HotelsMag July/August 2023 | Page 72

DESIGN
hospitality veteran to add one more title to his resume — local . And he ’ s not alone .
A HISTORIC REDUX Once known as “ America ’ s Oldest Inn ,” Canoe Place Inn & Cottages updates a historic waterfront property for the modern age with a mix of meticulously landscaped outdoor spaces , cozy interiors and large event venues . Built in the Southampton neighborhood of Hampton Bays , N . Y ., by Brooklyn-based design firm Workstead , the 20-suite , five-cottage property is an escape in more ways than one .
“ The overarching theme of the hotel design is ‘ Garden by the Sea ,’ which captures the unique sitting within Hampton Bays , near the beach and interconnecting waterways ,” said Workstead ’ s creative director , Ryan Mahoney . “ The concept for the design as a garden also reflects the desire to create a strong sense of place and to cement a destination that appeals to both locals and weekenders , alike .”
A mix of garden motifs , seaside views and the owner ’ s private art collection adorn the colonial property first built in 1697 and renovated over more than three centuries . Partnerships with East End farmers , artisans and fishermen provide the hotel ’ s Good Ground Tavern with local cuisine with seasonal ingredients , while a brickfireplaced study doubles as a cocktail lounge with waterfront views .
Canoe Place is also well-suited for the kind of grand events the Hamptons is known for , featuring a soaring , 330-seat grand ballroom and several artfully cultivated garden spaces . The emphasis on design was a major driver in the identity of the hotel , said Mahoney .
“ Ferebee Lane was responsible for the branding , and I think everyone was dialed in on the specificity of this place and project ,” he said . “ From the postcards in the room , to the hair dryer-bag fabric , to the styling and accessories in the public spaces , we were all in lockstep about how we wanted the guests
to feel as they experienced each unique room of the property .”
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME A love letter to the Bluegrass region of Kentucky , The Manchester blends historic architecture and authentic culture to celebrate the land of horse racing and bourbon . Built inside the venerated Ashland Distillery , the 125-room property blends the brick masonry of the original bourbon rickhouse with modern touches that celebrate the region .
Hoteliers Nik Feldman and the aforementioned Hank Morris partnered with interior designer Jenny Bukovec to craft an experience that embodies authentic Bluegrass culture in inventive new ways .
“ Hank and I worked closely together on the interiors to create a contemporary , soulful homage to Lexington ' s equestrian roots and industrial rickhouse-revival architecture ,” said Bukovec . “ When we began the creative process of developing The Manchester , we spent a lot of time researching to ensure we deeply understood the roots of the Distillery District . With the
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