For several weeks from mid-June to July, this cottage was our paradise. Just perfect romantic relaxation for the two of us (while sure to accommodate a small family as well).
We were positively surprised as the cottage was a bit larger than we would have expected from the pictures. Also, the pictures do not really show the garden which is wonderful as there are some trees to provide shade plus lounge chairs and hammock. The garden really is superb, and well enjoyed by the local bunny rabbits who like to munch on the clovers and grass. Watching their antics while sunning on the balcony is very relaxing.
With the wonderful garden, the porch and the balcony, we were basically outside enjoying ourselves all the time we were at the cottage and awake: sunning and relaxing on the balcony, either under the sun or using the sun umbrella. If it got too hot, we moved to the porch which is in the shade. Or, to the garden chairs. Dining on the porch.
Food shopping: Hampton Bays stores are 10 minutes by car. We also visited a farm market nearby in the North Fork - about 15 minutes by car. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils etc. and there is an electric grill on the porch (plus the gas stove inside, and oven). As a result, we made tons of farm-to-table food which we enjoyed on the porch in the warm summer evenings after having watched the sunset from the balcony or from the beach, drinking North Fork wines, watching the warm night get dark, plugging in the twinkle lights on the balcony support beams, waiting for the stars to come out...
The local beach is right there. At the end of the garden, there is a 5 meter (15 feet) path to private road (leading to one property). Immediately on the other side of that road is a small dune, behind which is the beach. However, the best place to cross the dune is down the road some 15 meters (45 feet). Just like that, you are on the beach.
The cottage location provides for easy access to make day trips to the North Fork and the South Fork. The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet mainly because the houses nearby are actually lived in by real people day by day. This is not a crazy party vacation house neighborhood in any way.
The owner Nancy was very helpful and pleasure to communicate with. The same goes for the concierge Rick. A+ grades all around.
The cottage deserves more than 5 stars and we are already thinking about coming back.