Puhoi Pub is on the market for the first time in 60 years.
Probably the country's most famous and lively watering hole, the grand two level pub is nestled in the historic village of Puhoi, near the Puhoi River, and dates back to 1879.
The business is being sold along with the land it sits on, and, according to LJ Hooker agent Steven Glucina, there is enormous scope for expansion.
Glucina, who is marketing the property at 5 Salesyard Road for sale by tender, says the pub is "a mecca" for tourists.
Start your property search
The pub is on about 6078m2 of freehold land and includes accommodation to sleep 14 people. The land, buildings and business are in two titles, offered via separate tenders.
Rodney and Dulcie Seymour bought the pub in 1962 then passed the baton to daughter Gillian in 2001. “Rod put the establishment on the map with his famous memorabilia and antics,” says Glucina.
“It is one of the few, if not the most, iconic pubs left in New Zealand. It is literally a living museum, not only for the locals but also for the thousands of tourists, day trippers and travellers who enjoy rubbing shoulders in this unique village setting which oozes with character and the charm of yesteryear.”
The council valuation for the pub is just under $1m, not including any business value, and the valuation for the block of land with the stables is $1.150m. Expectations will certainly be above these figures, says Glucina.
The pub and Puhoi has strong connections to eatsern Europe. Ethnic Bohemians came to what was a heavily bush-clad valley north of Auckland in 1863, bringing with them traditions of hard work, music and beer.
The first permanent licence was issued to the Puhoi Hotel over 140 years ago and today’s handsome two storey building was opened in 1900, offering dining and accommodation for weary travellers.
These days it is also a popular venue for weddings, corporate functions and family gatherings.
“It’s also a mecca for visiting Czechs, who can even enjoy their Pilsen lager which is available on tap along with many other famous local and craft beers.”
Over the road from the pub is the historic Puhoi Hotel Stables, also established in 1879 and situated on a “stunningly beautiful” 4.3150-hectare piece of land which has endless possibilities, says Glucina.
“It works in conjunction with the pub and hotel and would be ideal to expand the current facilities or maybe subdivision (subject to council consent) sometime in the future.”
Glucina says part of the appeal to new owners is that the pub and village of Puhoi are so close to Auckland but a world away.
Puhoi is one of only two ethnic historic villages in New Zealand (the other is Akaroa).
After a long voyage the early settlers from Bohemia, an area of what is now the Czech Republic, were taken by sailing cutter to the mouth of the Puhoi River then transferred to Maori canoes for the last four miles of their 124-day journey.
Owner Gillian Seymour says parcels of land were offered to the newcomers in return for their coming to New Zealand to settle and work the land.
About 50 families went on to carve out the leafy township that stands today on the banks of the Puhoi River.
Find out more about the listing below:
