In the Gold Rush Era, The Butel brothers operated a flour mill on the property, it became the first electrically powered operation in the district, running off the water wheel.

In the late 1980s, the now owners planned to build a lifestyle resort, one that would exist in harmony with the land. Their goal was simple: “to create a paradise for people to enjoy life together.”

Millbrook Resorts’ most symbolically significant commission is the restoration of the original Butel flour mill into The Millhouse. In fact, the Millhouse was completely rebuilt to function as a Conference Centre and Restaurant, a brief that the Architect Francis

Whitaker achieved in a manner that retained the character of the original buildings, whilst also preserving the mill pond, and even keeping the original water wheel operational.

This revived Millbrooks original identity, maintaining it sense of place and purpose.