The Chequit | Kevin O'Shea Designs

When Salt Hotels opens The Chequit on May 8, the reborn grand dame will reclaim its rightful position as the chic social epicenter of Shelter Island, a stylish and bucolic retreat nestled between Long Island’s North and South Forks. After an extensive renovation of the historic hostelry, Salt Hotels will continue to redefine the concept of a traditional bed and breakfast with a fresh, contemporary “no rules” approach as it opens its third property this spring. Guests of The Chequit can expect a new restaurant, a grab-and-go café serving Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee and pastries by Baked, as well as a local beach-inspired retail outlet by Wampum.

The historic 37-room inn is comprised of three buildings: The Main House, The Cottage and The Summer House. Located within the inn’s Main House and spread over the two floors are 21 rooms and suites, many with water views. All offer King-sized beds, while the superior and deluxe rooms feature seating areas. A one-bedroom suite located on the third floor features a claw foot tub and a beautiful roof terrace. Across the lane, The Cottage features a mix of room categories all with king-sized beds and a spectacular one-bedroom Garden Suite with two full bathrooms and a private deck.

The neighboring seasonal Summer House, is a quaint, lovingly-restored 6-room cottage. With white-washed walls, shabby chic antiques and beachy charm, The Summer House will provide guests of The Chequit a great value alternative.  The rooms, each with their own fully-renovated bathroom, can be booked individually or by a group.

 “When Salt Hotels was looking for its first property outside of Provincetown, we knew the location needed to be dramatic, while at the same time keeping with our company ethos. We found all of that in The Chequit on Shelter Island,” said David Bowd, Co-Owner and Chief Executive, Salt Hotels. “It is a magical spot that offers guests a relaxing escape with a strong sense of place and history.  It’s also very exciting, with our third property, to expand our guest offerings including Red Maple, a full-service restaurant as well as a retail partnerships with Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee, Baked and Wampum.”

Since it was built in 1872, The Chequit has continually operated as a hostelry.  It was the crown jewel of Shelter Island Heights, a planned community founded by Methodists for religious retreats. The land was divided into small parcels designed to accommodate tent platforms where visitors would sleep and The Chequit served as the community dining hall.  In the 1880’s, when the religious zeal began to wane, Victorian cottages sprang up on the tent sites, many of which surround the inn today, and it continued to serve as a dining facility. In the 20th century, The Chequit evolved into a hotel, and in the 1940s basked in its glory as a vacation spot for the rich and famous.  

 “Inspired by its own illustrious past of 143 years of hospitality, the design of The Chequit celebrates the property’s Victorian heritage as well as its high society heyday with a fresh, modern take,” said Kevin O’Shea, Co-Owner and Creative Director, Salt Hotels. “With peaceful guestrooms, dramatic public spaces that transcend the seasons, and lush outdoor recesses, The Chequit is poised to once again command center stage on Shelter Island’s social and dining scene with style and grace.”

The inn’s design harkens back to the golden age of vacationing on Shelter Island at the turn of the last century but with a crisp and contemporary interpretation. To capture the island’s spectacular light, the extensively renovated rooms are finished in a warm palette of blush and French gray, with tribal-inspired rugs scattered on the restored hardwood floors and furniture in bright pops of color. The hand-crafted white wood bed frames have double crescent-shaped headboards with custom brass finials, reminiscent of the brass beds commonly found in summer cottages, and custom mattresses swathed in luxury bedding. Other luxurious amenities will include brand new bathrooms with rain showerheads and bath products from C.O. Bigelow and the natural, sustainable, LA-based brand Further, and a few modern conveniences like mini fridges and complimentary WIFI.

A dramatic new lobby will serve as both the Inn’s front desk as well as the venue for Salt Hotels’ signature breakfast each morning. Later in the day, the space will transform into a guest-only wine and champagne lounge that spills out onto the lushly appointed porches that overlook the nearby harbor.

Influenced by seasonal ingredients, the breakfast menu will change daily and be artfully presented to include freshly baked pastries, house-made granola, rustic hot savory dishes and a yogurt parfait bar. Guests who wish to linger just a little bit longer in bed, have the added luxury of enjoying breakfast in their room where a hot drink, freshly baked treats and the yogurt du jour can be delivered at no extra cost. 

The inn’s new bar and restaurant Red Maple, headed up by Chef Richard Pims, will be located on the lower level of the Main House and offer both indoor and al fresco dining. The versatile menu will feature locally-sourced offerings of rustic small plates, wood-fired flatbreads, and light fare that will enable diners to curate their own experience.  It is perfect for either individual dining or sharing.

The White Hill Café, also located in the Main House, will feature a selection of healthy, house-made foods, all packaged to-go and perfect for creating the ultimate beach picnic.  It will also serve freshly-prepared pastry and sweets by Baked at Salt Hotels, a collaboration with the Classic American bakery from Red Hook, Brooklyn and Jack's Stir Brew Coffee, which was born in NYC’s West Village and serves only organic, fair trade, and shade grown coffee.

Wampum, a local skate and surf-inspired clothing company founded by Montauk brothers Marley and Lennon Ficalora, will occupy the ground floor retail space in The Cottage building.  In addition to their signature designs, Wampum is creating a special limited-edition collection exclusive to The Chequit. 

Sitting contently between the North and South Forks of eastern Long Island, Shelter Island is less than 100 miles from New York City.  It is accessible only by ferry from either the North or South Fork and both ferries accommodate passengers and vehicles. Shelter Island’s North Ferry Terminal is a short five minute walk from the hotel and connects the Island to Greenport, which is accessible by train or bus from Manhattan.  The Shelter Island South Ferry Terminal is a short 8 minute drive from the hotel and connects the Island to Sag Harbor on the South Fork. Both ferries run throughout the day but are first come first serve so guest should plan accordingly due to heavy travel during peak seasons.