The Best Room At… The Pridwin
Shelter Island has long been an if-you-know-you-know kind of place. Located between the north and south forks of Long Island and accessible only by ferry, Shelter Island has held on to its reputation as a sleepy summertime destination that offers spectacular views of some of the country’s most desirable summer destinations without the crowds or chaos that they can draw.
“Shelter Island is magical in my opinion,” says Curtis Bashaw, the hotelier whose latest project, The Pridwin, recently opened in a grand 1927 building that’s been refurbished with top-of-the-line upgrades, and will play host to guests nine months out of the year. “I love the name—it’s sheltered between the North and South Fork, so you’re at once a world away but also very close to what both places have to offer. It has a slower place, and the Pridwin is one of these spirit-filled old properties that’s seen generations of vacationers. It’s filled with memories and traditions, and I’m a sucker for that.”
Here, Bashaw shares his plans for updating a classic and reveals which of the property’s rooms is his favorite.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
I would definitely stay in Hickory One. There are groupings of cottages that dot the hillside of the property, and among them are the three Hickory cottages, which are among the property’s original cottages. It’s not the biggest cottage, but it’s so cozy and has views of the water and the property itself. I can’t think of anywhere better to nestle in for a long weekend.
How much does it cost per night?
The Hickory One cottage begins at $1,079 per night.
How would you describe the guests and the vibe at the hotel?
The Pridwin is really a campus, it almost evokes a summer-camp feeling. The cottages dot the hillsides, and they are all spread around with space between them. You don’t feel like you’re on top of anybody, even when all 49 rooms and cottages are full, you’re going to experience the luxury of space. Hickory One has this huge deck that overlooks the water and the pool, you can see everything that’s going on—as well as a view of the North Fork.
There’s a lot of luxury in simple pleasures. What we loved about the Pridwin is that it’s a grand place with a grand vista, but it’s really quite simple. Our approach to this property is to let it speak for itself and to be itself. We want to offer simplicity and give people a true escape.
What feeling about Shelter Island do you hope to impart to guests?
You can’t help but relax here. There’s something relaxing in the air on Shelter Island, and this hotel captures that. I’m most excited about taking the hotel through its first fall and winter; every cottage has a fireplace. There’s a coziness. It feels wonderful in the summer, but it’s going to turn with the seasons really well.
What’s a local attraction that you always recommend to guests?
The biggest surprises to me on Shelter Island are things you can’t see. Almost half the island is preserved; in the Mashomack Preserve there are huge hikes, at Sylvester Manor there is a 400-acre preserve with lovely places to walk. Part of the joy of the place is the ability to enjoy the outdoors. There are also so many wonderful, family-owned businesses. You can fill up a weekend without any problem because all of the incredible nooks and crannies on the island.
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