The owner of a Grade II-listed historic Cotswold manor bought last year for more than £8 million say they are “devastated” after it was left in ruins by a fire.
Pictures show the extensive damage caused to Barton House near Guiting Power after a devastating electrical fire took hold and tore through the property on Saturday (September 5).
The historic manor house, which dates back to the 17th century, was restored in the early 20th century and was home to the Hambro family for decades.
It was sold in January last year to a private buyer for £8.28 million who have been left with a huge clear-up operation.
Barton House was gutted by a fire on Saturday (September 5) (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Fire crews spent nearly 12 hours at the scene, with it finally being extinguished just before midnight.
READ MORE: Dramatic fire images at Grade II listed Barton House
Images taken yesterday (September 8) show much of the roof completely obliterated, while it is not yet clear how much of the interior was also destroyed.
Fire crews battled for just shy of 12 hours to contain the fire at Barton House (Image: Supplied)
The owners of the home, who asked not to be named, said: “We are in so much shock and it is devastating.
“It was an electrical fault in a light fitting that started on the first floor.
“30 local people from Guiting Power helped clear up the house on Sunday and we’ve had hundreds of messages of support from local residents.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who lives around us.”
The main house is Grade II listed with the property and set in extensive grounds within the Cotswold National Landscape.
One of the villagers who went inside the home after the fire to help with the recovery and clean up operation was Neil Chapman.
He said: “We popped down for a few hours to try and help salvage what was salvable. But there wasn’t a lot. A lot of the house is gone and the owners have lost a lot of personal belongings.
“We just helped where we could but there was a lot of damage. It Is going to need a lot of work to get it back to what it was and back to its former glory.
“The top floor was gone. They have also lost a lot of personal belongings that is obviously devastating for them as well.
“It has recently been renovated but there are still a lot of old historic items there. It was very sad to see but we just wanted to do what we could to help.”
The home in Barton, near Guiting Power, also features a pool house and associated swimming pool and tennis court.
Firefighters from across the region rushed to tackle the fire, including from Chipping Campden, Winchcombe, and Moreton.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 11.52am on Saturday, September 5, to a domestic fire in Guiting Power.
“Eight engines were sent to the scene and used three jets, two hose reels and 24 breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. The stop message was received at 11.30pm.”
Local villagers have expressed their sadness while the clean-up gets underway.
One said: “It was a huge fire and looks as top floor may be lost, with lots of damage to the rest of the house.
“Very sad to see such a beautiful house so badly damaged, especially after all the recent refurbishment.”
Another said: “Such awful news, hope everyone is safe.”