Wellington’s Hilltop ‘Dog Castle’ Sells for $3.2m — A Fairytale Ending for a Very Kiwi Landmark

Perched high above the windswept ridgelines of Brooklyn, with views stretching from Cook Strait to the capital’s restless harbour, one of Wellington’s quirkiest and most talked-about homes has finally changed hands. Known variously as a hilltop fortress, a medieval curiosity, and — most memorably — a luxury retreat for the region’s most pampered pups, the property has sold for $3.2 million, sitting just under its $3.68m RV.

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The sale brings a new chapter to a building Wellingtonians have long watched with amusement and affection. Once a radar bunker owned by Airways Corporation, the site was transformed in the late 1990s by developer Brian Willman, who spent decades shaping the fortress into a medieval-style castle complete with turrets, stone accents, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and a kind of theatrical grandeur rarely seen in Wellington’s famously wind-battered architecture.

A Castle for Canines

But it wasn’t the architecture alone that made the Hawkins Hill landmark famous — it was the dogs. For six years, the property operated as Woofington’s, a luxury dog hotel and daycare that catered to Wellington’s most indulged four-legged residents. With plush rooms, sweeping lawns, and a genuine castle backdrop, Woofington’s became a local cult story, later highlighted by outlets such as NZ Herald.

The business closed in 2021, but by then the castle’s notoriety had grown. OneRoof NZ even profiled it as one of the capital’s most unusual listings, confirming the eventual sale price of $3.2m (OneRoof).

A Sale Below Expectations — But a Story of Its Own

Real-estate insiders had expected the property — now more than 900m² internally with over 4,000m² of land — to fetch north of its rating valuation. Instead, the final sale price reflects a softer moment in Wellington’s premium market, where large one-off homes face a smaller buying pool.

Still, for a structure that blends wartime aviation history, medieval theatre, and luxury canine care, the sale marks the end of an unforgettable era. Few houses in the capital can claim to have served as both a radar control site and a hotel for dogs wearing rain jackets.

What Happens Next?

The new owners — who have kept a low profile — inherit a landmark that is equal parts home, curiosity and conversation starter. Whether the castle becomes a creative retreat, boutique venue, or simply Wellington’s most dramatic private residence remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: in a city known for its artistic spirit and unpredictable weather, the skyline will always make room for the wonderfully strange. And few properties come with a legacy as endearing as a fortress once ruled by dogs.