Nestled in the heart of Bellport Village, The Bellport Inn blends historic charm with modern elegance. From lush gardens to curated interiors, it’s the perfect escape for stylish retreats, romantic getaways, and unforgettable group gatherings.
There’s a certain kind of magic that settles over the Incorporated Village of Bellport in the summer—a quiet, coastal elegance that feels worlds away from the buzz of Manhattan, yet is just 65 miles east. Founded in the early 1800s and steeped in maritime history, Bellport is a place where time slows down and charm takes center stage. Its historic district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, is lined with stately homes, art galleries, and antique shops that whisper stories of old Long Island. But Bellport isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about balance. From the neighboring hamlets of Brookhaven and East Patchogue to the pristine stretches of Fire Island National Seashore, this region offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and understated luxury.
As someone who’s spent countless hours shooting fashion editorials and campaigns across Long Island’s East End, I can tell you—Bellport Village is one of those rare places that still feels untouched. It’s a hidden gem, quietly tucked away on the South Shore, where the creative pulse of New York’s design, art, film, and fashion communities has long found refuge.
Bellport Bliss: A Sanctuary for Creatives and Seekers of Solace
During a recent creative retreat with my photographer Macrae Marran and our advertising team for POTRO, I had the unforgettable pleasure of staying two nights at The Bellport Inn—and it’s safe to say, this was not just accommodation; it was an immersion into an exquisite rhythm of village life, history, and design.
Over the course of two days shooting in Bellport and Brookhaven Hamlet, our team uncovered what can only be described as a labyrinth of visual poetry. The landscape unfolded like a storybook—hidden bays, meandering inlets, weathered farms, and windswept ocean beaches that seemed to shift with the light. It’s no wonder this region has long been a magnet for creatives and image-makers.
Bellport, in particular, has earned its reputation as a photographer’s paradise. The textures, tones, and natural compositions are endlessly inspiring—from the dappled light on Beaverdam Creek to the moody silhouettes of boats docked along Bellport Bay. Brookhaven Hamlet, with its pastoral charm and historic estates, offered a quieter, more contemplative backdrop—ideal for capturing moments that feel timeless.
This visual richness is part of why Bruce Weber, the legendary fashion photographer known for his iconic campaigns for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Abercrombie & Fitch, once called Bellport home. In the 1970s and ’80s, Weber used the village and surrounding hamlet as a canvas for shoots that appeared in British Vogue and other major publications. His work here was deeply personal—he often invited neighbors to sit for portraits, and his barn-style home doubled as a studio where models and stylists gathered to create some of fashion’s most memorable imagery.
For our team, scouting locations in this storied enclave felt like stepping into that legacy. Every turn revealed a new frame, every breeze carried a sense of place. Bellport doesn’t just offer scenery—it offers narrative, and that’s what makes it so rare.
Tucked in the very heart of the Bellport Village, The Bellport Inn is a beautifully restored 1889 property—a living example of timeless elegance fused with thoughtful, contemporary design. From its charming picket fences to the fragrant garden that greets you upon arrival, every corner whispers stories of the past while inviting you into the comforts of modern living.
Positioned just a few minutes’ walk from the Bellport Bay and docks, the Inn offers effortless access to a stretch of coastline where the air smells like salt and seagrass. Guests can stroll five minutes to Ho Hum Beach—a secluded Fire Island hideaway accessible via a charming ferry ride, available exclusively to Bellport residents and guests. The scenic walk itself is a gift: quiet, tree-lined streets dotted with stately and historic Colonial homes, each standing with pride and grace. It’s like walking through a living museum of early American architecture, with ivy-draped facades, grand porches, and centuries-old charm.
The Inn Itself: A Harmonious Blend of Comfort and Creativity Curated with an artist’s sensibility and a host’s intuition, Ivana and John have transformed The Bellport Inn into a creative sanctuary. Every detail, from the natural textures in the upholstery to the way sunlight filters into the rooms, feels intentional and nurturing. Think plush linens, artisan ceramics, vintage books, and windows that frame garden vignettes like they were painted for a film set.
Mornings Made Sublime: The Bellport Inn’s Self-Serve Breakfast Experience
Each morning at The Bellport Inn begins with the gentle clinking of ceramic dishes, the hum of a freshly brewed carafe, and the scent of roasted beans wafting through the air. Their self-serve healthy breakfast spread is a quiet celebration of simplicity and goodness—curated not to overwhelm, but to delight.
Set out in the sunlit common room or garden-facing breakfast nook, guests are welcomed to a thoughtfully laid-out selection of fresh seasonal fruits, Greek yogurt, granola with local honey, and artisanal sourdough toast or gluten-free options, all accompanied by preserves and nut butters that taste like summer mornings bottled up. Everything is beautifully arranged, inviting you to graze or linger over your plate at your own pace.
The Coffee Corner: Where Ritual Meets Reward Now let’s talk coffee—because it’s genuinely worth talking about. Whether you’re a pour-over purist or a “just bring me caffeine” kind of traveler, the coffee station offers sleek press or drip, depending on your vibe. The result? Smooth, bold, aromatic bliss, perfect on its own or with a splash of oat milk. It’s not just a caffeine fix—it’s a grounding ritual before your day of exploring, creating, or simply being.
Guests often take their breakfast out to the private garden patio, where flowers bloom in quiet riot and the morning sun dapples across café tables. It’s tranquil, nourishing, and the kind of luxury that feels both effortless and enriching.
Whether sipping local rosé on the patio or collaborating around the expansive farmhouse table, our days ended not just in rest but in inspiration. The common spaces invite deep conversation, spontaneous ideation, or quiet introspection—whichever the moment calls for. And when it’s time to unwind? A clawfoot tub, a candle flickering beside freshly-cut flowers, and absolute silence except for the distant hum of a seaside breeze.
If you’re just discovering Bellport now, you’re not alone. That’s part of its charm. Accessible via the LIRR—just over an hour from Manhattan and a direct line from Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal—it’s a world away in spirit. The moment you arrive, the pace shifts. The air feels different. The light hits the dunes in a way that makes you want to pause and take it all in.
One of the true highlights of summer here is Ho Hum Beach—a pristine, private stretch of sand on Fire Island that’s only reachable by ferry or private boat. As a guest of The Bellport Inn, you’re invited to experience this secluded paradise. Just a short walk from the Inn, the Whalehouse Point ferry glides you across the bay to a place that feels like your own island escape. It’s where I go to reset—swimming in calm waters, beachcombing for inspiration, and picnicking with the kind of quiet that only nature can provide.
Tucked away on Fire Island and accessible only by ferry or private craft, Ho Hum Beach is a breathtaking escape that feels worlds away from the everyday. As a guest of The Bellport Inn, you’re invited to step into this serene paradise—where golden sands meet gentle waves and the bustle of the mainland melts away. Just a leisurely wa
More Than a Stay—It’s a Story There’s something profoundly moving about The Bellport Inn. It’s not just a destination—it’s a narrative that folds you in. And for creatives, couples, solo travelers, or teams looking to reconnect with clarity and beauty, this place is not just ideal; it’s transformative.
Bellport’s culinary scene is as thoughtfully curated as its coastline—intimate, elevated, and quietly confident. At the heart of the village is The Bellport, a beloved institution where art-lined walls and eclectic décor set the tone for a menu that blends Continental classics with seasonal creativity. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a French rosé or enjoy oysters and coq au vin on the garden patio. An evening at The Bellport Restaurant was the ideal close to our creative retreat in Bellport. After a full day of shooting, styling, and collaborating with photographer Macrae Marran and the team, our models, stylists, and crew gathered in this warm, welcoming dining spot just off Main Street. The setting was cozy yet refined—glowing candlelight, vintage accents, and that unmistakable hum of a place beloved by locals and weekenders alike.
Chef Taylor Alonso, a European-trained talent with roots at Cordon Bleu London, has built a quiet legacy here. Known to many in the area, his cuisine is heartfelt and inventive. Each plate—from the crispy Brussels sprouts to the handmade pasta—felt deeply personal and seasonally inspired. The buttermilk fried chicken was a standout, while the seafood special offered bold, fresh flavors that elevated the menu to something memorable. Taylor brings grace and warmth to the dining room, creating an experience that feels familial yet elevated.
Throughout the evening, our table buzzed with creative energy. Laughter, strategy, and storytelling flowed effortlessly. Dining at The Bellport was more than a meal—it was a seamless extension of the village’s soulful rhythm, a place where aesthetics, community, and craft all meet.
Just down the road, Avino’s Italian Table offers a more traditional—but no less refined—experience. Avino’s Italian Table is housed in one of Bellport’s most storied buildings—the former Bellport Inn, a historic property that once welcomed travelers as far back as the late 19th century. Located on South Country Road, the structure retains its original residential charm, with classic clapboard siding, a welcoming front porch, and intimate dining rooms that echo its past life as a gracious village inn.
Inside, the ambiance is warm and refined. White tablecloths, fresh flowers, and a working fireplace create a setting that’s both elegant and inviting. The building’s layout—cozy rooms and alcoves—makes dining feel personal, like being hosted in someone’s beautifully preserved home.
The cuisine is rooted in Northern and Southern Italian traditions, with standout dishes like lobster risotto, handmade pastas, and classic chicken marsala. It’s a place where old-world flavors meet Bellport’s timeless character, and the building itself adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate
Housed in a charming former residence, Avino’s serves up Northern and Southern Italian dishes with warmth and polish, from lobster risotto to decadent French onion soup.
Porters on the Lane, located in the heart of Bellport Village, serves elevated American cuisine with a focus on seafood and steak, all within a lively, tin-ceilinged space that blends coastal charm with modern flair. It occupies one of the town’s most iconic buildings—a former inn that has stood for generations as a welcoming landmark on Bellport Lane. The structure retains its historic character with classic clapboard siding, a wraparound porch, and intimate dining rooms that evoke the charm of a bygone era. Inside, the space is lively and inviting, with original tin ceilings, warm lighting, and a mix of nautical accents and modern touches that reflect Bellport’s coastal heritage and contemporary sensibility.
The menu at Porters is a celebration of elevated American cuisine, with a particular emphasis on seafood and steak. Guests can expect dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster mac and cheese, and expertly grilled filet mignon, all crafted with seasonal ingredients and plated with care. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed—perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. Whether dining indoors by the fireplace or on the porch with views of the village, Porters offers a distinctly Bellport experience: rooted in tradition, refined in taste, and full of local flavor.
La Plage Bistro is the newest culinary arrival in Bellport Village, bringing with it the refined charm and rustic French sensibility that made its sister restaurant in Wading River a Long Island favorite. Housed in the former Bellport Brewing Company space on Station Road, the bistro has been thoughtfully transformed with classic French design elements—penny tile, subway tile, and a warm, intimate layout that seats about 70 guests. The ambiance is cozy and elegant, channeling the spirit of La Plage’s beloved “Bistro Nights” while offering a fresh take on seafood cuisine.
Founded by veteran restaurateur Wayne Wadington, La Plage Bistro builds on nearly three decades of culinary excellence established at the original waterfront location in Wading River. The Bellport outpost features a menu rooted in French comfort classics—duck confit, steak frites, French onion soup, and a raw bar—all crafted with bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. With its design-forward setting and elevated yet approachable menu, La Plage Bistro adds a sophisticated layer to Bellport’s dining scene while honoring a legacy that’s well known across Long Island.
No summer escape to Bellport is complete without venturing into the neighboring Brookhaven Hamlet, where a trio of exceptional farms offer a deeper connection to land, craft, and community. Chief among them is Mama Farm, a 28-acre regenerative haven founded by actress and environmentalist Isabella Rossellini. This isn’t just a farm—it’s a living, breathing piazza of biodiversity, creativity, and hospitality. From heirloom vegetables grown without pesticides to heritage breed animals raised for wool and eggs, every inch of the property is a tribute to slow living and ecological stewardship. Guests can take part in CSA shares, attend outdoor concerts, cooking classes, and avant-garde film screenings, or simply wander the wooded paths and animal sanctuaries that dot the landscape.
The farm’s bed-and-breakfast, designed with architect Pietro Cicognani, is a rustic-chic retreat that blends Italian farmhouse warmth with Scandinavian minimalism. Each room is filled with personal artifacts from Rossellini’s life—embroidered towels from her mother Ingrid Bergman, race-car helmets from her father Roberto Rossellini, and art from David Lynch. The kitchen, paneled in rare Chilean applewood, opens into a gallery-style dining room where guests gather for meals and conversation. It’s agriturismo reimagined for Long Island, offering a deeply personal and immersive experience that’s both restorative and inspiring.
Mama Farm is also a hub for artists and designers. Through partnerships with Parsons School of Design and local creatives, the farm hosts residencies and workshops that explore sustainable fashion, wool production, and botanical dyeing. The sheep—named after iconic women like Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe—provide wool for capsule collections that have appeared at the Met Gala and in collaboration with brands like Moda Operandi. It’s a place where agriculture meets artistry, and where every detail—from the rose basil in the fields to the chalkboard messages in the breakfast room—feels intentional and alive.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through, Mama Farm offers a rare kind of magic. It’s not just a destination—it’s a philosophy, a community, and a story waiting to be lived.
Just down the road, Deer Run Farms—a fifth-generation family farm—has been cultivating leafy greens and artisanal goods since 1898. Their year-round farmstand is a local institution, offering everything from fresh produce and homemade cookies to pickled vegetables and infused oils. And then there’s The HOG Farm (Hamlet Organic Garden), a 20-acre community-supported agriculture project that’s been feeding the region since 1996. Known for its 300+ varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, HOG is more than a farm—it’s a cultural hub, hosting events like Plantstock and Farm Jam that bring together artists, musicians, and environmental advocates. Each of these farms offers a unique lens into the soul of Brookhaven—and a reminder that luxury isn’t always about opulence; sometimes, it’s about authenticity, intention, and the joy of discovery.
For those venturing just beyond the village, Varney’s Restaurant in Brookhaven is a must-visit. A no-frills seafood haven with a loyal following, Varney’s delivers fresh mussels, broiled sea bass, and classic chowders in a setting that’s as unpretentious as it is satisfying. It’s the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the décor—and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a casual coastal bite, Bellport and its surrounding hamlets offer a culinary landscape that’s as diverse and authentic as the community itself.
Bellport’s Gateway Theatre: A Star-Studded Summer on Stage
Bellport Village has long been a quiet magnet for the creative elite. From fashion icons to film legends, it’s drawn summer residents and full-time locals like Isabella Rossellini, Nicky Hilton, Jude Law, and Anne Hathaway—all captivated by its windswept dunes and artistic soul.
This summer, the spotlight shines bright at The Gateway Theatre, Long Island’s oldest professional playhouse. The season kicks off with Pretty Woman: The Musical (June 20–July 13), followed by a dazzling run of Phantom throughout August2. These Broadway-caliber productions unfold in a historic barn-turned-theatre, where stars like Laura Dernhave performed and supported special events5.
Whether you’re catching a show or strolling the village’s charming lanes, Bellport offers a rare blend of coastal serenity and cultural sophistication. It’s not just a destination—it’s a muse.
Beyond the Inn, Bellport offers a wealth of experiences that feel both elevated and grounded. You can spend your morning paddle-boarding on Bellport Bay, your afternoon exploring the lavender fields and tasting rooms of the North Fork Wine Trail, and your evening dining alfresco on herb-laced seafood prepared by Chef Jen. For those who crave a deeper connection to the land, nearby small farms offer seasonal produce, flower picking, and even goat yoga. And for architecture lovers, a stroll through Bellport’s residential lanes reveals a tapestry of historic homes—from Victorian cottages to Colonial revivals—that speak to the village’s enduring allure.
What makes Bellport truly special, though, is its sense of community. It’s a place where artists, farmers, designers, and dreamers coexist in harmony. Where you’re just as likely to run into a local fisherman as you are a fashion editor. And where every corner—whether it’s a sun-drenched porch or a tucked-away café—feels like it was made for you. As we wrapped our shoot and packed up our gear, I found myself already planning my return. Because Bellport isn’t just a destination—it’s a state of mind. And the Bellport Inn? It’s the key to unlocking it.
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