About the host

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At first the location is what I loved about this property. Then it was the house's rich history that really sold me! While not having much architectural details left to preserve, I am able to at least continue its story for many years to come. In 1921, a hurricane had demolished the Gulfport Casino. From that lumber, my house was constructed and known as 'The White House'. There were very few houses at this time. The builder was the Mayor, Nathan McKinney, who built it as a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law, Ethel and Leander White. Leander's mother was the daughter of the very first settlers of Gulfport, the Barnett Family). With great appreciation for the volunteers at the Gulfport Historical Society (well worth a visit), I was able to find original photographs of the house which I have kept to its integrity as best I can.

There's not a bad seat in the house! The views of tropical shrubs and palms, sweet smells of orange blossoms along with the sound of the many birds that enjoy the area (especially the parrots!) - entertain the senses. The bay breeze carries the smell of Stella's getting ready for the brunch crowd. In the morning, you can sit on the front stoop and enjoy your coffee and the friendly faces walking by. The location couldn't be better! All the exciting life of Gulfport, but also the peaceful setting. It's the kind of place that you just don't feel like getting in the car - it's a real vacation.

This building is significant for its association with the development of Gulfport during the Florida Land Boom period of the 1920’s.  The building appears as one of the few homes on the 1923 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, the first such map prepared for the community.  Nathan B. McKinney, Gulfport Mayor at that time, built this home for his daughter Ethel & Leander White for a wedding gift. Leander’s mother, Laura Barnett White, the youngest daughter of the first original non-Indian settlers of Gulfport – Captain James Barnett and his wife Rebecca Slaughter Barnett in 1868.  Leander ran passengers by boat (the only access to Gulfport at that time) and was a commercial fisherman.  In 1955 he was reportedly swept off the deck of his boat, Dixie, during a Gulf Storm.

The house was built in 1923, using the lumber from the old Gulfport Casino, which was destroyed in the 1921 Tampa Hurricane that devastated the waterfront in 1921.  At this time Gulfport’s population was at 300 persons.  Once the electric trolley was introduced to Gulfport (Disston City at the time), the local economy went from small fishing village to desirable tourist destination