As someone who is a native Long Islander that splits their time between New York City and the Island of Long, I am always scoping out for different places to eat or stay in an effort to convince the jaded Manhattanites to get out of their concrete jungle for a weekend and experience the beauty that is our humble abode. Whether you like a great steakhouse, a comfortable luxury hotel, or anything of the sort, we have you covered. One that I just discovered that you must take a trip out and see for yourself is The Wells House Bed & Breakfast, located at the end of Long Island in the beautiful town of Greenport. Luxury meets comfort meets getaway, and so much more.
Want to know the history about this fantastic place? When owner and proprietor, Vince Albert, of Wells House Bed and Breakfast stumbled upon the striking house on Main Street at the heart of the village of Greenport, he immediately fell in love and set about restoring it to its original glory. Built around 1859 by whaling magnate Captain Wells, the home is Victorian with a nod to Tuscan influences. But when Vince initially purchased the home, in 2008, it was in complete disarray. Previously used as an occasional vacation home for a reclusive 19th century art historian and dealer, Wells House needed to undergo major renovations to become the luxurious B&B it is today.
Each original element of the home, including the marble fireplaces, the wide plank floors and the wooden window frames were meticulously restored. To create the comfortable environment of an elegant B&B, Vince spent 21 months installing a custom heating and cooling system, along with transforming three separate rooms of the house to become the expansive kitchen. Over 80 trees were planted to give the house a sense of privacy and seclusion. No detail was overlooked and each element was specifically crafted to enhance its appeal. It’s now signature purple exterior was created only after Vince met with the town of Greenport, creating a case that the color was prominent during the Victorian era.
The dedication to the restoration of the home is a feat within itself, but Vince takes it a step further by filling the home with a carefully curated selection of antiques and antiquities. Found from over 30 years of traveling, each piece is a personal treasure of Vince’s. Whether it is a framed ballot from the presidential election of Abraham Lincoln or a barber’s chair from the turn of the century, noted by Vince as “the most comfortable chair in the house”, each piece comes with its own story. The combination of the décor and personalization envelops guests in history and luxury. As Vince notes “any visitor will be transported immediately back to the 19th century upon entering the Wells House property…leaving the 21st century’s problems on the sidewalk.”.
It is not just the tranquil beauty of the house that sets itself apart; it is the personalized attention detail of proprietor Vince Albert. Every aspect for ultimate guest enjoyment has been taken care of, whether it is the fully stocked bar of the Great Room or the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen. Vince can create a custom experience for each guest, including private massages in the fresh air of the secluded backyard, bike rentals with pick-up and drop off at the B&B or arranging for local accommodations for your pet. And with a strict policy of no more than two guests per room restricted to adults only, guests are guaranteed a quiet and tranquil experience. As one guest notes “Thank you so much for allowing us the pleasure of your beautiful home and superb hospitality. We enjoyed every single moment spent at the Wells Bed & Breakfast The French waffles and German pancakes were delicious. We both appreciated the effort made in creating the unique experience that is the Wells House. Thank you for the history of the house, the town and the vineyard recommendations. We’ll definitely be back again! “
This is what I love about locations like this, is that every single detail going into the execution of it is meticulously thought out and when the product is done, it feels authentic and new as opposed to the basic “conglomerate” hotels that we stay at, that are simply just a bed in a trashy room. When someone goes that extra step to ensure that they are enjoying themselves to the fullest, it is then worth the trip to see what the place is really all about. For more information on The Wells House Bed & Breakfast, check out their official site.