ESCAPE

A NEW ERA

THE SHELTER ISLAND MAINSTAY FLOURISHES UNDER THE TOUCH OF A NEW DESIGNER.

By Katelyn Rutt photos courtesy of Cape Resorts

Nestled on the shell-speckled shores of Crescent Beach, the nearly 10-acre Pridwin Hotel and Cottages is a vision of serenity. The American resort has remained an East Coast vacation staple since 1927—holding a sort of timeless glamour, with its grand interiors, white accents, sweeping verandas, and bay vistas.

The Pridwin recently underwent a multi-year transformation, supervised by Cape Resorts and its Vice President of Design Colleen Bashaw. One goal was paramount for the team during the process: staying in touch with the hotel’s beloved roots. With renewed charm and an even brighter future, the nearly century-old resort looks to become a year-round luxury destination.

“This new chapter is about respecting the heritage of this grand hotel,” Bashaw says. “Yet making it fresh, without feeling too new.”

The Pridwin—which boasts 33 guest rooms and 16 cottages— now features The Terrace, a breezy, open-air restaurant with magnificent bay views, and The Crescent Bar, with its bubblegum pink stools and cabana-inspired touches.

Aside from design, the hotel and cottages also received safety and environmental updates, as well as new wiring, refreshed plumbing, and the addition of a main building elevator. Other property amenities—like the pool, which now offers saltwater, heating, an outdoor bar, and greenery—have been transformed by Bashaw in the most organic of ways.

Throughout the renovation, Bashaw says she focused on maintaining the property’s historic integrity—without dismantling its classic charm or making it feel like a new resort. The designer adds that having the original owner’s children (Glenn and Gregg Petry) as partners on the project, as well as her own personal ties to the island, were vital.

“I love Shelter Island,” Bashaw says. “Many of my college friends summer here so I always enjoy visiting. It’s a perfectly relaxed place.”

With the summery, holiday-esque feel of the island, Bashaw drew her initial inspiration from the resort’s goal of becoming an all-season haven.

“The buildings and land reminded me of an Adirondack camp,” Bashaw says. “I wanted the design to nod to a classic camp that would feel welcoming all year round.”

In fact, the property’s open spaces were major design fodder for Bashaw.

“No one constructs a new building with this much beautiful public space today,” Bashaw says. “That is a testament to the character of the architecture. The largeness of the public spaces allows for multiple seating areas, which makes everything feel more relaxed. I decorated it with a lot of linens, and I think that lends itself to a more calm vibe as well.”

This laid-back design style, with a fondness for upscale elements, translates to Bashaw’s own personal style, which she describes as “timeless” and “creative.”

“I try to strike a good balance between fancy and laid back,” Bashaw says. “I like things to be chic, but casual. My personal style is similar to my design style—classic with a little ‘Patagucci.’”

Regardless, Bashaw always sticks to one main principle when tackling new design projects.

“Listen to the building,” Bashaw says. “The building always dictates colors through its lighting, style, and age.”

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

“Making the ground floor feel welcoming and appropriate for a hotel entrance. I think we accomplished that with the architectural elements but also with the design of the front desk, the wallpaper, and the history hall.”

THE ELEMENT YOU MOST ENJOYED?

“I really love the way the key box behind the front desk turned out. I used canary yellow paint to showcase the vintage green and red room keys that were original to the property.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN THE HOTEL AND WHY?

“Room 200—it has water views and pool views with windows on two sides. The natural light in the room is incredible.”