- Neil Finn paid $4.2 million for Auckland's Edinburgh Castle, planning to turn it into a wellness centre.
- The pub, with a history of violence, lost its liquor and gambling licences.
- Finn's purchase adds to his real estate portfolio, including a bach and commercial properties.
New Zealand pop legend Neil Finn paid $4.2 million for a notorious Auckland pub, OneRoof can reveal.
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The Spinoff news site reported on Monday that Finn had acquired the Edinburgh Castle on Symonds Street in Eden Terrace and was planning to turn it into a wellness centre.
The deal took place off-market and was completed in March, with Finn paying $2m above the property's RV.
It is one of several real estate deals Finn has done in recent years. OneRoof can also reveal that Finn paid $1.8m for a 440sqm former panel beaters on Randolph Street.
The Edinburgh Castle pub is next door to Finn's recording studio, Roundhead. Photo / Supplied
Finn also bought this neighbouring warehouse in March for $1.8m. Photo / Supplied
And in 2021, he bought a bach in West Auckland for more than $3m - more than double its then RV.
The Edinburgh Castle is next to a block Finn owns on Newton Street, which is home to Finn's recording studios, Roundhead. Finn has slowly acquired buildings in the block since 2003, paying $1.13m for one in 2010.
Finn, who is currently on tour with Split Enz, made property headlines a decade ago when he sold his 120-year-old villa in the upmarket Auckland suburb of Parnell for $3.8m.
Finn's purchase of the Edinburgh Castle is a new twist in the pub's 160-year history. The pub lost its liquor licence after opposition from residents and police. They had become concerned about the escalation in violence at the venue.
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Media reported that the pub continued to operate as a gaming venue until it lost its gambling machine licence at the end of last year.
The Spinoff reported that the neighbourhood had been buzzing with rumours that Finn had bought the Castle.
A spokesperson for the star told the site on Monday: “Neil has purchased the Edinburgh Castle and intends to turn it into a wellness retreat ... It will all start once planning permissions are approved."
Chand Sahrawat, who operates the nearby restaurant The French Cafe, told RNZ today she was excited that Finn was taking over the pub.
"The site has had its challenges over the years, so a concept centred on wellbeing, connection, and a more considered use of the space is a welcome change," she told RNZ.
Finn's recording studio has, over the years, hosted Kanye West, Johnny Marr, KT Tunstall, Crowded House and Finn's pop star son, Liam Finn.
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