Historic County Hotel for sale in Napier

One of the most iconic character buildings in Napier’s famous Art Deco precinct, known for a generation as a landmark hotel, has been put on the market.

The three-storey County Hotel building is a commanding presence in the city centre where its grand Edwardian Gothic and Art Deco features preside over a keystone corner site on Browning Street.

Constructed in 1909 as the Hawke’s Bay County Council headquarters, the heritage-listed building survived the 1931 Napier earthquake as the city’s only remaining example of a Victorian-Edwardian classical style architecture.

It remained home to the former county council for almost 80 years, until it was comprehensively restored and repurposed into its most recent use as a hotel in 1993.

Under one owner for the past 25 years, until recent closure, the high-end boutique hotel provided 18 elegant guest rooms and one of Napier’s most popular hospitality offerings in the Wine Street Restaurant and Churchill’s Bar. The County Hotel is not currently operating.

12 Browning Street offered in receivership sale

The freehold land and buildings at 12 Browning Street, Napier, along with business assets, chattels, fixtures and fittings, are now being offered to buyers via a receivership sale, through Bayleys Real Estate.

Sale is by way of a tender closing on Thursday 12 November (unless sold prior).

New ownership and reuse opportunities

Kerry Geange of Bayleys Napier says the property is being offered for sale by the receivers, providing a rare chance for new owners to reinvigorate the iconic hotel brand, rebrand, or reimagine the building with another use.

The building spans some 1,480 square metres across three levels and two basement areas, underpinned by 574 square metres of land.

“City Centre zoning under Napier’s district plan generally provides for an array of commercial and residential uses, subject to relevant approvals. It includes hotel accommodation as a permitted activity, as well as a stated aim of encouraging residents into the inner city.

“This offers considerable scope for buyers to reignite hotel operations for a new generation or imagine alternative uses for investigation and discussion with the city council,” says Geange.

Established boutique hotel with heritage appeal

Wayne Keene, Bayleys’ National Director of Hotels, Tourism and Leisure Sales, says the hotel enjoyed strong market recognition and a well-established and loyal customer base.

The multifaceted operation delivered diverse revenue streams via well-patronised accommodation, restaurant and event facilities, he says.

“The County Hotel has been one of Napier’s best-known boutique upmarket accommodation providers and eateries.

“Its reputation was built around its 18 well-appointed and spacious guest rooms, and one of Napier’s most popular restaurants offering some of the city’s best alfresco dining, together with the charismatic Churchill’s Bar and basement cellar; which offered a wonderful space for events and functions.

“The experience of guests and customers has been elevated by the well-preserved heritage architecture, with high ceilings, wood panelling and intricate detailing exuding historic character and a sense of grandeur,” says Keene.

The hotel’s X-factor appeal among domestic and international visitors is evidenced by a Tripadvisor rating of 4.7 out of five, based on 1,600-plus guest reviews prior to receivership.

Central Napier location supports future potential

Bayleys Napier salesperson Brent Hannah says future activity and value at the site are underpinned by a pivotal CBD location which offers an ideal base for corporate travellers, conference delegates, cruise ship visitors and leisure tourists.

“An easy stroll from the city’s retail and hospitality heart, and the Marine Parade recreational and tourism precinct, this sunny and high-profile corner site is unparalleled for character accommodation and commercial activity.

“Easily accessible from Hawke’s Bay Airport and highways north and south, it is also within easy reach of wider regional attractions including top wineries, golf courses, cycling trails and event venues.

“Being in the heart of the vibrant Art Deco precinct, the property is superbly positioned to service tourism, corporate and events markets, or to pursue conversion opportunities that will add a new story to the site’s rich history,” Hannah says.