It might be an old-style pub but the Ohingaiti Hotel on State Highway One has now transformed into a B&B and truck stop diner.
Charm's B&B & Truck Stop Diner owner Charmaine Dupre said it had taken some hard ''cleaning" graft to get it into shape but the old place was now looking homely, comfortable and squeaky clean.
With her main focus on the daily truck traffic between Wellington and Auckland, she has ensured the diner side of her business offers the delicious square meals that truckies love.
Which means from Monday to Wednesday she's up and at it from 4am to 2pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday it's 4am to 10pm.
"It's my business so long hours -that's the way it is.''
Charmaine, who was living in Wanganui, had moved hoping she could put her business on the map.
"Buying the hotel meant I could have a business and a home. A friend works here with me and she does the cleaning and the grounds.''
The old hotel has scrubbed up well, she said
"It took us nearly six weeks to get it ready though.
"Local feedback has been very positive and people all very happy with the food and the place.''
The bedrooms have literally been turned over , she said.
New sheets, new pillows, new duvets -I had to throw everything out.''
A CB radio is being installed so truckies can call through an hour before their arrival and order their food, she said.
Her steak, onions, eggs and chips or a full English breakfast cost $19.
"The truckies love it."
Local clientele is mostly farming locals, people driving past and sports teams, which will mean several amateur golf teams - the glorious Rangatira golf course is just 3km up the road - from Wellington to Auckland.
Charmaine admits part of the attraction of Ohingaiti were the glorious white Rangitikei
Cliffs.
"I love them.''
Charmaine's husband's death a few years ago had inspired her to look for work outside Wanganui, she said.
"I tried to get work in Wanganui but it was very difficult. I grew up in Wairarapa but have lived all over New Zealand.''
She also provides Devonshire Teas between 10am and 3pm.
"Because there are always people driving past I thought it was a good idea to provide morning and afternoon teas as well."
Though it's still early days Charmaine is pretty confident her business will take off via word of mouth.
"People talk. Word gets out and that's always great publicity for any business.''
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