Company:
LongHouse Reserve
Contact info:
133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
How many years have you been in business in the Hamptons?
LongHouse Reserve has been open to the public for 25 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
In the early 1970’s, founder Jack Lenor Larsen purchased nearly 16 acres of land adjacent to his first Hamptons residence, which was called Round House. The intention was to create a home and garden large enough to open and share with the public, exemplifying living with art in all its forms. The house is inspired by a 7th Century Shinto shrine at Ise in Japan. The gardens serve as a living case study of the interaction between plants and people in the 21st Century. The grounds are filled with world-class sculpture and art installations.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
LongHouse Reserve is the only public garden and outdoor museum in East Hampton, and always strives to present what is new and different in the world of art and gardens.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Thanks to a devoted and involved Board of Directors, as well as Arts, Garden, and Education committees the property and its collections are constantly evolving to inspire and engage the public. Whether you come once a year or many times a year, your experience will always be different.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
To best experience the art and gardens you have to come and see for yourself. It is only by being in the space and experiencing the space that you can fully appreciate the unique relationship of art in a garden setting.
What is your favorite part of your job?
To inspire others to never settle, to live better, and constantly challenge yourselves.
What is your favorite secret Hamptons spot?
If people are visiting us for the first time and looking where else to visit we often recommend they visit the Pollack-Krasner house in Springs, the former home and studio of Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner.
How do you benefit mamas?
LongHouse Reserve accommodates thousands of school children a year free of charge for field trips and experiental learning. It is also a wonderful place for families to stroll and children to learn about and appreciate all forms of art and gardens.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
The best feedback is when people express how their lives have been enriched by their visits and involvement with LongHouse Reserve.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
We have a strong relationship with the other two public gardens in the Hamptons, Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, and Bridge Gardens in Bridgehampton, as well as other museums and cultural institutions from Southampton to Montauk.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your mantra / words to live by?
Again, never settle, always challenge yourself to live better and pursue your dreams, because you never know who you in turn will inspire.