An eye-catching hotel in Napier’s Art Deco precinct that was constructed more than 100 years ago is being offered to the market for sale.
Sitting on a high-profile corner site at 12 Browning Street, The County Hotel is a boutique accommodation offering that has 18 guest rooms spread over three levels as well as popular restaurant and bar facilities.
It has approximately 1,480sq m of total floor area and sits on a 574sq m landholding.
Located only 100m from the Napier waterfront and a short walk from the heart of the CBD, this strategically located hotel is perfectly positioned and is a favourite among locals and tourists.
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Additionally, there is a vacant 534sq m parcel of land opposite the hotel at 11-13 Browning Street, which is currently used for parking for up to 23 vehicles, that can be developed further.
Ash Hames, Commercial Broker at Colliers Hawke’s Bay, has been exclusively appointed to market the property and freehold going concern for sale via deadline private treaty closing at 3pm on Thursday 29 August, unless sold prior.
Originally built in 1909, the property is the region's sole remaining example of Victorian-Edwardian classical architecture, having survived the 1931 earthquake, which impacted most of the buildings in the area.
This property was home to the Hawke's Bay County Council for almost 80 years, until it was comprehensively restored and repurposed into its current use as a hotel and eatery in 1993.
The current owners purchased the property in 2002 and then undertook a significant refurbishment/expansion of the hotel, adding five additional guest rooms.
The rooms range in size from 24sq m to the hotel’s signature Regal suite, which spans 95sq m and offers a separate dining and lounge area. All guest rooms have access to the private library and sitting room located on the first level of the hotel.
Original Edwardian Gothic features along with Art Deco influences have been preserved, with features including high ceilings, wood panelling, and intricate detailing.
The property’s food and beverage offering includes Churchills Lounge Bar & Restaurant and the Wine Street Restaurant, which provide exceptional dining experiences, including alfresco dining with a north-westerly aspect. There are also private dining facilities and a conference room.
Hames says having the opportunity to acquire a turnkey accommodation asset in Napier is rarely seen on the open market.
“We foresee significant interest in this historic building given its rich local ties,” Hames says.
“The bare land that is available across the road is another drawcard and has development potential that could compound the value of this offering.”
Tourism is a key industry for the Hawke’s Bay economy as it employs one in 10 people in the region. The area’s Art Deco history, wineries, and good weather all contribute to making it a popular destination for travellers.
Hames says a growing number of tourists have returned to Napier following the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and then Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The County Hotel boasts a strong customer base, with significant domestic and corporate clientele that is underpinned by repeat business and supplemented by high-yield international visitors during peak seasons,” Hames says.
“In Napier city, across all accommodation sectors, international guest nights for the year ending May 2024 numbered 120,500, up from 85,100 recorded in the year prior.
“This highly visible hotel enjoys pride of place in central Napier and I encourage all interested parties to make contact with me to explore their options.”
- Supplied by Colliers
