Bought by Gaylene and Garry Crabtree last year, residents have already noticed the site’s facelift over the past five months.

Taking the project day-by-day, Mrs Crabtree said the whole aim of the spruce-up was to create a Devonshire tea-house and giftwares shop.

With the town buzzing at the news a potential tourism drawcard is well under way, the couple has received overwhelming support for the project.

Landscaping work to create a garden area with mosaics and water features, shades for a small nursery, a children’s play area, potential car parking and spots for gazebos for entertainers and visitors to enjoy has been started.

While work on the inside of the school building has been minimal, the long-term plan is to convert it into a Devonshire teahouse and shop stocking locally made items, including Mrs Crabtree’s own wire creations.

Having always dreamed of having their own business, Mrs Crabtree said she and her husband were blessed to have the opportunity to make their dreams a reality.

“We took the opportunity up when it arose and thanks to them we can do something with it,” she said.

“It will be a different lifestyle, but it is something we enjoy. It will hopefully become a part of the town and for the better of the Junee shire and Riverina.”

Rather than pressuring themselves, the Crabtrees have opted not to set an opening day deadline.

“Every day we are one step closer to the opening,” Mrs Crabtree said. “We will definitely be open next year for sure.”

While the site will be transformed to meet its new function, it won’t mean the history of the building will be lost.

Plans are in place to develop a memorabilia room dedicated to history of the school, the town and the Bethungra Spiral.

A model Bethungra Spiral created by students in the 1970s will be on display with a running toy train and the room will house photographs, old desks and school history.

The Crabtrees are hoping anyone with historical information about the school or photographs will get in touch with them to ensure as much information about the site is available for people to enjoy well into the future.