In 1925, Kenilworth House (pictured right) was the first home built in Kenilworth. The St John Bosco Catholic Church building in rear of photo which still stands in Anne Street was built in 1938 and in this photo, Elizabeth Street, which now runs up beside the house had not been constructed.

As you would expect from a home built in the village almost 100 years ago, Kenilworth House has some amazing stories to tell but perhaps none so interesting as its place in the history of World War II during which time it was used to house Italian “Prisoners of War”

During those 100 PLUS years, the home has had many custodians, and in May 2023 Kerry and Donnamaree became the most current of these.

They are not new to hospitality however, and have a lifetime of experience hosting holidaymakers, weekenders, Brides, Grooms and wedding guests at their last property in Maleny where they helped create many memorable and life changing moments for their guests.

Since their arrival at Kenilworth House they have breathed new life into the front gardens, updated the upstairs accommodation, completely repurposed and created new secondary accommodation on the ground floor and in latests developments have created a serene Tuscan al fresco Courtyad back garden for guests pleasure.

During WW II, Kenilworth House became Q7 PW Control Centre, headquarters for the allocation of Italian POWS with the first of 100 POWs employed in the centre beginning work on 15 May 1944.

The POWs wore red uniforms and were allocated to daily work on surrounding local farms and properties in Maleny and Wootha where they worked for the duration of the War.

By February 1945 there were 150 POWs allocated here.

During that time 3 full time military staff and a number of drivers were headquartered here to supervise the POWs.

Finally, at wars end they were marched out in two groups, the first on November 29, 1945, and the second on January 4, 1946

In honour of these hardworking Italians, Kerry and Donnamaree have renamed the suites to reflect their time spent here.

The one-bedroom upstairs studio is now the “Lucca Suite” whilst the newly refurbished  downstairs apartments are the “Bassano Apartamento.”