Il Delfino Seaside Inn by Sheree Commerford

Situated atop a rugged escarpment, just steps away from Convent Beach, Il Delfino Seaside Inn in Yamba feels like something out of a storybook. The waterfront inn, owned and designed by Sheree Commerford, perfectly captures the charm of its surroundings – beaches, an ocean pool, a kiosk and a quaint village just a short distance away.

“The inspiration for Il Delfino Seaside Inn comes from my childhood spent on these beaches and in the ocean, combined with family travels to old Mediterranean guesthouses and inns,” says Commerford when asked about the aesthetic vision. “It’s also deeply connected to the building itself – the location and its original design. It captures the essence of the surrounding Australian coastal surf.” For Commerford, nothing was more important than authentically preserving the structure’s 1940s bones. She aimed to honour its mid-century design while introducing nods to Australian surf culture and personal touches. “We lived on the property as a family for five months before starting the project to fully understand the building – the feel, charm, light and sounds. These nuances influenced our design and architectural decisions,” she adds.

“Each suite embodies the charm of an old-school guesthouse, restored to feel like a private home,” enthuses Commerford.

The family-run inn features four suites in the main residence, along with a private bungalow for adults and children over the age of 10. “Each suite embodies the charm of an old-school guesthouse, restored to feel like a private home,” enthuses Commerford. Her words come to life in the shared spaces, which include unique touches like a beachside sun terrace with Italian lido sun loungers and umbrella tables, an ocean-view, open-air shower, as well as a full-service laundry facility. The inn’s part-Aegean identity makes it perfect for travellers seeking both understated luxury and rustic charm. “Guided by the Italian expression ‘alla spiaggia’ – meaning ‘to the beach’ – the design blends surf sophistication with Mediterranean warmth. This approach ensures that the restoration not only enhances the physical space but also enriches the guest experience, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh,” says Commerford.

In devising the design scheme, Commerford took cues from the existing building. “As a restoration project, there were already limits in place, so the philosophy was to enhance rather than remove.” Anything new had to reflect the inn’s past, and many objects from the original structure were given a second life; glass from old windows and doors was repurposed into benches, a vanity salvaged from Portofino was restored to its former glory and oak offcuts were used to create dining tables. Likewise, many light fixtures, objects and artworks were sourced from antique stores and vintage shops, while old boat hulls gifted to Commerford by her father were reimagined as portholes for the doors. “Every design element, from the handmade tiles to the original 1950s decor, was selected to offer guests a sense of stepping back in time, where comfort and charm meet a laid-back, timeless elegance.”

The inn’s part-Aegean identity makes it perfect for travellers seeking both understated luxury and rustic charm.

As for materials, Commerford sourced some locally and others from farther afield. Century-old, reclaimed floor tiles were brought in from Italy, as well as half-round clay terracotta roof tiles from France. She looked to the past when curating the decor, selecting pieces like an Italian Bikini floor lamp from the 1980s, a handcrafted 1950s chess table, brutalist tripod chairs, rope and brass shell mirrors and Italian seagrass chairs. To keep the focus on the decor, she muted the walls with microcement, which perfectly complements the building’s original beadwork and panelling. “This blend of old and new underscores the inn’s historical integrity while introducing a fresh textural dimension,” she explains.

Commerford was intentional about highlighting imperfections, particularly in the original cement walkways, which had cracked and weathered over time. She applied a similar approach to the exterior balcony floors, using raw, handmade terracotta tiles, and to the paved deck, which she adorned with river stone and dark grout, creating the impression they had always been there. The result is an homage to the past while offering modern luxury appeal.

Interior design and styling by Sheree Commerford. Build by Andrew Dawes Construction and Cranston Construction. Landscape design by Land Company.