“Howqua River Lodge has been a passion project for many years - a luxury and self-sufficient retreat immersed in the wilds of the Victorian Alps.
This place, deeply connected to my family for generations, holds great personal significance. It has been an honour to introduce this extraordinary landscape to my practice and collaborators.
Together, we designed and built Howqua River Lodge as a place to gather and enjoy life's most precious moments. Living here is a rewarding, nurturing, and transformative experience.”
Rob Mills
Howqua River Lodge is a model of refined luxury nestled in the Victoria Alps. More than a residence it is a place for escape, adventure and restoration, balancing off-grid independence with high-performance living.
Every detail, from the bespoke spatial planning to the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, has been meticulously considered to create a residence for truly living well. The design recalls the allure of destinations such as Deer Valley in the United States or Wanaka in New Zealand, where remote locations are paired with world-class luxury.
The five-bedroom residence comprises of three pavilions that integrate effortlessly into the rural landscape, referencing the local mountain vernacular. Inside, earthy tones, natural textures and custom details are carefully crafted to create a home that is luxurious yet connected to place, allowing the environment to take centre stage. Expansive glazing frames panoramic alpine views by day and a canopy of stars by night.
A suite of amenities, including a pool, spa, ice bath, and sauna, offers indulgent moments of wellness, while direct river access opens endless opportunities for exploration.
Though designed for off-grid living, the lodge makes no compromise on comfort. State of the art systems operate seamlessly and allow the home to perform efficiently. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated —enhancing rather than defining the experience.
Howqua River Lodge is built with longevity mind. An enduring structure of craftsmanship and luxury, created as a place to gather and restore for generations to come.
Howqua River Lodge is for mornings quiet and unhurried, days spent fireside or wandering the wilderness, and evenings gathered with family and friends. With not a single man-made structure in sight, the uninterrupted landscape clears the mind and restores balance. Here, seclusion brings freedom; a life apart from the demands of the everyday, where one can be fully present.
The mountains are bold and grounding, standing tall for eternity.This valley is a place of ever-changing beauty. In summer, the days are long and warm, with the lodge providing a cool refuge from the sun. Autumn brings temperate days and a gentle calm over the valley. Winter turns the landscape crisp and cold, with only the adventurous venturing out until the sun’s rays return. Spring is a time of renewal, with fresh growth, longer days, and the joyful return of swims in the river. This life-giving waterway mirrors the seasons: serene in summer, wild and untamed in winter.
Simple, enriching pleasures shape life at Howqua River Lodge: reading, walking, riding, swimming, talking, cooking and reconnecting. The design recalls the allure of destinations such as Deer Valley in the United States or Wanaka in New Zealand, where remote locations are paired with world-class luxury.
Publications
ASPIRE MAGAZINE
America
ELLE DECOR
Italy
ELLE DECORATION
China
HAUSER MAGAZINE
Germany
KNACK WEEKEND
Belgium
THE LOCAL PROJECT
Project Feature & Architects at Home Book
Awards
London Design Award 2025
- Winner, Interior Design
American Architizer A+ Award 2025
- Finalist, Residential Interiors
Good Design Awards 2025
- Winner, Built Environment Interior Design
Australian Institute of Architects 2025
- Finalist, Victorian Residential Architecture: New Homes
Australian Design Review 2025
- Winner, Sustainability
House Awards 2025
- Winner, New House & Sustainability