Former brothel in New Zealand marketed as family home

Once the town’s first adult massage parlour, this building is now for sale as a three-bedroom family home. 

The Spanish Mission-style property spent two decades as Monterell’s Massage Parlour in Napier on New Zealand’s North Island. 

It was the first massage parlour to open in Hawke’s Bay, OneRoof reports. 

The business began in the 1980s and was a popular destination both during the daytime and at night. 

By 2002, Monterell’s had reportedly changed hands and come under the ownership of a transport firm director. A former sex worker was in charge of running the day-to-day operations. 

Agent Chris McIntyre from Property Brokers remembers the building’s days as “a bit of a drinking hole”. 

She tells OneRoof that locals used to go to Monterell’s to use the bar as it was the only place in town selling alcohol until 3am. 

The massage parlour closed in 2008. In 2015, the current owner purchased the property and converted it into an Airbnb. 

Now, the property is back on the market and is being sold as a three-bedroom home. 

“6 Shelley Street has a colourful history but has been run as a very successful Airbnb for the last few years,” the listing says. 

“With three good-sized bedrooms, a new kitchen and upgraded bathroom, this could easily be a home again.” 

The Spanish Mission-style property is unusual for the area, which is dominated by art deco properties. 

It’s an eye-catching building with textured stucco walls, and cheerful green and orange trim. 

The house sits in a secluded garden, with a tall hedge and thickly wooded back garden lending the property a sense of privacy. 

It’s centrally located in the heart of Napier, with the beach and theatre just a short walk away.