A historic house severely damaged by fire in 2011 will soon have new tenants after major restoration work was completed.

Rose Builders from Manningtree have recently finished repairing the property in West Street, Harwich, one of which is owned by Tendring District Council (TDC).

Four other homes were also damaged in the blaze which ravaged the Georgian-built terrace.

The home is expected to be re-let in November and Paul Honeywood, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Benefits, Revenues and Sports Facilities said he is delighted the house will again be occupied.

Mr Honeywood said: “It was a horrifc blaze and fortunately no one living in the street was injured.

“Rose Builders have done a fantastic job in restoring these 300-year-old homes and although it has taken almost two years it has been worth it.

“The street scene is now back to its former glory which is what we all wanted to see achieved.”

During the restoration work, which has been put forward for the Georgian Group Architectural Awards, builders discovered Smokey the goldfish living in a boarded-over pond.

Smokey had been left behind when several koi carp were rescued after the fire and had survived without sunlight or food until the time came for the pond to be infilled as part of the recent work. He has now been returned to his owner.