A five-bedroom castle in the Brooklyn hills of Wellington, previously known for its stint as the luxury dog daycare “Woofington’s,” is back on the market as a mortgagee auction. The property, located at 430 Hawkins Hill Road, was purchased for $3.2 million in October 2023 but has returned to the market following financial distress, according to current real estate listings from Harcourts and Sotheby’s.
Why is the Brooklyn castle back on the market?
The property is being sold via mortgagee auction, a legal process initiated when a borrower defaults on their loan obligations. Despite a rateable value (RV) of $3.68 million, the castle’s financial history has been marked by instability. Following its October 2023 sale, the venue was rebranded as “Wellington Castle” and offered as a luxury rental for $945 per night before returning to the market under its current distressed status.
The property sits in a highly secure, private location behind Wellington’s landmark wind turbine, accessible only through a single gated entrance, a feature that has historically contributed to its reputation for isolation.
What is the history of the “Woofington’s” raid?
The site gained national attention in 2019 when armed police raided the castle, acting on reports that manager Robert Bromley was storing dangerous materials. Police discovered what they initially identified as two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within a safe inside the building, according to court documents. Bromley was subsequently charged under the Arms Act.
The legal outcome differed from the initial police report. In November 2019, Bromley pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possessing black powder in a pyrotechnic device. Wellington District Court Judge Chris Tuohy noted that the material was “not capable of exploding in the sense of some bomb or IED,” comparing its potential impact to that of a firework.
How does the property’s reputation affect future sales?
The castle is the subject of a new three-part documentary on TVNZ+, titled What the Hell Happened at Woofington’s? directed by Baz Macdonald. The series details the experiences of two former employees who alleged that the workplace environment involved drug use and an armed robbery linked to a debt. One interviewee described the atmosphere at the retreat as being akin to a “mental asylum.”
Real estate experts often note that properties with significant media exposure or “notorious” histories can face challenges in the open market. While the 4028m2 estate boasts “breathtaking panoramic views” of the Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait, potential buyers must weigh the aesthetic value of the commercial-grade kitchen and turret dining room against the documented history of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a mortgagee auction? A mortgagee auction occurs when a lender sells a property because the owner has failed to meet mortgage repayment terms.
- Is the castle currently open for business? No, the property is currently being marketed for sale and is no longer operating as a public venue or dog daycare.
- Where can I watch the history of this property? The documentary What the Hell Happened at Woofington’s? is available for streaming on TVNZ+.
When researching property history, always check the Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) records and official court reports to distinguish between hearsay and verified legal proceedings.
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