A new coffee house opening May 1 in Boone will offer coffee lovers much more than a hot cup of Java.

Whitman House Coffee Company owner Rob Norris said his coffee house will offer people a place to relax while being surrounded by beauty and elegance.

Iowa State faculty, staff and students will be able to bring their work and, Norris said, find a comfortable setting in which to get it done. He said students will feel the 12 minute drive to Boone is well worth it.

“What makes people enjoy their coffee is the coffee bean itself, the right coffee equipment and the right person serving it to you. We’re adding a fourth element — atmosphere,” Norris said.

Norris said Whitman House will be decorated in late Victorian style. Local antique stores have agreed to donate pieces to decorate the walls of the shop. He said the decor will be “not crafty or contemporary, but classy and elegant.”

“It’ll be really homey. When people come in, they’ll breathe a sigh of relief. It’ll be a place to sit and relax and stay as long as you feel,” Norris said.

In addition to atmosphere, Norris said Whitman House will also serve more than just their own special blend of coffee. Other beverages served will include gourmet hot chocolates and ice cream beverages. The menu also includes breakfast foods such as bagels, croissants and English muffins with ice cream; deli sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch; and pasta with red and white sauces for dinner.

Norris said he hoped Whitman House would become a social center for the community. The coffeehouse will seat 60 people and also has a large balcony with a conference table. Norris said they plan to hold various workshops and seminars on topics like woodworking and antique refurbishing.

Norris and his wife Naomi decided to open Whitman House after purchasing a three story Victorian house and discovering their love for antiques. Norris said that shops like his are springing up all over the country and he and his wife thought it would be a “wonderful” idea.

“So far the response has been enormous. It’s almost scary,” he said.

Whitman House, located at 705 Story Street in Boone, will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.