Stonehouse

The Stonehouse is a complex of structures comprising an 1870s public house, its kitchen wing and store. Situated on the road to Moore, it was once a ‘stage’ for Ned McDonald’s Esk to Nanango coach-run. Most Queensland staging posts were built in timber and rarely survive. The Stonehouse was built by Bob (Robert) Williams, who emigrated from Almondsbury, Gloucestershire with three brothers in 1873. Bob had reputedly spent some time in the Kimberley diamond mines of South Africa and wore a large diamond ring. Further family members, all contractors or stonemasons, arrived in 1874. Bob applied for a liquor licence on The Stone House Hotel in May 1880 indicating that it contained seven rooms, exclusive of his personal family needs. Nephew Frank Williams was given the job of building further structures as part of his apprenticeship training in the 1880s which included a store, butcher, blacksmith shop, and stables. The hospitality of the Stone House Inn was referenced in the folk song ‘Brisbane Ladies’. When Bob died in 1907, his memorial was built by Frank Williams who had established himself as a monumental mason in Ipswich. Frank later built the war memorials at Esk, Gatton, Warwick and Ipswich. Please note - This is a private residence and not publicly accessible.