- Mangatawhiri's iconic castle received no bids at auction, but talks with conditional buyers continue.
- Owner Mark Houghton transformed the former barn and cafe into a cosy family home.
- Houghton is selling for more space, seeking a new project with his blended family.
One of New Zealand’s most recognisable roadside landmarks, Mangatawhiri’s turreted castle, is still looking for a fairytale ending after passing in at auction today.
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The castle - which started life as a barn, became a popular cafe and is now a cosy family home - got zero bids when it hit the auction floor today.
However, the auctioneer told those in the room that conversations with conditional buyers were now ongoing.
The iconic property has been one of the most viewed on OneRoof since hitting the market last month.
Vendor Mark Houghton told OneRoof ahead of the auction that he bought it in 2021 from the late cafe owners’ family. “The family had the crazy vision to turn this big old barn into a castle," he said.
“I inherited this big project and someone else’s dream. I saw the opportunity to make something really unique and fun and just make it a cool house for my son and me to live in.
Session musician turned art teacher Mark Houghton converted Mangatawhiri’s famous castle into a home. Photo / Supplied
The property is stylish and cosy. Photo / Supplied
“When we first moved in, it was this big blank canvas. Taylor used to ride his bike around inside from turret to turret and just had the best time.
The international session musician turned secondary school head of music said: “I have had band rehearsals and people over to have listening sessions on new vinyl records. It’s a very cool musical space with some of the acoustic things happening with the turrets.”
When the Houghtons first moved in, they had to deal with squatters of the furry variety. “Mainly possums. Too many for my liking. But they’re all gone, so that’s good.”
That wasn’t the only challenge. “It had a bunch of stuff that needed fixing up. There were a couple of leaks, and it was just a big, cold space. One of the first things I did was figure out how I was going to heat the place, and I bought the biggest fireplace I could. It’s now super warm and cosy. I filled in some internal walls and made it very liveable with bedrooms, a new kitchen and bathroom.”
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Houghton did keep the unusual ceiling mural, which features fighting Roman soldiers and was added by the previous owners.
Houghton is selling up for more space. His partner has a six-year-old son of her own, and the blended family needs room to grow. “We have four go karts, and so I need garage space,” Houghton said. “The castle has a small garage, but not quite big enough for four go karts.
He added: “This has been five years of me doing all the work and learning how to do all the bits and pieces. It was something very cool for me to take on at the time, and now I think it’s time for someone else with the next vision to come in. Whether they use it as a home or they use it and set it up as a really unique business, that’s up to them. But it’s time for me to build a new life and start a new project with a family.”
Houghton said his son was going to miss the home. “When we had the place set up for him, one of the turrets had his trampoline in it. He’s going to miss that, but when we go to the new place, I think he’ll find things that he loves about that as well.”
The ceiling art, installed by the original owners, is a striking feature. Picture / Supplied
Ray White listing agent Charlotte Cairns has said she loves the fact she is selling a castle, and in her promotional video for the property, she can be seen wearing a crown.
She called the castle a “true local legend ... one of the region’s most recognisable and talked-about properties”.
“Rich in character, steeped in history, and reimagined for modern living, this remarkable residence is as unique as it is unforgettable,” her listing ad said.
“Currently configured as a comfortable three-bedroom home, the interior offers generous proportions and practical living, while retaining the magic and charm that has made this property iconic.”
- 257 Mangatawhiri Road, Mangatawhiri, Auckland, is for sale
