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Home Tour: Il Delfino is Yamba’s Newest Coastal Hideaway
This charming seaside inn is where surf culture meets Mediterranian charm.
In her 20s and 30s, Sheree Commerford would rent out a quaint seaside inn by the water in Yamba, on the northern rivers of NSW, dreaming that one day it would be hers.
Fast-forward to 2021, and in a full-circle moment, she purchased the stunning 1948 weatherboard home overlooking the ocean.
“When we bought it, it was strongly suggested that we tear it down due to its age and condition. I think we were probably the only ones crazy enough—and in love with the place enough—to go through the intensive process of restoring and renovating,” owner and project designer Sheree explains of her steadfast vision to create what stands today as Il Delfino, a coastal-cool accommodation with five self-serviced suites.
A Steadfast Vision
With such a strong connection to the area, Sheree was never going to budge on her determination to lovingly restore the hotel and build a laid-back holiday retreat where surf culture meets Mediterranean vibes.
“Having grown up in the area and being a part of the community, the property was very well known,” she recalls. “Like so many people, it had been a loved part of the landscape in Yamba, and I’ve been drawn to it for as long as I can remember.”
The creative force wasted no time restoring the property, which took over two years. Sheree and her team worked closely with local builders, metalworkers, artists, friends, and family to maintain the authenticity of this 1940s oceanfront cottage while giving it a fresh, surfie-inspired twist.
“It was a learning process for me, as I had never done anything like this before,” Sheree admits. “The more I understood, the more the process reflected that growth.”
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Sunlight Sanctuaries
Il Delfino has five suites inspired by iconic Italian coastal destinations: Cinque Terre, Ravello, Portofino, Ischia, and Scopello. The design of each room embodies the romance and timeless beauty of its namesake, with carefully chosen materials, handcrafted details, and custom furnishings creating the ultimate sanctuary for guests.
Each suite is a sunlit, welcoming space featuring custom-built furniture and dreamy colour palettes that evoke the spirit of coastal living. Vintage pieces handcrafted Di Lunedi tiles, ceramics by Lisa Lapointe, and murals by artist-in-residence Heidi Middleton add character and warmth.
But, for Sheree, she says the most magical part of the rooms is their expansive ocean views. “Guests are consistently awestruck by the never-ending vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It’s truly the heart of the experience at Il Delfino—that sense of connection to the sea and the natural world right outside your window,” she beams of the outlook.
Slowing Down in Style
If guests can tear themselves away from their suites, the Lido terrace is ideal for a slow morning coffee, lazy sessions in the sun or a golden-hour tipple. Just steps from Il Delfino, Yamba’s trio of beaches—Main Beach, Convent, and Pippi—beckon for a swim, surf, or seaside stroll.
For Sheree, the outdoor shower is the perfect post-swim indulgence. “Standing there, framed by frangipani leaves, with the stone path leading to the bungalow door and a glimpse of the sea—I feel completely at peace, at home,” she shares.
Il Delfino has a selection of soft boards from Mick Fanning’s line for guests keen to catch
a wave, whether they’re beginners or seasoned surfers. Or, for those who prefer to stay on land, private in-room massages are available for a truly relaxing experience.
Staying at Delfino is all about slowing down and tapping into the nostalgia of a childhood holiday by the beach. “This reflects the Italian philosophy of alla spiaggia— which means ‘to the beach’ —a timeless rhythm that infuses the property,” Sheree explains.
Old-School Hospitality
“We bring a laid-back vibe to life with warm, old-school hospitality, making guests feel like family. The experience was designed to be relaxed and memorable. Think barefoot wandering, leisurely days by the sea, and restful evenings. It’s a place where the beach is always the heart of the experience, and life slows down in the best way possible,” she shares.
Taking stock of the sweet slice of paradise she has made, Sheree says she’s been most proud of Il Delfino’s connection to Yamba.
“Coming home and working on something so special with so many locals and my family has meant a lot to me,” she says. “I never truly imagined what it would feel like to create a place that makes people happy.”
PROJECT CREDITS
Photographer: Anna Pihan @annapihan
Project & Interior Designer: Sheree Commerford @shereecommerford
Build: Cranston Construction @cranstonconstruction & Andrew Dawes Construction
Landscaping: Land Company @land.company
Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan
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