Stay

One of Queenstown's original homes, Hulbert House offers a sense of history and luxury to those staying in one of its six boutique suites.

The restored villa's story is as alive and colourful as its contemporary interior design, which has been done to carefully honour its Victorian heritage. A chap with the impressive name of Horatio Nelson Firth built the house in 1886, and he happened to have the equally impressive working title of clerk to the court of Queenstown and receiver of gold revenue. It turns out Mr Firth could not be trusted in dealing with such enticing metals, and was eventually sent to prison for embezzlement. The heritage-listed villa was neglected as time passed, but the current owners have lovingly restored it to its former glory with contemporary overtones.

Old black-and-white photographs telling local stories line the hallways and staircase and bring the house alive with its fascinating history.

Each room has its own striking décor but they all have expansive views over the town and lake in common and the guarantee of a good night's sleep in the luxuriously plush beds. 68 Ballarat Street. (03) 442 8767, hulberthouse.co.nz