181 Main St., East Hampton, NY 11937,
tel. [631]/324-4081

Gary and Rita Reiswig have created the definitive East Hampton retreat, where you will be coddled as you should be in the Hamptons. More mansion than cottage, this inn dates back to the 1600s and has been expanded and renovated several times. It sits right on Main Street across from the village green.

In 1910 then-owner James Harper Poor hired architect Joseph Greenleaf Thorp to make renovations, mostly in the style of the English arts-and-crafts school. When the Reiswigs bought the property in July 1996, they hired architect Eric Woodward and interior designer Gary Paul to revive the very tired house. Today, exquisite William Morris papers cover the walls, and plush, overstuffed furniture graces the sitting rooms, which are filled with fresh flowers and a good collection of books. The spacious, airy public spaces are ever-so-genteel. You truly feel as if you're in an English country manor.

As you head upstairs, notice the portrait of Mrs. Poor hanging in the stairwell - it's on loan from her grandchildren. (The late Mrs. Poor was married in the house in 1915.) The guest rooms are stunning, with high-quality fabrics, serene colors, and tasteful furnishings. Each is stocked with terry robes and Caswell Massey products. Feather duvets and ceiling fans add to the ambience.

Formal English gardens grace the back of the property, and a 200-year-old white wisteria vine climbs the side of the house. If you decide to leave the shelter of the gardens, beach towels and beach parking passes are available. Large, extravagant breakfasts include an entrée, which might be pancakes, waffles, or eggs, plus a buffet of fresh fruit, juices, cakes, and muffins.

5 double rooms with baths. Air-conditioning, 2 phones per room with voice-mail, TVs and VCRs in rooms, in-room safes. $275-395; full breakfast. No pets, 3-night minimum on summer weekends.