A HISTORIC bank-building has gained a new lease on life after being turned into tourist accommodation.
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The Boort building had been home to a National Australia Bank branch since the 1870s, which closed in 2018.
When the bank closed building owner Cleo Lanyon decided the town didn't need another empty shop on the street.
So Ms Lanyon began the process to turn the bank-building into accommodation, which she could see was much-needed in Boort.
Now completely transformed, it's known as the NAB&B.
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Ms Lanyon said the town mainly relied on a lakeside caravan park accommodation for tourists, which meant availability could be limited.
"The population of Boort doubles over Christmas, it just is lacking in accommodation, there's nowhere else to go, we're filling that void," she said.
To create a comfortable place to stay builders took out the bank's central desk and glass screen, turning it into a living and dining room. A manager's office is a children's room, while side rooms accommodate two bedrooms.
Existing kitchens and bathrooms serve their previous purpose, but have been "made a whole lot nicer".
Historic features such as a pressed metal ceiling remain features of the interior.
The accommodation unit takes up only part of the historic building, the rest of which is a private residence.
Ms Lanyon said a comfortable and homey atmosphere had been her priorities in designing the space.
It's taken more than two years to turn the bank into accommodation, with "plenty of work" to do around permits and plans.
Open since December, Ms Lanyon said guests had been really happy with their stays, while the community were excited and curious to see the bank's transformation.
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