Finding Home Away from Home: A Londoner's Experience in the Hamptons

As a 23 year old living in London my whole life, the only knowledge I had of the Hamptons up until three weeks ago, was taken from an episode of Gossip Girl. The Hamptons are, in fact, an escape for the city elite from their Monday to Friday grind, a little slice of heaven only a couple of hours from the hustle and bustle.

Prior to being connected with Sophia at Primrose Hill Nannies, it hadn’t occurred to me that being a travel nanny, exploring the world whilst working with children as I’d always loved, would bring two things together that made me most happy. Yet in a new country, with a family I hadn’t yet met, this was going to be a challenge, one I’d gladly take in my stride.

Having had regular contact with the family I was to be working and living with, I was told about routine and home life rituals. Three gorgeous boys and a beautiful house set across three acres of nature. Quickly, unfamiliarity became a sense of adventure and the chance to live an experience I would otherwise not have had the chance to enjoy.

In preparation, a shopping trip. Clothes for the 30 degree weather I was to expect, countless adaptors and, of course, the nanny essentials - a whole lot of wet wipes and factor 50 sunscreen. The day finally rolled around, with two large suitcases and my passport in hand, I headed to the airport. With every hour of the 6 hour flight passing, I was growing more excited for the summer in a new city.

I arrived at JFK, collected my bags and headed for the taxi rank. After mentally navigating driving on the other side of the road, I took the chance to relax and enjoy passing by the city sites. Arriving at my apartment for the night, the jet lag began to hit and I got some rest in anticipation of my journey to the Hamptons the following morning.

2 hours on the Long Island Road Rail later, I was met at Bridgehampton station by the family I was to be spending the summer months with. Infectious excitement from the three boys and a warm welcoming from their parents immediately put me at ease. It took a matter of days to get used to my surroundings, having pinpointed the best place to get a coffee and have a dip in the ocean. As a popular summer break destination for families, the Hamptons provides plenty of entertainment for kids. When the boys are not at sports camp, the natural history museum, library and park (equipped with a tennis and baseball court, to mention a few activities) have become regular hang outs for myself and the boys.

I am lucky enough to spend the weekends in the city, should I want a change of scenery on my days off. The past three weeks I’ve visited museums, art galleries and, of course, the infamous Central Park. New York is a welcoming city and I’m getting to know those in similar positions, nannying for the summer like me, as well as locals kind enough to show me the ropes. Having regular contact with my family and friends, including the Primrose Hill nannies, has made the adjustment seamless and I’m looking forward to continuing to explore all that New York and the Hamptons have to offer!