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Visit of the beautiful residences of Shelter Island, organized by the Shelter Island Historical Society on June 10, 2023. Credit: Sabine Syfuss-Arnaud
So goes Shelter Island, chic, elegant, discreet, dominated by the “old money” (the old fortunes) which flees ostentation and noise, especially those of the Hamptons, very close, only 10 minutes away by ferry. Here, we prefer sportswear to vamp dresses, boat shoes to stiletto heels, sailing to motorboats, cycling to convertibles, open-air classical concerts, given by the students of the great master Itzhak Perlman, to techno evenings around an emerald pool.
“Plastic House” in full color
A French millionaire, who had a gigantic residence built overlooking the bay, is delighted with “the tranquility of the place. For nothing in the world would I live opposite”. He appreciates the discretion of his neighbours, the magnificent houses bordered by impeccable lawns and lined hedges, with the deer crossing the properties at the pace of a senator… Peace and serenity reign over this small piece of wooded land where 3,200 inhabitants live in winter. Here, nobody locks their door and there is (yet) no traffic light. Show producer, Frenchman Thierry Suc “never tires of the pleasure of being on his pontoon watching the wild geese, well aware that “Shelter” in English means shelter, refuge.
However, times are changing. It started in 2010, with the signature home of New York architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat: “Plastic House“, in French in the text, bold villa, all in color, inspired by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. In mid-June a hedge of purple flowers decorated the one that the locals finally adopted, nicknaming it “Lego House”.
The “Plastic House” of New York architects Paul Aferiat and Peter Stamberg at Shelter Island. Credit: Sabine Syfuss-Arnaud
Since Covid, the trend for change has accelerated. Unmistakable signs: last summer, not only did Louis Vuitton open a pop-up store there, but also the New York Times has devoted two articles to it in quick succession, one of which is titled “Shelter Island Feels Chic, Relaxed and Timeless” (Shelter Island feels chic, relaxed and timeless, editor’s note). And, with the generalization of telecommuting, New Yorkers are investing more and more time in their second homes by the water. And sometimes even build bigger.
Guests arriving by seaplane
Thus, on Bootlegger Alley beach, where illegal alcohol from Europe landed during prohibition, gigantic mansions have risen from the ground, prompting the municipality to recall that the houses of more than 600 m2 are prohibited, with rare exceptions. And, if the Sunset Beach restaurant has long been an exception, with its guests arriving by seaplane or Maserati, the nightlife is booming. The new trendy – and very expensive – restaurant Leon 1909 was sold out at the beginning of the summer in the evening, even if the Franco-Italian inspired menu is not always as promising as the menu announces…. There is also the Pridwin hotel which, for its 95th anniversary, has had a makeover and offered an upmarket move, focusing on its view of the water, its private beach and its swimming pool.
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On Shelter Island, there is finally the Incontournable: the luxury grocery store of the warm and talkative Marie Eiffel, whose terrace on the water is the refuge of celebrities who come incognito, such as actors Jean Reno, Jessica Chastain, Charlotte Gainsbourg, the designer Dona Karan or the pastry chef Cyril Lignac. Its truffle pizzas, lobster sandwiches, tatin tarts and chocolate mousses are unanimous. “It’s a cozy address, which insiders pass by word of mouth”, comments the interested party, whose architect Paul Aferiat says that “she plays a central role on the island, like these elegant Europeans of the 18th century century who held a salon”.
Marie Eiffel in her new luxury sales depot at Shelter Island, in June 2023. Credit: Sabine Syfuss-Arnaud
At the beginning of June, the one who was an actress in France and who developed a keen sense of business was enthroned in the column of social gossip – Page Six – of New York Post. The newspaper wondered if she would not one day become “supervisor” (sort of mayor) of the place. In the meantime, the Frenchwoman, also owner of a chic clothing store, where you can find Mikli glasses like clothes by Inès de la Fressange, has just opened with her companion, the American photographer Jason Penney, Thanks Mary, a top-of-the-range consignment store, and At Marie’s house, bar with a very Key West atmosphere. Promise of the boss: “Moderate the prices of consumption which, in the Hamptons, are soaring.”
2023-07-30 09:00:00
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