I Had a Sleepover at the “Summer House ”Mansion — and Found the Secret Rooms You Don’t See on TV

Four editors from PEOPLE magazine, all fans of Bravo’s hit show “Summer House,” recently enjoyed a night away in the Hamptons in anticipation of the highly anticipated Season 10 reunion. Their unique retreat was not just a getaway, but also a special opportunity sponsored by StayMarquis, a premium vacation rental company that manages the property used in the show since its sixth season.

StayMarquis offered Bravo enthusiasts a rare chance to bid on renting the “Summer House” for private viewing parties centred around the explosive finale and three-part reunion of Season 10. PEOPLE was invited to take part in this exclusive experience, and as the magazine’s Executive Director of Social Media, my excitement to escape the sweltering heat of the city was palpable. The following paragraphs delve into ten key insights we garnered while immersed in this vivacious environment, all while capturing content by the poolside.

Among the most surprising features of the house was a fully equipped private cinema on the second floor. This impressive in-home theatre boasts luxurious leather recliners, a projector with smart TV capabilities, and a carpet that appears to have been thrifted from a 1990s cinema. Watching part two of the reunion in this setting felt remarkably meta, especially as my colleague Colleen Kratofil worked diligently on her interview with Kyle Cooke, which can be accessed on the PEOPLE app.

Despite the fact that it was a promotional type of visit, the property did not shy away from providing a true taste of summer. The alcove where Kyle typically sets up his DJ equipment for post-party celebrations contained a refrigerator stocked with his hard iced teas — a refreshing treat when enjoyed poolside, though strictly speaking, not part of any sponsorship deal.

Interestingly, there’s usually a piano in the foyer of the home. However, it was removed during filming to avoid audio issues. It’s a pity, as the thought of Jesse playing a tune while celebrating Lindsay Hubbard’s annual Freedom Dinner added a humorous touch to the experience.

The pool house on the property is another remarkable aspect, considerably larger than many Manhattan apartments. This game room, equipped with ping-pong, pool, and foosball tables, is kept out of sight during filming, allowing visitors to enjoy a private gaming experience away from the cameras.

Production facilities are located in the basement of the house, which remains off-limits to viewers of the show. This hidden space is where the crew orchestrates the reality TV magic we all adore — a behind-the-scenes aspect that adds to the allure of the series.

One of the unexpected highlights of the house was the sleeping arrangements. Unlike the usual tensions associated with room assignments in friend groups, the property comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests across eight bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. This luxurious layout helps avoid the usual drama often seen in previous seasons of “Summer House.”

The primary suite, complete with a spacious bathroom, stood out as the most impressive. Despite my reservations about previous tumultuous relationships within the property, I decided to spend the night in this main room. The grandeur of the king-size bed, an ample walk-in closet, and a dedicated workspace made this stay incredibly pleasant. The bathroom featured an expansive rain shower and a bidet-equipped toilet with a heated seat, ensuring a level of comfort that matched its luxurious surroundings.

Another commendable feature was Ciara Miller’s bedroom, located strategically for peace yet still close to other areas of the house. Her en-suite bathroom, spacious closet, and full-length mirror perfectly matched the variety of amenities scattered about the property.

To top off our stay, the pool area provided double the fun with both a heated pool and two captivating hot tubs. We embraced our inner athletes, engaging in spirited rounds of water basketball that encapsulated the essence of summer fun.

While our whimsical odyssey into the world of “Summer House” concluded on a Tuesday morning as we made our way back to city life, the experience was anything but dull. Similar to the show’s earlier seasons’ cast, we too found ourselves navigating public transport, daydreaming about the glamorous days when we could afford a summer in the Hamptons, far removed from the chaos of reality television.