Canoe Place, located in Hampton Bays, holds an iconic place in American history as the country’s oldest inn, tracing its origins back to the 1600s. Over the centuries, it has served travelers, hosted glamorous parties, and seen both prosperity and decay. By the 21st century, its grandeur had faded, but an ambitious renovation led by Workstead aimed to restore the Inn to its former glory.

During the renovation process, the outdoor terrace emerged as a key space for revitalization. Hosting everything from weddings to dining events, this outdoor area needed both visual cohesion with the inn’s design theme and weather protection to maximize year-round usage. To address this, ShadeFX was brought in to provide custom outdoor solutions that met both aesthetic and functional needs.

Balancing Aesthetic Tradition with Modern Functionality

One of the key design challenges was maintaining the timeless elegance of Canoe Place while incorporating modern elements that enhanced the guest experience. The outdoor terrace required shade that complemented the ‘garden by the sea’ aesthetic envisioned by the architects.

To align with this theme, eight manual retractable canopies were installed. The canopy tracks were powder-coated in Pine Green, perfectly matching the historic palette, while the fabric—Sunbrella Forest Green/Natural 6 Bar—was selected not only for its classic look but also as an extension of the surrounding gardens and landscapes, rooting the space in nature. The addition of the striped fabric blended with other features like the entrance canopy providing visual cohesion with the inn’s brand. The canopies also feature a 5-inch swag, adding an elegant touch while offering partial sun protection.

The need for year-round weather protection—without compromising on the aesthetic of the canopy—led to the addition of retractable roofs. While retractable roofs are often used for full weather protection, the combination of both shade canopies and retractable roofs covering the same space was unique to this project. This dual solution emphasized the importance of maintaining the canopy’s aesthetic appeal while also delivering the functionality of the roofs. The tracks for the retractable roofs were powder-coated in Traffic White to seamlessly blend with the venue’s architecture. The roofs themselves were made with Ferrari White fabric which provided a sense of modernity and cleanliness that elevated the venue’s status.

ShadeFX subcontracted a third-party steel fabricator to create the supporting structure for the canopies and roofs, ensuring that it matched the design vision. The structure was powder-coated in the same Pine Green as the canopy tracks, maintaining visual harmony across the terrace.

A Multi-Purpose Space for Year-Round Use

The addition of these retractable solutions transformed Canoe Place’s outdoor terrace into a year-round venue for events and dining. Guests could enjoy sweeping views of the Hamptons, protected from rain or harsh sunlight, while still being immersed in the historical charm of the property.

To further enhance the space for all-season use, ShadeFX also facilitated the integration of heaters and lighting, ensuring guests remained comfortable and the ambiance remained inviting, regardless of the weather. Weddings, corporate events, and casual dining became possible in all seasons, driving up bookings and revenue for Canoe Place.

By combining aesthetic appeal, full weather protection, and enhanced comfort, Canoe Place was able to maintain its historic character while maximizing the functionality of its outdoor spaces. These solutions allowed for the flexibility to host open-air events on fair-weather days but also ensured that guests could enjoy uninterrupted events and dining, even during inclement weather, creating a flexible and attractive environment.

An Inspired Outcome

The restoration of Canoe Place Inn demonstrates the power of thoughtful design that marries history with modern innovation. Acting as the general contractor for the outdoor terrace, ShadeFX has enhanced not only the usability of the space but also its visual appeal, making it a model for future projects seeking to balance aesthetics and function. Canoe Place Inn is now a prime example of how heritage properties can be revitalized with modern solutions, allowing them to remain relevant and profitable while honoring their rich histories.

Ready to elevate your outdoor space with the perfect blend of style and functionality? Contact us today to bring your vision to life with a stunning transformation from ShadeFX.