When the main homestead on Ian and Katrina Bebbington's property Mountview, near Ramsay, became vacant after the death of Ian's father Fred four years ago, the couple knew they did not want to rent it out on a permanent basis.
However, they also didn't want it to sit idle and let the elements of weather deteriorate the building.
"We started to renovate Mountview Homestead a couple of years ago as we needed to give it a purpose," Ian said.
But the renovations were hindered by the on-going drought, as the couple began hand feeding their cattle in a bid to salvage both their commercial and stud Charolais genetics from the ravages of the prolonged dry.
The Bebbingtons are hell bent on saving the best of the genetics in their Charolais herd as the drought on the Darling Downs continues for its third year.
"We have already sold all our commercial cattle, and culled heavily our stud cattle, but we need rain and grass desperately," Ian said.
"So it was about six months ago when it still hadn't rained we rolled up our sleeves and decided to finish the 120-year-old federation style home and offer it to paying guests." Mountview Homestead offers country accommodation for up to seven guests and features four bedrooms, including two queen, one king single and two single beds.
These rooms all open onto the sweeping large verandah which wraps around the home. This allows visitors to enjoy and take in the beautiful views of the eastern escarpment of the Great Dividing Range.
It also has a formal lounge and dining room, library, a modern kitchen with all the cooking utensils needed, plus a newly renovated modern bathroom.
The homestead has been tastefully furnished with many of the original pieces of furniture which have been restored back to its former glory. Other items have been collected from antique shops to keep the ambiance and charm of the era.
The Bebbington family bought Mountview in 1892 and built the gracious homestead in 1894 after the original home was destroyed by fire.
Overwhelmed by city interest
Ian and Katrina Bebbington opened for business in July and have been booked out every weekend.
They are now attracting visitors during the week as well.
"So far we have been overwhelmed by the support from visitors based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast," Katrina said.
"We are also hoping for some country clientele as we are so handy to Toowoomba.
"It would be ideal for country visitors who visit Toowoomba for shopping, medical and boarding school events and other attractions such as Farmfest.
"Our aim is is to provide a peaceful and relaxing stay with a real taste of rustic authentic farm life."
The Bebbingtons are very excited about the future of their newly created business opportunity.
Mountview Homestead is a 15 minute drive from Toowoomba, an easy two hour drive from Brisbane and only 30 minutes from the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.