The historic Vandenberg Hotel verandah will be here for future generations. Behind the scaffolding that's enclosed the Court Street venue over the past week or so, critical work has been taking place. Now Kevin and Colleen Gunn are more excited than ever about the possibilities for the future of its iconic - not to mention rare - verandah. "We've worked from the foundation up, giving the hotel stability, and it's returning ever so close to its true character," Mr Gunn said this week. "We now see the possibility of drinks and canapes up here on the balcony for small gatherings. "Since we've reopened the doors and worked on refreshing the hotel this will be the first real summer it gets its chance to showcase itself." The two-storey hotel was built in the late 1860s and the verandah features beautiful wrought iron and Cypress beams - but the key support beams were more than 160 years old. Through Acheson's, the Gunns were able to source replacement beams from a Queensland mill so they could resecure the roof and keep the heritage facade intact. The decorative support posts remain, and the wrought iron will all be put back in place. This project has become particularly meaningful to the Gunns, as they've seen since reopening the hotel just how many people stand on their corner to photograph the historic Town Hall - especially when it's lit up for special events. "It's not until you're actually standing on the balcony you feel the significance of the history all around," Mr Gunn said. "Viewing the 1800s Town Hall, the two churches, the Post Office and court house with the town's Victoria Park and memorials is unmatched. "You could have an October light show on these buildings and showcase them along with a few other historic buildings." He concedes he and Colleen never imagined themselves in the hospitality industry, but revitalising The Van is a strong legacy they're proud to give back to Forbes. With other historic hotels in the town now seeing a change of purpose, Kev, Colleen and their boys believed The Van should have a final chance to be a pub - a place of community gatherings, a big part of the community. It's been a challenge, but it's a strong legacy they're proud to give back to Forbes.
