Local Developer Shows Interest In Village Latch Inn

The historic Village Latch Inn Hotel in Southampton Village appears to have an interested buyer. Totaling a little over 5 acres, the estate has been on the market for several years with a $23 million ask.

Rumors have it that the longstanding hotel, with its Great Gatsby-esque appearance, has drawn the interest of developer George Benedict, father-in-law to Village Mayor Mark Epley. Mr. Benedict has had an influential builder's touch throughout the Town of Southampton, notably the Seafield Center, an alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation center in Westhampton Beach, and Bishops Pond, a luxury condominium development in Southampton Village.

Marta White, who has owned the Latch Inn for almost 45 years, declined to comment, saying only that talks were on hold." However, after observing the push for condos throughout the East End, she foresees a similar fate for her towering white mansion with green shutters.

"I see condominiums are coming in, so the village is getting what they want," she said. "They don't want hotels, they don't want motels. I think the tax base is better for them" with condos, she said. Condo owners contribute to the tax base but often have a lighter impact on resources because the residents live here only part-time. "I assume the Latch will be going that way. I do think this is the end of an era."

Mr. Benedict declined to comment, saying only, "Everything is in the planning stage."

Located on the north side of Hill Street just blocks from Main Street, the main house for the Latch Inn has 67 rooms. Operating as a hotel since 1901, and one of the only inns in the area, the estate features seven separate buildings, a pool and tennis court.

According to the listing on Douglas Elliman, a change of zone application has been submitted for approval of 76 rooms, a spa and restaurant. The development "opportunities" include 20 townhouses, a six-lot residential subdivision, a membership club or a family compound.

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