In the early hours of a recent Monday morning, a major fire engulfed Hollybush House, a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion valued at £4.5 million and situated on Barnet's Millionaires' Row. Neighbours reported that the house was under substantial renovation, aiming to transform it into a family home. The building, which boasts nine bedrooms, was in the final phases of an extensive refurbishment that had lasted for 18 months, according to planning documents submitted to Barnet Council.

The current owners, Robert and Helen Speroni, had reportedly invested considerable funds into restoring the property, with works including roof repairs and the installation of stone flooring. September had been slated as the completion month for this ambitious project, which aimed to restore the mansion’s historical features, including the reopening of an original fireplace in the master bedroom.

Witnesses recounted the harrowing speed with which the fire spread. Eyewitness reports indicated that the blaze started in the roof, quickly consuming the timber interiors. One neighbour described seeing flames engulfing the structure within just 20 minutes, while an eyewitness who alerted the fire brigade estimated that ten fire trucks had been dispatched to combat the flames. Despite the rapid response, efforts to save the mansion were hindered by challenges such as locating nearby hydrants and protecting adjacent properties, including another listed building.

More than 70 firefighters battled throughout the night to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage to surrounding homes. As reported by the London Fire Brigade, the roof and most of the first and half of the ground floors were severely damaged. By daybreak, images from the scene revealed a once-pristine property left in ruins, raising concerns about the future of Hollybush House and its restoration efforts.

This incident underscores a troubling trend in Barnet, where luxury properties and derelict mansions often attract attention for all the wrong reasons. A similar incident recently occurred on The Bishops Avenue—frequently dubbed "Billionaires' Row”—where a derelict mansion was destroyed by a fire that raged for nearly three hours. The cause of that fire, like the one at Hollybush House, remains unresolved, prompting concerns about safety in a locale known for its extravagant homes, some valued upwards of £65 million.

Residents in the area expressed their dismay over the loss of such an iconic structure, which had been close to being restored to its former glory. Speak to local publications, long-term neighbours lamented the sudden destruction, noting that the mansion had been undergoing renovations with promises of a revitalised family home. One resident remarked, “They’ve spent thousands on it; let’s just hope they have good insurance.”

As the investigation into the fire continues, the fate of Hollybush House remains uncertain. Understanding the implications of this fire is essential, not only for the Speronis but also for the community that has closely followed the renovations, eager to see the historic building returned to its former splendour.

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Source: Noah Wire Services