Ohakune's White House expands to meet demands

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 599, 15 August 1995, Page 4 (Supplement)

Ohakune's White House expands to meet demands

Doing their best to increase the number of beds in Ohakune are Trish Scotson and Mick Sullivan from the White House. Over the summer the White House has nearly tripled in size from sleeping 12 people to sleeping 32 people. They have also renovated and expanded the dining area and opened it as a restaurant, as well as adding a bar. They gained their liquor licence in autumn. Both Trish and Mick came over from Australian and both have business backgrounds. Originally they wanted to open a bed and breakfast in the Hunter Valley near the vineyards. However increases in land values due to the 2000 Olympics put them out of the market. So they looked across the Tasman, and after reading the Herald every Saturday they came to the conclusion that there was an opportunity to achieve what they wanted in Ohakune. Both are convinced that Ohakune will have made its mark on the map within five years. Last season was their first "And we turned away so many people," says Trish, hence the building frenzy over the summer. Trish and Mick were among the first in Ohakune to have

to comply with the new Ruapehu District plan in terms of accommodation businesses, and as such, found the council very helpful. Mick said both he and Trish endeavoured not to cut corners and consequently they found they had the total co-operation of the council. They credit Steven Palmer Design from Wanganui for compiling information and making it easier for them to comply with the strict rules of the district plan governing accommodation houses. In the winter the White House is aiming for the middle market, with severi quadruple rooms and two double rooms. In the summer Trish says they offer very competitive accommodation for all types of travellers and holiday makers. Other services offered to guests include a drying room, continental breakfast, bed linen, towels and "the best spa in town" says Mick. Attitude Bike Hire is also available at the White House. "The White House provides acommodatipn with lodge style ambience for the average person on a budget who wants comfortable surroundings," said Mick. The new restaurant has a sumptuous menu featuring delicacies such as hearty steak and Guiness pie, fresh

steamed mussells in white wine sauce, and a traditional eighteenth century recipe for apple pie. Camilla Franklin, a roving chef who is tripping her way around the world, will be at The White House to deal with your hunger pangs Wednesday through to Sunday from 6pm till 10.30pm. So is operating a bed and breakfast what they expected? Trish says in some ways it is better - she loves the lifestyle of Ohakune. Mick says they're getting used to working seven days a week, 24 hours a day - "sometimes I don't get much sleep, but it's worth it," he concludes.