IT'S the much-talked about modern extension to the Yallungah mansion and the future Byng Street Boutique Hotel's operators are excited to see it finished.
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Thomas and Kristin Nock took the Central Western Daily for a tour through the construction site on Tuesday ahead of an anticipated opening in June.
Mr Nock is the son of David and Elizabeth Nock, who have owned a farm at Springside for the past 20 years and bought and developed the property.
It proved a controversial move, drawing objections from surrounding neighbours and other ratepayers passionate about heritage, and was ultimately settled in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Mr Nock conceded the original design for the extension "looked boxy" and it had evolved since.
"There were people who felt we were going to be this eyesore from Hill Street, but if you walk up Hill Street, you actually have to stop and look and it's just peeking out there," he said.
"From Byng Street, it just looks like a house."
He said relations with the neighbours had been a high priority in the time since, with balconies deleted from the design and building work attracting no noise complaints from a nearby Airbnb.
"We're really proud of that - it's really important they're on board with us," he said.
For the couple, moving their two young sons to Orange to pursue the venture made sense.
"Kris and I have been in hospitality all our professional careers," he said.
VIDEO: Take a tour around the site ...
"It's something we've always talked about, we love the idea of a small hotel, very hands on, welcoming with a family feel and some sophistication as well."
The couple believed the 22-room property would prove popular with the corporate sector and tourists after the food and wine experience or looking to use Orange as a base to explore the region.
"It really feels like it's in Orange and it's in a special part of Orange," Mr Nock said.
Mrs Nock said with much of the structural work done, the "fun stuff" was under way, with design elements starting to go in.
"The front section will have a nod to heritage because I think we need to, but it's exciting that we're bringing in those modern elements as well," she said.
"The new section will have a lot of colour, it will be quite vibrant, very contemporary."
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