Thomas Juul-Hansen Designs a ‘Boatel’ on Long Island’s North Fork

The North Fork of Long Island, known for its picturesque vineyards and beaches, beckons out-of-towners to stay awhile. Though the area has its share of hotels, a new waterfront locale offers something a bit extra—boat slips. The Shoals, designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen and playfully called a “boatel,” is accessible by land and sea, featuring 20 suites and the same number of boat slips.

“The idea of a ‘boatel’ came from the property’s history as the former fish market for the area, as well as its proximity to the Peconic Bay,” shares Juul-Hansen. Paying homage to the local aesthetic, ceder shingles line the exterior of the two-floor building that offers guests sweeping views of the bay and marina, complete with a private dock and outdoor shower. A vintage Chris-Craft charter boat even serves as a shuttle for nearby restaurants and private beaches. Indigenous plants create scenic pathways for guests to explore thanks to landscape designer, Paul Keyes.

In another nod to its surrounding, the Shoals also partnered with the Little Ram Oyster Company on an oyster program that will be operated out of a renovated waterfront building on the property, creating a haven for locals and visitors alike.

The exterior of The Shoals is lined with ceder shingles.
The exterior of The Shoals is lined with ceder shingles.
The reception desk features a gentle wave that reflects the maritime surroundings.
“For the front desk, we created a sculptural structure with an interesting visual effect using different vertical strips of stone patterns,” says Juul-Hansen.
The guest suites feature jute rugs and subtle blue hues.
The guest suites feature jute rugs and subtle blue hues.
A kitchen and dining area in one of the guest suites.
The suites incorporate apartment-style amenities like the kitchenettes, balconies and patios.
Two beds in a guest suite with custom headboards and oak flooring.
Oak was used for the floors and many of the custom furnishings. To emphasize the nautical surroundings, the design team worked with a rope material to create custom headboards for the beds.
En suite decks offer sweeping views of the water.
A private outdoor shower.
The hotel includes access to 20 boat slips, enabling guests to arrive by land and sea.

read more

recent stories