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One of the five suites at The Lin Beach House in Greenport. (Credit: David Benthal)

One of the most visible properties in Greenport has reopened as a boutique hotel. The large white Victorian on Route 25 — most notably The Shady Lady — has been reimagined as The Lin Beach House.

The five-room luxury inn is now accepting reservations for the first time since a group of young entrepreneurs took over the property in July.

The concept was born out of necessity. The investors — Leslie Merinoff, Brian Kwasnieski, Nancy Cameron, Joshua Duffy, Naciim Benkreira, Andrew Merinoff, Matthew Spinnozi and Paul Monahan — needed a place to stay while working on bringing sister company Matchbook Distilling Co. to the village.

The former Shady Lady was a perfect fit for their own accommodations. They then chose to return the historic building to a functioning hotel as a way of creating a complete Greenport experience to pair along with the soon-to-be-opened Corwin Street distillery.

“Our theme is ‘play, sip, stay’ — it’s for people seeking an escape,” said Paul Monahan, hospitality director at The Lin. “Whether you come and get lost in the sheets or sit down and write the next chapter of your book in the bar downstairs, this place is a playground for anything you want it to be.”

The spacious accommodations combine modern amenities and old world charm. (Credit: David Benthal)

The Victorian — built in the 1970s, according to Zillow — had been left vacant for the better part of a decade and required a year-long renovation to return it to a functioning hotel and lounge. Gone are the gothic accents that embodied the Shady Lady. An airy meets coastal meets modern motif guided by each of the investors’ travels informed the aesthetic.

“We picked our favorite destinations — Scandinavia, Cape Town, Bali — and took what inspired us for the colors, the design, the simplicity,” said Monahan. “We want it to feel like a never-ending escape.”

The vintage charm still persists. Oversized suites with lofty 17-foot ceilings are outfitted with the original claw foot tubs, brass fixtures and a handful of furnishings that came with the property. The original floors, fireplaces and period-accurate architectural details were also restored to preserve its heritage. All of the rooms feature king-sized beds, expansive windows and private baths.

Shady Lady fans would be pleased to note the opulent chandelier was also kept in the lobby.

The Lin’s bar Like These Days will only sell Matchbook Distilling Co. spirits, North Fork wine and a single craft beer made exclusively for the hotel. (Credit: David Benthal)

The greatest change was made in the bar area. It’s now called Like These Days and takes on a more intimate atmosphere than its predecessor. The wood bar was cut in size — from 18 seats to 10 — and painted white along with the original stone fireplace. Roomy bench seating on tucked away cozy enclaves also replaced high top tables. Televisions are also noticeably absent in the bar — as they are in all the suites.

“We wanted it to be much more communal,” he said. “We’re trying to breakdown any traditional ways of drinking, where people just go in and stare at a TV.”

Like These Days will exclusively sell Matchbox Distillery-based libations along with North Fork wines and a single specialty craft beer brewed by Greenport Harbor Brewery Co. Matchbox Distillery’s tasting room will also be housed in the hotel, while the kitchen is slated to be become a haven for pop-up restaurants looking for a facility and space to serve their foods.

“The kitchen won’t be open for regular service,” said Monahan, adding there will be three small-bite menu items that change daily. “We’re not interested in managing kitchens. A baker could come here, use this kitchen and we’ll do a special cupcake menu that evening. It will be spontaneous and evolving.”

The Lin is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning May 1. The starting rate is $250 per room and there is no two-night minimum. Like These Days will also open in May. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The Lin Beach House is located at 455 Route 25 in Greenport.

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