Queenstown's Hulbert House is nominated for top interior design award. Photo / Mountain Scene
A luxury boutique Queenstown hotel is shortlisted for one of the world's top interior design awards.
Hulbert House opened in May last year after a restoration project bankrolled by billionaire Japanese owner Soichiro Fukutake.
Kiwi interior designer Neil McLachlan was given the task of blending heritage and modern sumptuousness.
He's obviously excelled - the property is a finalist in The International Hotel & Property Awards.
McLachlan says: "Everybody was totally passionate about the project.
"We were striving to work with the heritage values of the building; a Victorian flavour with a contemporary twist."
Outstanding features include a custom-made carpet inspired by Willow Pattern China - a nod to the Chinese gold miners around when the original weatherboard villa was built in 1888.
Winners are announced later this month after a round of online voting through the website of London design magazine.
Westpac's conduct affected a total of 24,621 customers.