The Grade II-listed Poltimore House in Devon suffered a serious fire in the early hours of 9 April, with the house’s trust vowing to repair and reopen the grounds to the public.
Situated near Exeter, the historic building, the core of which was originally built in 1550, was reported ablaze after staff at nearby Martinsfield Farm reported a number of children running away from the site.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) reported that “Fire control received several 999 calls reporting a fire in a derelict property just outside of Exeter just after 1am. Two fire engines were initially sent, however with information gained from other callers, fire control mobilised a third fire engine.”
“On arrival, crews confirmed this derelict property was fully involved in fire and requested a further three fire engines (six in total), two aerial ladder platforms, and two water bowsers.”
The fire was eventually extinguished later the same evening, leaving just the shell of the building standing, with fire service crews revisiting the site over the following two days to dampen down hotspots.
Speaking after the incident, Dr Peter Totterdill, Chair of Poltimore House Trust said:
“This amazing place has been loved by so many people over the years, and my heart goes out to all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to protect and restore Poltimore House. I have been at the House all morning and am shocked at the scale of the devastation.”
Restoration of the derelict building had been ongoing, with the Poltimore House Trust reporting that “over the past couple of years, the house and grounds have become a major hub for our local community with a farm shop, thriving cafe, open house sessions and events – all supported by dedicated volunteers”.
After being called to the incident following the fire, Devon and Cornwall Police (DCP) said: “Officers were notified of the fire overnight between Monday 8 April and Tuesday 9 April and later requested to attend by the fire service.
“The incident is being treated as a suspected arson and police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact them."
DCP later confirmed that two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, had been arrested by police on suspicion of arson and subsequently released on bail.
With the fire having caused significant damage, Poltimore House Trust has vowed to continue its work to save and restore the building. A statement on the Trust’s website said that: “Poltimore House Trust is committed to making the house and grounds safe following this terrible fire and to assess options for future restoration”, and ITV News has reported that over £5,000 has already been raised in the last week.
(Photo: Ottery Fire Station)