Doesn’t the name Mill House conjure up images of a bygone era? This grand colonial Georgian building stands as a testament to Auckland’s rich history. Once known as Windover, Mill House was built by Frank Douglas Mill, fondly called Doug, for his wife Audrey and their two sons.
Doug Mill was no ordinary man. The indulged son of a wealthy mother, he embraced life to the fullest. He trained as a pilot, raced cars, and had a passion for photography. In 1924, he even won the NZ Light Car Cup.
In 1927, Doug married Audrey. Their honeymoon took them to the United States and England. Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight to Paris had just ignited a global fascination with aviation. Doug’s enthusiasm for planes was reignited. While in England, Doug earned his commercial pilot’s license and met Len Isitt, who later became Commanding Officer of Hobsonville. The two formed a lasting friendship.
Europe was consumed by airplane mania. Doug and Len Isitt flew a De Havilland Moth to Venice to watch the Schneider Cup air race. Doug decided to buy his own aircraft. It was a De Havilland Gipsy Moth, equipped with an aerial camera. He became the De Havilland agent for New Zealand. The upgraded plane arrived in Auckland in 1928. It was the first private commercial aircraft in New Zealand.
In March 1928, the Moth soared over Auckland, taking aerial photos for the NZ Herald. These weren’t the first aerial photos of the city. Leo White had taken them in 1921. But this was the first plane to land at Hobsonville.
Doug bought land near the aerodrome. He established a hangar and workshop for his new business, Aerial Survey and Transport Company Limited. By 1929, the company was conducting New Zealand’s first aerial photographic survey. Doug flew the plane. Audrey operated a state-of-the-art Williamson Eagle camera.
The 1930s saw a boom in New Zealand aero clubs. Doug became De Havilland’s most successful global salesman. He created replacement parts in his workshop with the help of cabinetmaker Andy Sutton. The English company was unimpressed by Doug’s resourceful attitude.
Auckland architect George Tole designed a fabulous new home for the couple. During the build, they lived in a small cottage onsite. The cottage became a film development space and guest accommodation. Francis Chichester stayed there before his solo Tasman flight in 1931. The cottage is now Chichester Cottage, a community facility.
Doug and Audrey Mill enjoyed a wonderful decade at Hobsonville. Windover was a place of high entertainment. Auckland friends came for the night. Planes and yachts were central to their activities. The house was beautiful. It featured antique furniture, a grand piano played by Audrey, Art Deco design, and modern conveniences like a Hi-Fi and electric refrigerator.
As World War II approached, the Mills had to sell their Air Survey and Transport hangar to the Air Force. Doug insisted the house be bought as well. In 1940, a price was agreed upon. The house was used to accommodate officers for training. Later, it housed the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and nursing sisters with the NZ Army. The Mills moved to Remuera.
Today, Mill House is home to Bear Park Early Childcare Centre. The patter of little feet would surely bring a smile to the family who loved it as a home nearly a century ago. Mill House stands as a reminder of their pioneering spirit and contribution to New Zealand’s aviation history.