33 years with Whanganui's castle

Geoff Austin in amongst all his castle memorabilia. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Have you ever wondered what's inside Whanganui's iconic castle? Time could be running out.

After 33 years, the King of Liffiton Castle is reluctantly stepping down to settle into retirement.

Geoff Austin bought the property in 1984. He was the second owner to take on the restaurant, dubbed Liffiton Castle, after it opened in 1980.

Before the appropriate renovations had to be made, it was an old Villa.

Whanganui's iconic castle up for sale. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Mr Austin said there was a lot he will miss but the people take the cake.

"We've had birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, 80ths, 90ths, you name it. The visitors' book is full of special memories and it is going to be hard to say goodbye to."

That's not to mention the historic Whanganui memorabilia that make up the Castle.

The windows are from St Mary's church, the pressed tin ceilings are from the old Wanganui Girls College, the bar is from the Majestic Theatre and the dance floor is from the Wanganui Technical College.

One of the best perks was serving Prince Edward when he dined at the Castle on his visit to Whanganui.

The king standing proud inside his castle. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Mr Austin said he has always been in the food game. Before owning Liffiton Castle he ran the Cuban tea room, now known as 141 Cafe on Victoria Ave.

But the Castle appealed because it was it was something different and is on prime real estate.

"You get about 11,000 cars passing through here every day. It's one of the first things you see as you cross the bridge.

"People are really fascinated by it. They will say: wow I've always gone past but never been in, this is incredible," Mr Austin said.

He has had a lot of interested buyers from all over the place.

"We've had people from overseas contact us. Some from London, some from Australia and even the USA."

Mr Austin said it would be nice to see it retained as a restaurant but it is up to the new owners what they do with it.

An inside peek behind the castle walls. Photo/ Mark Brimblecombe