Acclaimed architect Rob Mills has sold his first project, a Victorian High Country house in Howqua Hills, for $640,000. The house, located at 1596 Buller St, was originally restored and extended by Mills when he was establishing his architecture studio. The property holds sentimental value for Mills as it had been in his family since the 1960s. The off-grid house sits on a 1787sq m block on the Howqua River and features timber floors, a wood fireplace, and a kitchen equipped with a wood stove. The renovation was done in keeping with the house’s period character, and Mills and his six siblings even pitched in to help with the labor.
Mills, the founder of Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors, is renowned for his high-end designs and has won numerous awards for his work. He has designed several luxury homes in Melbourne and has also worked on international projects. One of his designs, a multimillion-dollar Sorrento clifftop mansion, was the most popular home on realestate.com.au in 2023, with over 80,000 views.
The auction for the Howqua Hills property attracted six registered bidders, most of whom were locals who appreciated the uniqueness of the house and the area. The new owners are a family, and interestingly, the father had been one of the many youngsters whom Mills’ late father, Dr Kingsley Wallis Mills, taught to fish. The new owners plan to preserve the diaries and pictures of Kingsley, creating a lasting connection to the property’s history.
Howqua Hills is a rare gem in the real estate market, with less than 10 homes in the area being sold in the past decade. Its scenic location near Mt Buller and the Howqua River makes it a desirable destination for outdoor activities such as fishing and bushwalking. The sale of this property marks the end of an era for the Mills family but also opens up new opportunities for the new owners to create their own memories in this beautiful part of Victoria.
In conclusion, Rob Mills’ first architectural project, the restored Victorian house in Howqua Hills, has been sold for $640,000. The property holds sentimental value for Mills and his family, and its off-grid features and period character make it a unique and desirable home. The sale attracted local buyers who appreciate the area’s natural beauty, and the new owners have a personal connection to the property’s history. Howqua Hills is a rare and sought-after location, and this sale marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the Mills family and the new owners.
