Antoinette James has taken a mish-mash collection of antiques and transformed them into The Whitehouse Homestay in Taroom, a six hour drive from the Sunshine Coast.
The large Queenslander home is a treasure trove of handmade Italian furniture and features enclosed verandas, patio, an indoor fireplace, air conditioning, washer and dryer, and a television in each room. Whitehouse Homestay offers three bedrooms overlooking the main street of Taroom that that sleep two people each, although they are not suited for children or pets. Breakfast is included as well as tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit at any time and there is also a kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals.
Antoinette says it has always been a dream of hers to open up a homestay and she cannot believe it has finally become a reality. “I hope to offer a unique experience to anyone who chooses to stay,” says Antionette. “What I have here at the Whitehouse Homestay is so very special and I enjoy sharing it with my guests from all over the place. ”
The rural town of Taroom sits on the Dawson River and was visited by Prussian explorer Ludwig Leichhardt during his expedition from the Darling Downs the Nothern Territory in 1884. Ludwig carved a message into a Coolabah Tree that still stands in the main street today, which is now known as the Leichardt Tree and is listed on the Queensland heritage register. Other attractions in Taroom include the Steel Wings Windmill on the Leichhardt highway near the western edge of town and the Taroom & District Historical Society showcasing local historic artifacts.
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