The summer crowds have flocked home to Manhattan—which makes this the perfect time to visit the Crow’s Nest in Montauk.

Obscured from view by lush vegetation, Montauk hotel the Crow’s Nest—on the tip of Long Island’s East End; next stop, England—isn’t easy to spot from the road. Even after pulling into the gravel driveway, it’s not immediately clear that we’ve arrived at the peaceful East End getaway created by one of the world’s most discerning hoteliers, Sean MacPherson.This, of course, is no mistake: MacPherson, who grew up in Malibu and whose parents were both professional surfers, clearly has a reverence for Montauk (he is a part-time resident) and that means keeping things low-key. Montauk—15 miles east of the Hamptons on the tip of Long Island, and until recently, the area’s working-class haven—has seen a clear uptick in action in recent years, becoming the escape of choice for hip New Yorkers. Rather than add to the noise, MacPherson opted to head in the opposite direction.

MacPherson is known for his distinct taste in décor—those who’ve spent a night at his Bowery Hotel in lower Manhattan have experienced this in full force—and at the Crow’s Nest, he puts a distinctly local spin on things. This begins with check-in, which happens within the exquisitely curated shop of self-described “traveler and collector” Bob Melet. Melet’s open-air boutique is stocked with his handpicked vintage finds from around the globe, from beaded Moroccan pouches to vintage books and records to one-off handmade textiles.

After check-in, visitors receive their key—
weighted down by a custom designed fob—and soon
enter a room that has been appointed
with an emphasis on all things local and handmade.

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After check-in, visitors receive their key—weighted down by a custom designed fob—and soon enter a room that has been appointed with an emphasis on all things local and handmade. Beds are made with linens by John Robshaw, which are blocked-printed by hand in India, bathrooms are outfitted with robes made of imported textiles and toiletries by Aix-en-Provence-based company Côté Bastide —even the shower’s fixtures are from the century-old British manufacturer Barber Wilson’s. Together, all of these eclectic finds create an atmosphere that feels both exotic and like Montauk at its bohemian best.

There’s more to find by rummaging through the room’s edible offerings, which include cans of summer ale by Montauk Brewing company, Sweettauk Lemonade, Quinn Kale popcorn, and North Fork potato chips. These are best enjoyed on the room’s back deck, where one can breathe in the cool, salty air blowing in off the lake, and maybe, if the wind is right, catch a hint of the local ingredients the Crow’s Nest’s restaurant is cooking up for the night.