Three Village Inn: A Tradition In The Stony Brook Community

The Three Village Inn has long been a part of the rich and storied past of Stony Brook Village, and has always been a place where the community has come to celebrate life’s occasions.

Built in 1751 by Richard Hallock, the 21-room Inn maintains much of its historic authenticity and charm. At the same time, it’s well-known for its top-rated cuisine under the direction of renowned Executive Chef Guy Reuge.

“Guests like the warm, comfortable feel of the Inn,” said Dan Laffitte, GM and Innkeeper. “It’s a throw-back to a different era. We have people who come here year after year. It’s a meaningful place for people.”

Lafitte says there have been countless marriage proposals at the Inn. One fellow had the beautiful garden decorated with lights and planters and brought his fiancé outside to propose. The Inn has fine catering and does over 100 weddings a year, in addition to Christenings, anniversary parties, showers, birthdays and more. It can seat up to 300 guests.

“We are part of the fabric of the community,” he said. “We are happy to have served and assisted in making so many events special.”

Lafitte, who has been innkeeper since 1994, was actually married at the Inn in 1991 and so feels a special connection to the Inn as well.

A RICH HISTORY

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Old Homestead,’ the Inn was built just prior to the Revolutionary War. Long Island was occupied by the British from 1776 to 1783 and the Hallock family lived there, under British rule. Interestingly, the area became a center for Patriot spy activity, and history has revealed that this ‘spy ring’ gathered intelligence about British activity and risked their lives to convey the information to General George Washington.

The Inn has 21 guestroom including six cottages that look over the harbor with 15 rooms. The cottages, built in 1907, have names such as the Brewster Cottage, the Tallmadge Cottage and the Woodhull Cottage, referencing the Revolutionary War-era spies. As depicted in the AMC series, Turn, they are credited with helping to win the Revolutionary War and their history and secrets are embraced by Stony Brook Village.

The rooms at the main inn are updated and comfortable, even as the building maintains much of its original details. For example, some people have to duck a little as they go up the main staircase. (People weren’t as tall in the 1700s). In the main area, the original pre-Revolutionary fireplace and beehive oven is intact and serves as a romantic setting for a table for two, in fact the Inn has three (3) fireplaces. The original beams with pegged mortise and tenon joints are visible in the sitting room.

“There really was no reason to overly modernize a place with such deep roots in the community,” Lafitte said. “Stony Brook is all about historic character.”

Mrs. Frank Melville, Jr. (Jennie) purchased the old Hallock Homestead in 1929 to create the Three Village Garden Club and the Exchange. Here, homemade jams and jellies, quilts, aprons and the like were sold to visitors to help support local residents during the Depression. As more visitors came, tea and sandwiches were served and it was often referred to as the Tea House. Upon Mrs. Melville’s death, her son Ward inherited the property in 1939 and renovated, renamed and opened it as The Three Village Inn. It soon became a first class restaurant and country inn with furnished rooms to accommodate overnight guests.

Today, the Inn receives guests from all over the world who come to Stony Brook Village for its historic charm. The nearby Stony Brook University also brings in a lot of out-of-town visitors.
In 2006 Lessings, which has a 125-year family history in food service was brought in to operate the Inn.

TOP-RATED CUISINE

In 2009, Chef Guy Reuge brought his ‘Fresh-meets-French’ concept to the Three Village Inn under ‘Mirabelle at the Three Village Inn’ and ‘Mirabelle Tavern’ names. Chef Guy Reuge is widely known as one of the original adherents to the farm-to-table movement, using local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest recipes.

He has received top honors, including La Toque d’Argent (the Silver Toque), and has worked at some of NYC’s finest restaurants including Rene Pujol, Maxwell’s Plum, Le Cygne and Tavern on the Green. Under his care, Mirabelle at the Three Village Inn has received an “Exceptional” (four star) rating from Newsday and is rated a “Don’t Miss” (equivalent to a four-star or “Excellent” rating) by the New York Times. He’s a member of Le Commanderie Des Cordons Bleus, the Academie Culinaire de France, and the James Beard Foundation.

“Guy brings brightness to the Inn,” Lafitte said. “He is passionate, and genuinely cares about bringing consistent excellence to the table.”

Guests can dine in the more formal, refined setting of Mirabelle, or enjoy the more casual ambiance and French bistro classics of Mirabelle Tavern. The Tavern has a bar and entertainment along with weekly drink specials.

Throughout the year, the Inn is decorated for the seasons and several special events are held, such as the International Wine Series, Thanksgiving, Brunch with Santa, and more.

“When you come here, it’s truly like being in a country setting in the midst of Long Island,” Lafitte said. “People know when they come here they’ll be treated like family.

Three Village Inn
150 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 751-0555