The concept of ‘alla spiaggia’ – meaning ‘to the beach’ in Italian – captures the unhurried essence that defines Il Delfino Seaside Inn. This carefully restored 1948 property sits atop a rugged escarpment just steps from Convent Beach in Yamba, where Mediterranean guesthouse charm meets the laid-back spirit of Australian surf culture. This Northern Rivers retreat offers something increasingly rare: authentic character preserved rather than erased.
Owner and designer Sheree Commerford spent five months living on the property with her family before beginning the two-year restoration, allowing her to understand its natural rhythms and original soul. This intimate approach guided every decision, ensuring the inn’s 1940s bones remained respectfully intact while breathing new life into forgotten corners. The result feels less like a hotel and more like staying in a well-travelled friend’s coastal home, complete with stories embedded in every salvaged detail.
Restoration with purpose and personality
Il Delfino Seaside Inn showcases how thoughtful restoration can honour the past while creating something entirely fresh. Glass from original windows and doors found new purpose as garden benches, while a vanity rescued from Portofino was meticulously restored to serve guests once again. Oak offcuts became dining tables, and boat hulls gifted by Commerford’s father were transformed into unique door portholes, each carrying its own maritime history.
The materials tell stories that span continents and centuries. Century-old reclaimed floor tiles sourced from Italy meet half-round clay terracotta roof tiles from France, while microcement walls complement the building’s original beadwork and panelling. Even imperfections like cracked cement walkways are celebrated rather than concealed, adding to the inn’s authentic patina. Hand-painted murals by Heidi Middleton, founder of Sass & Bide, and ceramics by local artisans ensure the space feels distinctly connected to its Yamba setting.
Five suites that embrace coastal simplicity
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The accommodation philosophy at Il Delfino Seaside Inn revolves around understated luxury rather than ostentatious display. Five suites within the main residence, plus a private bungalow for guests over 10, offer ocean views with some featuring private balconies. Each space maintains the charm of an old-school guesthouse while providing modern comfort through crisp white linens, thoughtfully curated furnishings, and sweet kitchenettes stocked with local provisions.
The design palette remains deliberately restrained, with fresh white walls punctuated by vibrant touches like red-striped day beds and bottle-green bathrooms. Small wardrobes double as gift shops, offering practical items like sunscreen and straw hats – a charming nod to the property’s beach-first philosophy. For the most spectacular ocean vistas, the cosy Scopello suite provides uninterrupted views across the Pacific, making it the ideal choice for those seeking front-row seats to Yamba’s coastal drama.
Yamba’s authentic coastal culture
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Il Delfino Seaside Inn benefits from its location in what locals call a ‘go-slow coastal village’, where the pace naturally adjusts to tidal rhythms and sunset timing. Yamba offers six nature trails and 11 beaches ranging from serious surf breaks to gentle family-friendly shores, ensuring every type of ocean lover finds their perfect spot. Saturday mornings at Main Beach reveal the village’s heart, where locals gather at the beloved Kiosk for coffee and conversation.
The village maintains its authentic character through weatherboard architecture, a charming old cinema, and the iconic Pacific Hotel, where pub meals come with ocean views. Yamba’s famous ocean pool, featured on postcards across Australia, provides a gentler swimming alternative when the surf runs large. This is coastal Australia as it was meant to be experienced – without pretension, with plenty of natural beauty, and where the biggest decision might be choosing between beach walks and afternoon naps.
Sustainability through thoughtful preservation
The approach to sustainability at Il Delfino Seaside Inn goes beyond typical eco-initiatives to embrace restoration over replacement. By preserving the building’s original structure and repurposing materials that might otherwise have been discarded, the project demonstrates how heritage conservation and environmental responsibility can work together. Solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations provide modern sustainability features without compromising the inn’s vintage aesthetic.
Kitchen benches crafted from recycled glass waste and furniture pieces selected from antique stores rather than mass production complete the circular approach to design. This philosophy extends to the guest experience, where pre-ordered pantry boxes feature local market selections, encouraging visitors to engage with Yamba’s artisan food scene rather than relying on imported alternatives.
Il Delfino Seaside Inn proves that luxury doesn’t require ostentation – sometimes it simply means having the space and time to embrace ‘la dolce far niente’, the sweetness of doing nothing. In a world increasingly focused on doing more, this restored inn offers permission to do beautifully less.
Quick summary
⭐ Style: Restored 1948 Mediterranean-inspired inn
📍 Location: Yamba, Northern Rivers, New South Wales
🏨 Accommodation: Five suites plus private bungalow
🏖️ Beach Access: Steps from Convent Beach
♻️ Sustainability: Restoration-focused with salvaged materials
🎨 Design: Hand-curated antiques and local artisan pieces
✨ Philosophy: ‘Alla spiaggia’ – unhurried coastal living
