Blues investor Murray Bolton has bought Mollies boutique hotel for $10.9 million to turn it into a private home.
The Herne Bay luxury hotel will close on April 16 after more than 50 years as commercial accommodation, hosting high-profile guests such as Shania Twain, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Sean Connery and chef Gordon Ramsey in the past decade.
Known as a discreet place to stay, Mollies had a style of its own - crystal chandeliers, eclectic art collection, ornate fireplaces and mirrors, a grand piano and library.
Celebrities could eat in a private dining room and members of the public could book a fine-dining evening in the main dining room with its glass pergola and fairy lighting.
Bolton, who lives in Remuera, bought the 2905sq m property last year from developer Murray Rose.