Investigation begins into blaze at £1m village property

FIRE crews had to battle to prevent a blaze in a new house in Farningham High Street spreading to neighbouring properties at The Old Parsonage on Saturday night.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the roof.

Six engines were called to the scene at around 10.30pm and the crews successfully contained the damage to just the one property. Part of the roof was completely destroyed by the fire and extensive damage could be seen through windows on the first floor.

Investigations have already begun into what caused the fire in the £1million house recently built as part of the new development behind the former Barclays Bank in Farningham. A police forensic officer was at the scene on Sunday morning.

It is believed the property is currently for sale through Savills as there is one of the estate agent’s ‘For Sale’ signs at the start of the drive.

A police forensic officer arrives at The Old Parsonage.

It is listed as 1 The Old Parsonage and the online sales details describe it as a deceptive 5 bedroom new home with modern kitchen and bathrooms in a central village location within a small gated development. The price guide is £1,100,000.

A member of the fire crews takes a well earned rest on Sunday morning after a whole night of fighting the fire.

The damage to the roof could be seen through the upper storey windows.

Fire hoses used to fight the blaze are rolled up ready to be put away.