Loved this property so much that less than a month later, I was back again, spending overall nearly 2 weeks there all together, by myself, and finding new inspiration every minute. If you're an entrepreneur, celebrity, diplomat, politico, writer seeking to do some privacy-ensuring R&R, visionary work/thinking by yourself or with your close cadre, away from the nosy scene of the Hamptons, this is the island and this is the property.
Located right on the harbor, with its own dock put in by Ed just a few years ago, and some of the best views on the Eastern seaboard, it provides the perfect, absolutely perfect ambiance for creative/strategic/visionary work, be it summer on the veranda or in the living room by the fireplace, overlooking the harbor, boats floating around it, and $25mm mansions accross it. In the summer, the sunsets over the harbor are unbeatable and the plethora of birds dancing in the air and squirrels, chipmonks, and deer playing in your 2 acres of land between the house and the water, is just magical. Inside, Ed's wife did a superb job decorating - the house has a charming, slightly rustic (and hence even more charming) feel to it, with fully renovated bathrooms, and overall Hamptons' style decor that will suit even the pickiest. If you're looking for Aman Resorts, Mandarin Oriental or One & Only, this isn't it. If you're looking for the best alternative to a destination club's villa or a chalet, a lodge/chalet/cottage, this is a charmer at an incredibly affordable price with an owner that truly cares for the property and for its guests (Ed, hope you won't hike up the price on me in the future after this comment :)).
The property has absolutely everything you will need - you just need to show up with your groceries and a cook (if you want one). I came by myself, did not have a car (Hampton Jitney (North Fork to Greenport) from Manhattan>8min ferry ride from there to Shelter Island >short 5min taxi ride and in 2hrs, you're door-to-door); and didn't get out of the property AT ALL, except every morning for jogs around the island - some of the best I've had globally - truly phenomenal views, great air, and very friendly fellow joggers from all walks of life, if you decide to strike up a conversation.
Ed, thanks for your incredible hospitality. Look forward to coming back!