A new and improved grade-II listed historic building and an "asset" to the community has arisen from the ashes, following a devastating fire nearly two years ago.
Inside the new and improved mansion
Ewell Court House, was formally reopened on Thursday, November 12, after undergoing extensive rebuilding and renovation since it was destroyed by a fire in December 2013.
From December 2013: 'Massive damage' at historic Ewell Court House
From April 2014: Appeals launched to help rejuvenate fire-damaged Ewell Court House
In the early hours of December 10, 2013, ten fire engines were called to the mansion after a low-powered frost inhibitor sparked a fire, which destroyed half the roof and damaged 80 per cent of the house.
Ewell Court House after the devastating fire in December 2013
Some of the building was unscathed and the public library and children’s nursery that occupy part of the building were able to reopen within a few days, but it took nearly two years of work before it could be used as a community venue again.
Ewell Court House was reopened by the mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Christopher Frost, during a formal ceremony on Thursday.
He said: "It is fantastic to celebrate the re-opening of a facility where the local community can, and does, come together.
"I pay tribute to those who have worked so hard and so skilfully to recreate a building of which the borough can be proud.
"With the considerable financial pressures it is facing, I’m also pleased that the council was able to find the funding to ensure that Ewell Court House is not just re-opening the same as it was before, but better."
Ewell Court House after its re-opening in November 2015
Councillor Jan Mason, chairman of the council’s leisure committee, despaired when she first saw the fire-ravaged building, but was delighted that the mansion could be reinstated.
She said: "I love this building, not just its fabric, but because of its value to the local community.
"This building has been a community asset for a century. With the restoration now complete, I hope it will remain so for another 100 years".
Ewell Court House was built in 1879 but incorporated an earlier building, Avenue House, which dates back to the late 17th century.
Since the 19th century it has been used as an arsenal for a gunpowder business, and a base for ambulances, air raid wardens and a gas decontamination unit during World War II.
In 2003, Epsom Council wanted to turn it into a residential development but this was strongly opposed by residents who banded together to form Ewell Court House Organisation (ECHO).
They persuaded the council to retain the house for a mix of commercial and community use.
The house hosted an open day on Saturday, November 14.
The council is once again taking bookings for room hire at the house, which in recent years had been used as a wedding venue and other community activities.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here