AN historic landmark in the town gutted by fire last July, opened its doors to Haslemere Society members during restoration works.

Best known as the home of Headcase barber shop, the three-story building dating back to the early 117th century, was devastated by fire in the early hours of July 7, with smoke and water causing extensive damage.

The ground floor barber’s shop suffered the greatest damage. Property owner Clive Aldridge invited the society in during the restoration, which is being undertaken by specialist builders Deeks and Steere, to see some of the interesting architectural features uncovered.

The firm aims to complete the ground floor building works in six weeks, after which shopfitters will make it ready for re-occupation by Headcase.

The rest of the building will then be restored, which will take a further 10 weeks.

Society member Cyndy Lancaster said: “Mr Aldridge pointed out the massive central brick chimney, a feature of timber-framed buildings of the period, and the intricate construction details.

“Many of the original joists and rafters had suffered earlier damage by wood-boring beetles and also wet rot.

“Some early open fireplaces had been replace by Victorian fireplaces and some of the original internal wattle and daub infill panels remained intact as did parts of the old lath and plaster ceilings, as well as walls a single-brick thick, using bricks of various ages.

“We now look forward to the completion of the restoration of the fire damaged building.”