Wellington’s Hawkins Hill is home to a unique property that once served as a radar bunker and has since become the high-end “Woofington” dog hotel. Now listed for sale by Sotheby’s International Realty, the estate could sell for NZ$4.5 million, with the tender closing on 30 April.
From Radar Bunker to Castle
Built in the 1970s as a radar bunker for New Zealand’s Airways Corporation, the property was initially located underground. Over time, it was excavated and expanded, with the nearby radar dome—long a symbol of Wellington—remaining in place until its 2023 replacement.
Developer Brian Willman acquired the property for NZ$241,875 and set about turning it into a medieval-style castle, complete with turret and ramparts in 1998.
While first serving as a conference centre, the property later became known for its most unusual role—housing Wellington’s most pampered pets.
The Woofington Era
The mid-2010s saw the launch of “Woofington,” a lavish dog hotel created by Willman. The facility catered to Wellington’s elite pets, offering amenities like a Porsche Cayenne for transport, a grand piano, and Turkish rugs.
However, Woofington’s run was marked by a series of unsettling incidents. In 2018, a manager went missing and was later found dead.
A year later, police raided the property and found a minor explosive device, leading to an arrest. A police chase ensued after an aggravated burglary, resulting in multiple arrests in 2020. These troubling events led to the closure of Woofington in 2021.
A Unique Opportunity on the Market
The castle is currently vacant, yet it is being marketed for both residential and commercial purposes. The 1,000-square-metre property, sitting on a one-acre lot, offers panoramic views from every angle.
“You can see all the way around from Eastbourne all the way back around over Cook Strait, and then also to the Marlborough Sounds,” said Glen Jones, the listing agent.
Jones described the property as “pretty unique,” noting its location just outside central Wellington, which positions it as an attractive option for high-profile buyers.
The listing suggests potential transformations, from an ambassadorial residence to a multi-generational home, an event centre, or even a weekend wellness retreat. Inside, the castle features four bedrooms, a turret dining room, a commercial kitchen, and an event space.
“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 reads.
Pricing and Market Expectations
The property’s current rateable value is NZ$3.7 million, but Sotheby’s expects it to sell for far more. “We expect to get very much north of that number,” Glen Jones noted. While the property’s unusual past is part of its story, Jones pointed out that the sales focus is on its striking design, prime location, and the potential for new buyers to transform the space.
“This has been a labour of love for our client, quite the passion project,” he said. With panoramic views, a rich history, and an air of mystery, the former luxury dog hotel in Wellington is ready for its next chapter.