Exploring the rich history of Sea Spray Inn, from its early days in the 19th century to its heyday in the 1940s-1970s. The inn, with a capacity of 125 guests, offered rooms from spare to breathtaking, with rates ranging from $15 to $100 a day. A fire in 1978 destroyed the main building, but the cottages remain, managed as rentals by the East Hampton Village Board. The podcast delves into the nostalgic memories and charm associated with this iconic East Hampton landmark.
The Sea Spray Inn transitioned from a Main Street location to dunes, highlighting challenges of relocating structures.
During its peak, the Sea Spray Inn accommodated 125 guests with rates from $15 to $100 per day.
Deep dives
Evolution of the Sea Spray Inn
The Sea Spray Inn originally located on Main Street in East Hampton later transformed into a hotel under the management of William Gardner. It transitioned to a summer house in the dunes when Edie Turbell acquired it in 1902. The move of the house to the dunes in 1902 using horses showcased the challenges of relocating such structures in that era.
Heyday of the Sea Spray Inn
During its heyday from the 1940s to the mid-70s, the Sea Spray Inn could accommodate 125 guests, and its restaurant could seat up to 166 diners per meal. The inn gained popularity as a desirable vacation spot boasting ocean views. The peak era of the inn reflected a bustling and vibrant time for the establishment.
Transition to Sea Spray Cottages
Following a fire in 1978 that destroyed the Sea Spray Inn, the property transitioned to Sea Spray Cottages. The East Hampton Village Board eventually allowed the cottages to be leased as summer rentals, with tenants responsible for maintenance. By 2022, the cottages generated significant rental income, marking a stark financial evolution.
Modern Challenges and Future Prospects
Recent discussions within the East Hampton Village Board have raised the possibility of privatizing the management of the Sea Spray Cottages. Potential changes in oversight could involve collaboration with private companies, subject to legislative considerations. The current dialogue hints at potential shifts in the management and maintenance of the iconic cottages.
Esperanza and Irwin discuss the multiple lives of the Sea Spray Inn. The Sea Spray's early days in the 19th century on Main Street, East Hampton led to its subsequent move in 1902 to the dunes near Main Beach, as the private home of E.D. Terbell. The Sea Spray's heyday was from the 1940's to 1970's. The Sea Spray had a capacity of 125 guests served by a staff of 55. Rooms went from spare to breathtaking, with rates from $15 to $100 a day by the 1960's, three square meals a day included! A fire on a February evening in 1978 destroyed the Sea Spray, but the cottages remain. The East Hampton Village Board purchased them in 1978 for 3 million dollars, and manages them as rentals to this day.
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