My dear friend and cross-pollinating creative, Sheree Commerford has made a seaside inn on the rocky shoreline of East Coast Australia, in Yamba.
An unassuming town, approx 1 and a half hours south of Byron Bay which happens to be renowned for the most delicious prawns in the world. Be sure to grab some on your way through at the local fish co-op which you cannot miss going into town.
I was making my way down the coast with Silver and stopped in for a couple of nights with friend, Jo Yeldham
Knowing that each of the 5 rooms are more like apartments with fully kitted out kitchens, we stocked up at Bowens for some amazing pre-made meals and beautiful snacking as I knew once I arrived at Il Delfino I would not want to venture far.
Although we experienced all the weathers, and all its moods, this time of year (April) has to be one of my favourites as the winds calm, the water temperature is warm and the nights are crisp. it was perfect for swimming in the ocean pool a short 3 minute walk to the left if you are looking out to sea, some beachcombing to the right on Pippi’s beach and as the apartments are so generous there's many a spot to pick for each meal of the day, then to generally lull about to read, paint, , nap or play hours of backgammon with rooms 1 & 2 having their own vintage designated tables.
Sheree has restored this 1948 oceanfront block with care and retained all of its nostalgic charm whilst teasing it into it’s new chapter for us all to enjoy
Sheree says,
"Inspirations for Il Delfino’s next chapter lay in reminiscences of my childhood, spent here on the verge of the ocean, together with family travels, staying in old guesthouses and inns along the Mediterranean coast, and the building itself – its location and original design.”
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As a designer of hotels & observer of details , Il Delfino is much more than a design project, every detail & design decision has been so carefully & lovingly curated and thoughtfully considered that it oozes love, good taste with the perfect finishes, colourways, & endless details but not fussy or precious with the backdrop of the sea
Just the perfect level of Relaxed Chic - just like Sheree.
The many levels of detail are extraordinary and some to highlight but not limited to include fabric padded & piped bathroom doors, marble ball hardware, her mix of old & new, vintage & modern, tile patterning, ceramic lights, upholstery piping and shape details on the built in banquettes, colour combinations & palette, shadowplay, perfect stripes, handpainted tiles, Heidi Middleton wall paintings in each room and you can not miss the pod of dolphins that swim by reguarly and I am honoured that The Society inc hardware & homegoods were able to make the playlist.
Two nights wasn't enough, so next year I’m booking out all 5 rooms and going to pack the perfect outfits to swoon around in at Il Delfino
WORDS & IMAGERY BY SIBELLA COURT
BOOK HERE
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Sheree Commerford
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