£4.5 Million Historic Mansion Ravaged by Early Morning Fire
A massive blaze tore through the stunning Grade II-listed Hollybush House on Hadley Green Road, Barnet, north London, in the early hours of Monday, May 26. The £4.5 million Georgian mansion, perched on the prestigious Millionaires’ Row, was engulfed in flames shortly after 1am.
70 Firefighters Battle Blaze for Six Hours
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed an enormous team — 70 firefighters and ten fire engines rushed to the scene. Crews fought the fierce fire for over six hours before finally bringing it under control at 7.15am. A 32-metre turntable ladder was used to tackle the blaze from above, as flames consumed the roof and upper floors.
Partial Roof Collapse and Heavy Damage to Mansion
The six-bedroom late 18th-century mansion suffered severe damage, including a partial roof collapse. Flames engulfed both the ground and first floors. The property was undergoing refurbishment with scaffolding around it at the time. Nearby, the adjoining cottage was damaged but saved from total destruction by heroic firefighters.
No Injuries Reported as Cause Investigated
“The whole of the roof, as well as the first and ground floors of a detached house under refurbishment, are alight. Firefighters will remain at the scene into the afternoon,” said an LFB spokesperson.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Prestigious Property with Famous History
Hollybush House, last sold in 2020 for £4.5 million, features 2.23 acres of gardens, three terraces, a pond, and a swimming pool. It stands among Hadley Green’s most valuable properties, an area known for grand homes once inhabited by famous figures like explorer David Livingstone and author Fanny Trollope.
Local Residents Urged to Stay Safe Amid Heavy Smoke
Residents nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to thick smoke. Fire crews deployed drones to assess structural risks and monitor the fire’s extent. The fight to save Hollybush House continues as investigators work to determine how the devastating blaze started.
