Three Ducks, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Westhampton, New York, has emerged as a beacon of nostalgia and elegance. The hotel marks the transformation of the historic Westhampton Seabreeze Motel, originally constructed in 1956. The reimagining of this classic establishment is the brainchild of owners Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash.
The hotel derives its unique name from the local waterfowl that freely roam the area, paying homage to the region's rich duck farming history. It also nods to the iconic Big Duck monument in Flanders, a symbol of the area's cultural heritage from the 1930s. This 12-room hotel aims to blend the serene charm of the North Fork with the vibrant culture of the South Fork.
Elizabeth Bakhash expressed her vision for the hotel, saying, "It's a celebration of the land and a return to more simple, meaningful experiences." This sentiment echoes throughout the design and atmosphere of Three Ducks. The rooms are crafted to be relaxing sanctuaries, devoid of unnecessary flashiness. Mid-century-style furniture decorates each room, offering a nod to timeless elegance. An added touch of nostalgia comes in the form of a record player, providing guests with a unique amenity to enhance their stay.
“We’ve gone through a painstaking design process, where, honestly, every decision has felt like life or death to us,” said Elizabeth Bakhash.
Three Ducks caters not only to those seeking rest but also to those looking for adventure. Guests can rent a house Moke or bicycles to explore the scenic routes leading to the beach. The hotel captures a laid-back luxury vibe, as described by Bakhash: “It captures a little bit more of that laidback execution of luxury.”
The hotel's pricing reflects its boutique status. Room rates start at $495 per night on weekdays and rise to $795 on weekends. While these prices may seem steep to some, they are indicative of the high-quality experience that Three Ducks aims to deliver.
Randall Stone highlighted the communal aspect of the hotel’s design: “It’s a place that everyone can kind of come around to in the evening after spending a day at the beach or in town.” This emphasis on community and relaxation is central to the hotel's mission.
The general manager, Joseph Montag, brings his expertise from previous stints at esteemed establishments such as the five-star Bridgehampton hotspot Topping Rose House. His experience is expected to elevate Three Ducks' service standards and ensure guests receive top-notch hospitality.
Elizabeth Bakhash and Randall Stone saw potential in this location from the outset. “We just knew that this parcel, which was on set on this 1.6 acres, which is really quite beautiful, could turn into a boutique hotel in a market that is underserved,” Bakhash stated. Their vision was clear from the moment they laid eyes on the property.
Three Ducks stands as a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous planning. Each element is carefully curated to offer guests an experience that allows them to reflect and reconnect with nature and themselves. As Bakhash noted, “One of the things that we want Three Ducks to do is help people reflect and reconnect with nature and with themselves."
“We drove out the next day and we immediately saw the opportunity,” said Elizabeth Bakhash.
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