A WELL–KNOWN local award–winning bed and breakfast last month celebrated its 20th anniversary of operation in Beechworth.

Heidi Freeman and Jim Didolis run Freeman on Ford, taking five years to renovate the heritage building before commencing operations in 2002.

"We're proud to be custodians of this beautiful Victorian building and to repurpose it for future generations to appreciate," the couple said.

"Beechworth's unique heritage – which hasn't changed since gold rush days – is a draw card to tourists."

Heidi has fond memories of her parents, both of whom made a significant contribution to the town's commercial sector.

She named the heritage building 'Freeman on Ford', in memory of her late father Michael Freeman (1898–1978).

"I didn't want my father's history or contribution to Beechworth to be forgotten," she said.

"Combining two generations it's been a total of nearly 90 years our family has been in business in Beechworth.

"My mother Herta Freeman had a department store after she became a psychiatric nurse and later had an art gallery open on weekends which was frowned upon.

"As the first person to have their business open seven days a week, she paved the way for a shift in opening times that has benefited Beechworth to this very day.

"My father sold drapery from a suitcase, knocking on doors before he started the first shop business where the café Project 49 used to be, as well as others in nearby towns."

After escaping war–ravaged Poland, Michael Freeman enlisted with the Australian Army, serving mainly in the Middle East from 1939 until 1945, while Herta migrated to Bonegilla.

"My mother moved to Beechworth where my parents met, to take up the psychiatric nursing position at Mayday Hills Hospital, where she was bonded by the Australian Government as she was one of the first refugees after the war," she said.

Heidi said both parents had seen Australia as a land of opportunity, giving them a thirst for hard work after coming from an impoverished life.

Heidi attributes being in business to her background, where business acumen, philosophy and ethics had been handed down.

With a love of hospitality and a vision to encourage and cater for a different market with luxurious accommodation, both Heidi and Jim have found their business to be rewarding.

"We have so many interesting people who stay here and we love hearing their stories as well as telling our stories about Beechworth's history," Heidi said.

"I find it's our role to make people feel comfortable, relaxed, but also is to be empathetic and it is humbling to listen to other people's stories.

"I can see people at the beginning to the end of their journeys, be it someone with a terminal illness, newly married couples or engagements.

"I feel we play an important role as guests will remember Beechworth from their experience of staying here as well as memories of the town and surrounds from imparting our knowledge, recommending places to visit, and we have many guests return."