Iconic watering hole Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has joined forces with an equally iconic Sydney designer for a revamp of sorts. The Eastern Suburbs favourite has just unveiled its new look, which comes courtesy of interior style star Sibella Court.

Adored for her bowerbird aesthetic, Court has been key to the new look of the boutique accommodation option, which was purchased by hospitality entrepreneur Fraser Short in 2012. A lengthy revamp of the venue in its entirety is on the cards every winter to come, with the 31 guest bedrooms just stage one of the project.

As for Court’s room overhaul, her vision has maintained the nautical theme of the hotel, but introduced a more playful aesthetic and the eclectic elements of a traditional yacht club. Think clashing prints and textures, and a departure from the hotel’s largely blue and white colour palette. “The overall effect is part elegant sailing club, part beach house filled with the memories of holidays gone by. Boutique seaside rooms that don’t take themselves too seriously,” explains the venue.

“Sibella really understands Sydney design and culture and relates to our brand perfectly,” says Fraser of his decision to work with Court. “As a collaborator, she knows the small but crucial details in hotels and how to translate that in to inspiring interiors that are also functional. The result is a really relaxed, fun beach atmosphere in our rooms.”

It helps that Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is not Court’s first foray into accommodation styling. The interior designer has more than 25 years of industry experience under her belt, including the refurbishment of Hotel Palisade and Bullo River Station.

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
1 Military Road, Watsons Bay
watsonsbayhotel.com.au