historical properties in the Hamptons, they strip away the character and replace it with recessed lighting and gray vinyl flooring. Not here.
Walking into the lobby feels like stepping into a library. It’s quiet. There’s a smell of woodsmoke and polished brass. The floors creak. You'll find six guest rooms in the main house and a separate carriage house for those who want a bit more privacy. Each room is unique. No cookie-cutter Marriott vibes. You’ve got Frette linens, Molton Brown toiletries, and a sense of stillness that is rare in a town where the social scene can be deafening.
Why People Obsess Over the Food
The 1770 House East Hampton NY is famous for its dining, and for good reason. Chef Michael Rozzi is at the helm. He’s a local guy who understands the rhythm of the East End. He knows when the striped bass is running and which farms have the best heirloom tomatoes.
There are two distinct dining experiences here. Upstairs, you have the formal dining room. It’s elegant. Candlelight. White tablecloths. It’s where you go for a "big" dinner. But then, there’s the Tavern. Downstairs. Stone walls. Low ceilings. It’s cozy in a way that makes you want to stay for three hours and order another bottle of wine.
The Tavern is legendary. Why? The burger. Seriously. The 1770 House Burger is widely considered one of the best on Long Island. It’s thick, perfectly seared, and served with those thin, crispy fries that you can’t stop eating. But don't sleep on the spicy fluke tartare or the local sea scallops. Rozzi doesn't overcomplicate things. He lets the ingredients speak. It’s sophisticated comfort food.
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A Note on the "In Crowd"
You might see someone famous. You might not. That’s the beauty of it. People like Steven Spielberg, Billy Joel, or Gwyneth Paltrow have been known to slip in here because the staff doesn't make a fuss. It’s a place for people who don't need to be seen. If you’re looking for a loud club scene with sparklers on champagne bottles, go somewhere else. This is for the "if you know, you know" crowd.
The Seasonal Shift
The Hamptons change drastically depending on the month. The 1770 House East Hampton NY is one of the few places that feels right in every season. In July, the gardens are lush, and the outdoor patio is the place to be. You can sit under the trees and watch the world go by on Main Street.
But winter? Winter is when the 1770 House really shines. When the crowds vanish and the wind starts whipping off the Atlantic, the fireplaces are roaring. There is nothing—absolutely nothing—like sitting in that downstairs tavern with a glass of scotch while a snowstorm hits the East End. It’s pure hygge.
What Most People Get Wrong About Staying Here
A common misconception is that you have to be a multi-millionaire to walk through the doors. While it’s certainly not "cheap," the 1770 House is surprisingly accessible if you’re smart about it.
- The Tavern Menu: You can get a world-class meal in the Tavern for a fraction of what you’d spend at some of the trendier, "scene-y" spots in Montauk or Southampton.
- Off-Season Rates: If you stay in November or March, the room rates drop significantly. You get the same luxury, the same history, but for a price that won’t make your accountant cry.
- The Location: You are literally in the heart of the village. You can walk to the movie theater, the shops, and even some of the local beaches if you’re up for a long stroll (though most people take a bike).
Comparing the Experience
If you compare the 1770 House to, say, Gurney’s in Montauk, they are worlds apart. Gurney’s is a resort. It’s big, it’s on the ocean, and it’s high-energy. The 1770 House is an intimate inn. It’s about quiet luxury. It’s about the heritage of East Hampton. It’s the difference between a high-end sports car and a vintage Range Rover. Both are expensive, both are nice, but they communicate very different things.
The Guest Rooms: A Closer Look
The rooms are small. Let’s be honest. This is an 18th-century house. They didn’t build primary suites the size of basketball courts back then. But they are incredibly well-appointed. You get:
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- Plush bedding that makes it hard to wake up.
- Modern bathrooms tucked into historical footprints.
- A sense of privacy that’s hard to find in modern hotels.
The Carriage House is the move if you’re traveling with a partner and want a bit more space. It feels like your own private cottage in the middle of the village.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit The 1770 House East Hampton NY, you need to be strategic.
First, make dinner reservations early. Like, weeks in advance if you’re coming during the summer. The Tavern doesn’t always take reservations for all tables, so showing up right when they open is a pro move.
Second, don't just stay in the village. Use the 1770 House as a base. Drive out to the Montauk Lighthouse. Visit the Pollock-Krasner House in Springs. Check out the Wolffer Estate Vineyard. The Hamptons is a collection of distinct hamlets, and East Hampton is the polished center of it all.
Third, ask the staff for tips. Most of the people working there have lived on the East End for years. They know which beach has the best sunset views (hint: try Louse Point in Springs) and which coffee shop is actually worth the line (looking at you, Jack’s).
The Legacy of the 1770 House
In a world of "disruption" and "innovation," there is something deeply comforting about a place that stays the same. The 1770 House East Hampton NY hasn't chased trends. They haven't installed neon signs or started hosting EDM brunches. They’ve stayed true to being a high-quality inn with exceptional food and a deep respect for history.
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It’s a reminder of why people started coming to the East End in the first place—for the light, the air, and the sense of being somewhere that feels distinct from the rest of the world.
How to Get There
If you’re coming from NYC, you have options:
- The Hampton Jitney: Classic. Drops you right in the village.
- The LIRR: It’s a bit of a haul, but it works.
- Driving: Take the LIE to Sunrise Highway. Be prepared for traffic on Route 27. It’s the price you pay for paradise.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at the 1770 House, follow these specific steps:
- Book the Tavern early: If you want that famous burger, aim for a 5:30 PM or 8:30 PM slot to avoid the peak rush.
- Explore the Maidstone Club area: Walk down towards the ocean from the inn to see some of the most historic architecture in the country.
- Check the Seasonal Menu: Chef Rozzi updates the menu frequently. Look for the "Chef’s Tasting" if you want the full experience of local Hamptons agriculture.
- Visit the East Hampton Library: It’s just a short walk away and houses an incredible collection of local history if you want to geek out on the area’s past.
The 1770 House East Hampton NY is more than a hotel. It's a piece of the town's identity. Whether you’re staying the night or just stopping in for a drink at the bar, you’re participating in a tradition that has spanned centuries. That’s something you just can’t replicate with a new build. It’s authentic. And in the Hamptons, authenticity is the ultimate luxury.
Actionable Insights:
- Dining: Always opt for the Tavern if you want a more relaxed, "local" feel. Order the 1770 House Burger or the meatloaf (yes, really).
- Timing: Mid-week stays in the shoulder season (May or September) offer the best balance of weather and price.
- Parking: Street parking can be a nightmare in East Hampton. If you are a guest, use the inn’s designated parking to save yourself the headache.
- Walking: You can walk to the iconic Guild Hall or the Clinton Academy Museum in under five minutes from the front door.
This property serves as a bridge between the colonial past and the modern luxury of today. It doesn't scream for attention. It just exists, perfectly, as it has for over 250 years.