As the founder and head of fashion advertising powerhouse Laird + Partners, Trey Laird turns to his Bridgehampton abode on the weekends to unwind. The Texas native reveals his local haunts.
What first brought you out East?
The very first year I moved to New York, I rented in a share house. I’ve loved it ever since.
Why did you decide to buy a place?
For a few years when our kids were little, we rented a very charming house on Lumber Lane right in Bridgehampton Village. About 15 years ago, a classic village farmhouse that we had our eye on became available around the corner. We immediately snatched it up!
What do you love most about the area?
The light is truly like no other place, and the pure natural beauty makes me immediately feel at peace. The East End has an incredible mix of beach and country life. There’s a sense of farmland simplicity with all the fresh food, but with a cultural sophistication as well. It really is like no other place in the world.
What are your fave things to do out there?
For me, Bridgehampton is all about family. Relaxing and spending time with my family and friends is priceless. It is a true retreat for us—
a private place to unwind.
What will the Hamptons look like in 20 years?
Hopefully, not much different. If they would just stop building cookie-cutter McMansion shingle houses on the remaining farmland, that would stop a lot of the problems!
What’s your trick to avoid traffic?
The seaplane rules! It’s addictive.
Dinner destination?
We usually go to friends’ houses or have people over, but when we do venture out it’s usually to Tutto il Giorno in Southampton for the best fritto misto and pasta. It’s also really fun to eat at the bar at the new Wölffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor, and Almond in Bridgehampton is our local go-to fave. We walk over from home, and Eric Lemonides makes everyone feel welcome!
Dessert fix?
BuddhaBerry frozen yogurt in Sag Harbor is my guilty pleasure, and I’ve been known to pick up an old-fashioned dip cone or two every summer from John’s in Montauk.
Cocktail of choice?
My wife, Jenny, swears by our party bartender Lucky’s margarita! You switch out the triple sec for agave, and the rest is history.
Decor resource?
Bloom in Sag Harbor is so inspiring! Mona Nerenberg, the owner, is a good friend, and she has a perfect eye.
Fave house?
My own—although Reed Krakoff’s place on Further Lane is not so bad either.
Social scene?
I always enjoy the Watermill Center benefit in August. Robert Wilson always has interesting young artists from all over the world doing experimental performance art pieces. Someone is usually naked in the forest! I also always love going to our friend Edwina Von Gal’s Perfect Earth benefit in Cindy Sherman’s backyard in the Springs. Last summer Rufus Wainwright, Suzanne Vega and Roger Waters all did a private concert and it was incredibly special!
Farmer’s market?
Jim Pike’s on Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack has the best tomatoes and corn. Country Garden in Bridgehampton has the best homemade salsa, and Round Swamp Farm has the best everything!
Culture fix?
I love the tiny Dan Flavin Institute in Bridgehampton. It’s part of the Dia Art Foundation, and it’s truly a little jewel.
Spin master:
For me, [SoulCycle instructor] Akin Akman is hands down the best there is! I also love Stacey Griffith and Laurie Cole’s classes. They taught me to ride.
Sandy spot:
Peters Pond beach in Sagaponack. It’s never crowded, and as beautiful as it gets!
Garden envy:
I was lucky enough to see Grey Gardens in East Hampton a few years ago, and it’s magical. The boxwood gardens at Peggy and Mickey Drexler’s beautiful house in Bridgehampton are pretty amazing, too.
Summer read:
I just finished I Am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes. It’s sort of a Da Vinci Code–style thriller.
Necessary luxury:
It’s not a Hamptons summer without the perfect lobster salad from Loaves & Fishes. Worth every penny!
Road less traveled:
I love driving from Bridgehampton to East Hampton along the beautiful lanes like Bridge Lane and Hedges, taking in the open farmland and ocean views.
Sunny refuge:
My backyard. Our house is hidden from the street, and we have created our own little world. It’s hard to leave.
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