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Story of the Mill House Villa
Constructed in the early 1900s by the industrious McCluggage Family, known for their sawmills in the region, this charming villa tells tales of a bygone era. In 1924, as part of their ventures, they crafted a tunnel at the property's rear, providing access to the timber on the Whangamomona Saddle—a historic feature that stands the test of time.
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Transformed into a farm over the years, this property has been a cherished haven for several farming families. Aaron and Amanda, the current custodians, embarked on their own farming journey here. Though they've since moved just down the road, they joyously open the doors of this little piece of paradise to those in search of a unique escape off the beaten track.
Meet your Hosts
Aaron and Amanda pictured here with daughters Ruby and Lucy, have been running the Mill House as a vacation property since shortly after they moved out of the home in 2018. They still run the farm together, often with some extra help from their daughters.
Since converting the property to a Guest house, the couple has made numerous upgrades, including a brand-new bathroom, top linens, upgraded wifi, and upgrades to the water pressure. At times, they've joked about moving back in – the upgrades made it almost too tempting!
Meet Your On-Site Host...Kitten
As Aaron, Amanda, and the little ones set up camp in their new digs just up the road, it turned out not everyone was thrilled with the move. Someone in the family insisted on being the responsible guardian of the old homestead.
Meet Kitten, the discerning family member. From her post on the bed or the couch, she keeps a vigilant eye on everything, especially on the lookout for any stray crumbs – she takes her job of maintaining order very seriously. Kitten graciously accepts tips in the form of ear scratches and affectionate attention.
If feline charm isn't your cup of tea, no worries – she's got her favorite spots outside and will gladly let you have the run of the place.
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