Gorrow Design Studio reimagines Crescent Head’s Sea Sea Hotel, blending surf nostalgia with contemporary coastal charm.
In the laid-back surf town of Crescent Head, Australia, an ordinary 1980s roadside motel has been given a bold new life. The newly christened Sea Sea Hotel celebrates 1970s surf culture while embracing modern craftsmanship, thanks to the vision of Gorrow Design Studio founder George Gorrow and his wife Cisco Tschurtschenthaler.
The couple aimed to create a space that feels both familiar and fresh. “Sea Sea is a new form of home that reminds you of the past,” said Gorrow. From the moment guests arrive, the hotel’s thoughtful design evokes memories of surf shacks, alpine hunting cabins, and vintage Bali stays.
Crafted Comfort With Nostalgic Details
Throughout the single-level hotel, natural materials take centre stage. Bedrooms feature a combination of dark timber paneling, exposed brick walls, and pigment-dyed concrete floors. Sculptor Aleph Geddis designed bespoke wall lights, fitted with red light-therapy bulbs to enhance guests’ sleep.
Gorrow also collaborated with Korean artist Romon K Yang to design the bed throws, featuring bold, hand-screened calligraphic prints on heavyweight cotton linen. Each room includes custom-built retro-style speaker side tables, created in partnership with furniture brand Torre using Bose hardware.
The communal spaces, once part of a conference centre, have been transformed into a welcoming clubhouse. Here, guests can explore an art gallery, rent surfboards, relax in a cocktail lounge, or browse vinyl records at the listening bar.
A Landscape Designed for Relaxation
Outside, the design continues to honour the site’s original character. Winding crazy-paved travertine paths guide visitors through the lush 6,000-square-metre property. The turquoise-tiled swimming pool features a pebble-framed overspill and is surrounded by native cacti, further enhancing the laid-back vibe.
Bespoke rope-strung sun loungers recall classic 1970s daybeds, while custom floor-level sofas invite guests to relax, barefoot and unhurried. The listening bar even showcases Gorrow’s own Klipsch La Scala speakers, integrated into a tailored vinyl display.
“We wanted the space to feel lived-in, approachable, and tactile,” explained Gorrow. “Rather than chasing a look, we focused on creating an atmosphere — something sensory and honest.”
A Project Built on Sustainability and Authenticity
Sustainability was central to the transformation. Gorrow preserved much of the motel’s original structure, reusing bricks for privacy screens and replanting over 3,000 plants across the property. This careful approach softened sightlines, framed views, and cultivated quiet corners for reflection — all without compromising the communal beachside vibe.
“It needed to feel like it had always been there,” said Gorrow. “The challenge was balancing nostalgia with freshness — crafting a place that felt authentic, but never overly designed.”
With Sea Sea Hotel, Gorrow Design Studio has created more than a boutique retreat. It is a heartfelt tribute to surf heritage, personal comfort, and timeless Australian coastal living.
