New York-based boutique hotel operator Life House Hotels has announced the addition of the Maidstone Hotel and Maidstone Restaurant in East Hampton, NY, to its growing portfolio of award-winning luxury properties across the U.S.
Since acquiring the hotel in 2008, hotelier Jenny Baker and husband Jonathan Baker, a writer, movie producer, director and adventurer, have stewarded the small luxury hotel and its renowned local restaurant. Both will remain involved in the property’s creative direction moving forward, while allowing Life House to oversee day-to-day hotel and restaurant operations.
More than 150 years old, the Greek Revival at 207 Main Street has served many owners. Constructed just before the Civil War by the Osborne family, the current structure has foundations dating from the 17th century. For much of the 19th century, the building was used as a tannery, and first took in overnight guests while their saddles were being repaired. In the mid-1920s, the home began service as a full-time inn and became known as The Maidstone Arms. Newspaper columns in the ensuing decades announced the seasonal residency of a rotating roster of socialites, and the inn became a fashionable destination as East Hampton grew into a world-famous summer colony.
As creative director, co-owner Jenny Baker has overseen its repositioning to a “Scandinavian Cozy” hospitality concept, a term she coined to describe the hotels’ welcoming blend of American ease and sophisticated Scandinavian sensibility that embodies quirkiness, personality and professionalism. The hotel offers a comforting mix of environmentally friendly spaces, modern design blended with "Old World" charm, curated art and locally sourced food and beverage offerings. The result is an escape unique to the Hamptons where dogs and kids are as welcome as lovers and exes.
The property will continue to feature Jonathan Baker aromatherapy products in-room and for sale on-property. The co-owner’s lifestyle brand has an existing clientele including Christina Aguilera and Will Smith.
Life House will operate the hotel through summer 2021, after which point the group’s in-house creative team will collaborate with ownership on an innovative new restaurant and bar concept.
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