Project in Review: Zephyr House, Coles Bay
Perched on Tasmania’s pristine east coast, Zephyr House invites guests to experience coastal living at its finest. Owned and lovingly transformed by Sarah and Simon Dornauf, this boutique escape combines relaxed charm with contemporary styling, with original Bluethumb artworks adding warmth, personality, and a touch of elegance.
Zephyr House is a short stay holiday rental located in Coles Bay, Tasmania—photos by Olivia Sattler.
From Shack to Stylish Retreat
When Sarah and Simon purchased Zephyr House, they saw its potential immediately: a home with sweeping views of Oyster Bay and the Hazards, solid bones, but in need of significant updates.
“We settled on the house in winter 2024, purchasing it ‘walk in, walk out,’ which is quite common with coastal properties,” Sarah recalls. “From there, we spent every free weekend renovating to have it ready in time for summer 2024/2025.”
Expansive windows invite the beauty of Tasmania’s east coast into the heart of Zephyr House.
Simon, a berry farmer with building experience, took on much of the project management, working closely with trades to bring their vision to life. Meanwhile, Sarah focused on curating the home’s interior style. “I spent my time scrolling Instagram, Pinterest, and Bluethumb for inspiration before sourcing all the furniture, furnishings, and artwork,” she shares.
Soft timber tones and understated pinstripes bring a sense of calm to this coastal bedroom.
The decision to turn Zephyr House into boutique accommodation was clear. “With the wonderful view Zephyr House has from the main living area and master bedroom, and its proximity to the national park, coffee shops, parks and beaches, we saw an opportunity to present this property as accommodation too good to pass up.”
Wake up to the breathtaking panorama of Oyster Bay.
A Design Story Rooted in Place
The renovation struck a balance between refreshing the interiors and honouring the home’s character. “We put on a fresh coat of white paint throughout, but left the timber beams exposed in the main living area to maintain some coastal shack charm,” Sarah says. “We also kept some original shack furniture, and had some chairs re-upholstered.”
A lounge designed for lingering—where every seat comes with a view.
A central aim was to make the most of the breathtaking outlook. “The main feature of the house is the view, so we have oriented the furniture and the styling to maximise the outlook which you can enjoy from the couch and the kitchen table.”
Gather, unwind, and take in the view from every angle.
Coles Bay’s abundance of seafood and its vibrant native flora and fauna also informed the design. “We wanted to tie in the themes of seafood and native plants into our styling,” Sarah explains. “We were able to do this by including original artwork and decor, which highlights the surrounding environment.”
Every detail matters—from gold-brushed taps to subtle shell-shaped accents.
Art that Anchors the Space
Sarah knew art would be pivotal in pulling the interiors together. Having purchased from Bluethumb before, she turned again to the platform when sourcing for Zephyr House.
“I ultimately decided to buy original artwork as I believe it’s an investment you never regret, as it always elevates a space and makes it feel so special,” Sarah explains. “My grandfather always said quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.”
Still Life With Seafood (Winter Morning) by Alina Hayes.
“Our ideal piece was an original painting by an Australian artist, with seafood features and a floating timber frame,” Sarah says. “I saved Still Life with Seafood by Alina Hayes several weeks before I decided to purchase it. I kept coming back to it after I realised nothing would come close to meeting the brief as perfectly as it does.”
“We have received so many compliments on our styling, and it fits our space so well. We loved it so much we purchased a second sister painting, Sunday Morning in April, recently, which continues with the theme of seafood.”
Sunday Morning in April by Alina Hayes.
Creating Moments of Beauty
Seeing her paintings complement Zephyr House has been a highlight for Western Australia-based artist Alina Hayes. “Zephyr House already has such a beautiful energy. My wish is that my paintings add to that, enhancing the feelings of warmth and comfort that make the stay feel special,” she says.
“Knowing that something I created resonates deeply enough for someone to purchase it is humbling and uplifting at the same time. My work starts as something very intimate, and seeing it appreciated and cared for by someone else is the ultimate affirmation.”
Start the day slowly, with breakfast bathed in morning light.
Alina’s inspiration comes from everyday details. “I’m drawn to the way sunlight transforms everyday things—a bowl, a bottle, a slice of lemon, a piece of fabric—into something whimsical and moving,” she explains. “Those moments inspire me to capture the stillness and infuse it with a beautiful glow.”
Explore Alina Hayes’ on Bluethumb and bring a touch of artistry into your home.
Settle in with a book, a view, and endless coastal calm.
The Power of Original Art
The original paintings by Alina Hayes are central to Zephyr House’s character and appeal. “It helps our accommodation stand out on the booking platforms, as it is an original piece and not something guests will find replicated in other accommodations,” Sarah explains.
Layered textures and natural tones create a cozy twin bedroom retreat.
Zephyr House Today
At its heart, Zephyr House was designed to be lived in and loved. “The house is presented to be enjoyed. For beds to be rumpled, sand to be walked in and swept out. For entertaining with friends by the fire pit and kicking the footy in the backyard,” Sarah shares. Today, it stands as a warm, character-filled retreat, full of life and coastal charm.
A backyard made for laughter, stories, and starlit skies.
Discover artworks inspired by Zephyr House and the beauty of Tasmania. Looking for the perfect fit? Bluethumb’s free art advisory service is here to help.
