Boutique Queenstown hotel shortlisted for international interior design awards

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.

Inside a room bedroom at Hulbert House. Photo / Mountain Scene

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."

Exterior view of the hotel. Photo / Mountain Scene

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.

The luxury Queenstown lodge is 129 years old. Photo / Mountain Scene