HISTORIC houses next to the canal basin in Stourport have been put on sale following a refurbishment.

Previously owned by British Waterways, the 18 Grade IIlisted buildings on Mart Lane and Severn Side were bought by Kidderminster businessmen Tim and Andy Hopkins, in March, 2012.

The duo’s property group Gemini has refurbished the interiors of the Georgian town houses, cottages and apartments, fitting solid oak flooring, log burners, kitchens, a range of appliances and contemporary bath and shower rooms.

Gemini Group managing director, Tim Hopkins, said: “I am delighted to be able to invest back in the local area when we have such a diverse and international business.”

He added: “The transformation of the properties is outstanding and we believe this is a truly exciting time for Stourport.”

Prices of the properties range from about £127,000 to £350,000.

The Hopkins brothers started a Stourport car accident repair business in 1989.

Their businesses now employ 800 staff across the UK and Australia.

Gemini project director, Nick Jethwa, added: “We are proud to have delivered further regeneration to our local area.

“The professional work by our contractors has been a key part to the project’s success.

We feel the improvements we have achieved to the street scene in Mart Lane and Severn Side have really complemented the quality of this location.”

Nigel Crowe, head of heritage for the Canal and River Trust – previously British Waterways – said: “The work carried out by Gemini has completely endorsed British Waterways’ decision to sell to private investors who have the funding and expertise to preserve historic buildings like these.

“Stourport is a very historic inland port and is of great importance to England’s waterways. The Canal and River Trust is committed to assisting the ongoing improvements around Stourport’s waterways.”