The property is being pitched as a potential ambassador's residence. Video / Sotheby's
A multimillion-dollar castle in Wellington’s hills is for sale.
The property, listed by Sotheby’s, showcases “medieval charm with modern comforts”, including a commercial kitchen and gym.
It has a storied past, starting as an aviation radar bunker, before being turned into a castle and acting as a conference centre and luxury dog hotel.
A multimillion-dollar castle perched in the hills above Wellington has hit the market, being pitched as a possible diplomatic residence or multi-generational household.
Premier real estate agency Sotheby’s has listed the property today, with agent Glen Jones summing it up as “pretty unique”.
The castle, located in the hills aboveBrooklyn, “blends medieval charm with modern comfort”, Jones told the Herald.
“Given its short distance to central Wellington and the privacy and security of the property we see it as possibly being an ambassadorial residence, or a weekend wellness retreat or an event centre.”
The concrete compound, which is accessed via a secure gate has a long and storied past, starting its life as an underground Airways Corporation radar bunker in the 1970s.
Wellington developer and financier Brian Willman purchased the Hawkins Hill property in 1998 for $241,875.
He converted it from the bunker into the castle it is today, complete with rounded turret and a large automatic medieval-style front door.
“It was underground from where the second storey is now, around the bunker was excavated before a tower was added and then turned into a castle,” Jones said.
Wellington's "castle in the clouds" has been home to an aviation radar bunker, event venue, and luxury dog hotel that was raided by armed police in 2019. Photo / Supplied
It was used as a conference centre before Willman converted it into a “luxury dog hotel” named Woofington’s in 2016.
The doggy daycare offered boutique long or short stays for the capital’s canines at a competitive price.
Woofington’s was raided by armed police in 2019, who later charged a man after discovering an improvised explosive device.
A year later, in 2020, it was targeted in an aggravated burglary that led to a police chase.
The dog hotel closed in 2021.
The four-bedroom castle is being pitched as an ambassadorial residence or event venue. Photo / Supplied
The castle has a commercial kitchen. Photo / Supplied
“This has been a labour of love for our client, quite the passion project”, Jones said.
The four-bedroom building sits on 4028sq m of land and includes a commercial kitchen, bar, billiards room and gym.
“Crafted from solid block construction, this unique residence blends medieval charm with modern comfort. Wrought iron chandeliers, feature timber beams, and vaulted ceilings create an atmosphere of timeless elegance”, the listing states.
Jones said the interesting history of the building isn’t a focus of the sale campaign, and they’ve been busy getting the “striking” property fit for market.
The property’s current rateable value is $3.7 million but Jones said Sotheby’s expects to get “very much north of that number”.
He said the “sweeping views” are a strong selling point.
Brian Willman purchased the property in 1998, converting it into a castle. Photo / Supplied
The building was previously a underground aviation radar bunker, which was dug out in the late 1990s and turned into a castle. Photo / Supplied
“You can see all the way around from Eastbourne all the way back around over Cook Strait, and then also to the Marlborough Sounds.”
The castle is being sold by tender which closes at noon on April 30.
Ethan Manera is a multimedia journalist based in Wellington. He joined NZME in 2023 and is interested in local issues, politics and property in the capital. Ethan is always on the lookout for a story and can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.
