IT was a homecoming with a difference as the current Mayor of Kidderminster officially opened a listed building in the town.

Built around 1870, The Briars in Habberley Road has a long history and is thought to have once been home to the town mayor.

It’s now been given a new lease of life by Elan Homes and to celebrate the completion of the restoration project current Mayor, Councillor John Aston , was invited to cut the ribbon to officially open the building.

Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the north, explained: “The Briars had fallen into a state of disrepair when we purchased it in 2010 and we have spent months lovingly restoring it so that the beauty of this period property can be enjoyed for years to come.

"It’s thought that the first resident was the well-known solicitor, magistrate and Mayor of Kidderminster William Boycot Jnr and with that in mind we felt it was fitting that the current Mayor should perform the ribbon cutting ceremony.”

Because of the property’s architectural and historic significance the local authority has included it in the local heritage list. And thanks to Elan’s skilled craftsman it’s not only been preserved, but enhanced.

Councillor Aston said: “It was a privilege to open The Briars and I am delighted to see the building restored to its former glory by Elan Homes. It makes a delightful and impressive family home.”

A Masonic lodge which was a 1960s’ extension to the rear of the original house has been demolished and the rest of the building stripped back to the original walls throughout.

“Visitors will be able to appreciate the grandeur of the property as they make their way up the sweeping gravel driveway which leads to the house and around to the detached double garage at the side,” Marie adds.

“They’ll see that from the outside it still has a very traditional look. Some of the windows have been retained and repaired but many were beyond repair and have been sympathetically replaced.

"The original roof has been retained, repaired and re-insulated. But while externally it looks very much as it did in its glory days, inside it’s been given a makeover to meet the demands of modern day family living.”

The grand reception hallway emphasises the spacious nature of the home, which offers some 3,000 sq ft of versatile accommodation including three reception rooms and a substantial kitchen, dining and family area at its very heart.

The kitchen features high quality Symphony units, granite work surfaces and integrated appliances including microwave, oven, dishwasher and fridge freezer.

The property boasts five bedrooms, two of which enjoy the benefit of en-suites to complement the family bathroom.

The impressive property is open for viewing Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For more information call 0845 250 8679 or see www.elan-homes.co.uk.