48 Hours Out East
Originally written for CC.BOONE and published on Substack
If you didn’t know where to look, you’d almost miss it. But that’s part of the beauty of Duryea’s Sunset Cottages. Perched atop western-facing cliffs that overlook Montauk’s Fort Pond Bay, the four custom cottages deliver on their sunset promise, night after night.
Private enough to be romantic, spacious enough to entertain (graciously, in fact, as we discovered), Duryea’s Sunset Cottages are a natural extension of Alchemy Hospitality’s portfolio which, of course, hinges on the famous, often star-studded Lobster Deck. Yet, where Duryea’s Lobster Deck is steeped in Montauk history (it was operated as a family seafood business starting in the 1920s until 2014 when it was sold by Perry, “Skip” Duryea III to billionaire investor, Mark Rowan), the Sunset Cottages are decidedly contemporary. And luxurious.
A private terrace complete with spa.
Private rooftop terrace at the Sunset Cottage.
All clean lines and seamless transitions, Duryea’s Sunset Cottages balance the hallmarks of modern design with a warm palette of natural, elegant finishes. A white oak kitchenette with inlaid white marble and polished nickel pair well with boucle, wool, and touches of travertine. Generously sized rooms – including the bathroom – offer thoughtful details like choose-your-firmness mattresses and automatic blackout shades. Swaths of floor-to-ceiling windows lend themselves to the outdoor lifestyle around which the four cedar-clad cottages were so clearly designed. Outside, nestled into native evergreens that offer perennial privacy, each cottage offers a dedicated furnished terrace outfitted with a spa and inviting outdoor shower. And, should you be housed in Sunset Cottage, a sunset viewing deck spanning the footprint of the cottage.
Yet, for all their thoughtful architectural and design choices, Duryea’s Sunset Cottages are a study in the kind of restraint that allows their white-glove hospitality to shine. True to Alchemy Hospitality’s goal to create a stay that feels like a cross between friendly boutique lodging and a beautiful home, you’ll be greeted at your cottage door by a staff member who’ll offer a quick tour of the cottage and, most likely, a snack from Duryea’s kitchens.
Morning breakfast delivery in the cutest wicker basket.
Amenities galore — including this darling branded Moke.
Outfitted with the finest non-alcoholic spirits.
Even if you’re a bit travel-weary, we recommend taking the tour as there’s quite a few amenities to enjoy. From the thoughtfully-provisioned and all-complimentary pantry and fridge (complete with four different types of milk for your morning coffee) to Piecework Puzzles and Sensei robes; morning breakfast delivery, afternoon snacks, and turn-down sweets to e-bikes and paddleboards, Duryea’s Sunset Cottages have thought of simply everything. And everything is, for the record, first class. In short, it’s no wonder one of their summer guests stayed for over three weeks…
We too, for the record, would’ve stayed longer. There’s plenty to keep busy with on property and beyond, and we left (reluctantly) with plans to come back to see, do, and eat even more.
A SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Lunch at il Buco Vita in Amagansett.
The Market at Duryea’s.
Sunset dinner and drinks at Lobster Deck.
Day One:
Catch an early flight into New York City, rent a car, and head out East. Editor Note: New York has a state speed limit of 55 mph. Ask us how we found out.
Check into the Cottages as early as noon. Nibble on a complimentary snack while you enjoy a brief tour of the property and (many) amenities.
Grab lunch at il Buco al Mare then wander into the restaurant’s ceramics shop, il Buco Vita. We recommend you sit outside and order the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
Wander into Amagansett favorites like Flowers by Beth, The Row, and Love Adorned. Stock up on adult beverages at Amagansett Wine & Spirits and healthy snacks at Love Eats, then, on your way back to the Cottages, stop into Amber Waves, a darling farm shop.
Catch sunset at Duryea’s Lobster Deck. While the waterfront restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, as a Cottage guest, you receive skip-the-queue privileges. Ordering the Lobster Cobb is a rite of passage, as is drinking ample rosé. Note that ordering is in typical seafood shack fashion. Head up to the counter to place your order.
Take a bottle back to the Cottage or mix up a mocktail (the cottage bar is stocked with the best NA spirits + mixers) to enjoy in the hot tub under the stars.
Day Two:
Enjoy complimentary breakfast (delivered in a darling basket to your door at the time of your choosing) on the terrace before heading down the Cottage’s private trail to the beach for a leisurely stroll.
Opt for the outdoor shower (the indoor is beautiful, but when in Montauk…) to freshen up for a day of exploring the Hamptons.
On your way into Sag Harbor, pop into Carissa’s for a coffee and pastry. For womenswear, wander into Goop, DÔEN, Annabel, and Henry Lehr. For home, stop into JANGEORGe, Neo Studio, and Bloom. CC’s Note: When in Neo Studio, chat up the owner, Jean Yves Legrand. He’s the epitome of a Frenchman and very proud to show off his treasures. Just don’t take photos and don’t bring up his new neighbor.
After sufficiently exploring Sag Harbor, use the rest of the day to explore East Hampton. If you need to refuel, opt for Tutto Caffé or – if you’ve never been to one – Sant Ambroese. Then, wander Main Street, hitting highlights like Double RL, White’s Apothecary, and J.Crew. Of course, you’ll also find all the luxury stores, too.
On the way back to the Cottages, stop into Citarella (an incredible gourmet market) to stock up on light bites for an early evening apertivo back at the Cottages. If you’re staying at Sunset Cottage, take advantage of the rooftop lookout to host local friends. Alternatively – or, if you’re like us and forgot something at the store – pop into Duryea’s Market for picnic-ready bites.
Order an in-cottage dinner from Duryea’s or venture out to local favorite, Harvest on Fort Pond, for dinner.
Day Three:
Before heading out of town, grab coffee and road-snacks at Duryea’s Market and shop the cottage decor (and pick up a souvenir) at Duryea’s Boutique. Pro Tip: Take the scenic route out of Montauk to view waterfront property.
