Five teenagers have been charged with arson over a devastating fire that destroyed a historic mansion designed by the architect Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch.
The John Nash-listed Rheola House in South Wales would be converted into a luxury retreat with a bar, restaurant, pool and spa.
But the country house near Neath has now been almost completely destroyed in a ‘devastating setback’ following the fire on August 18.
Five teenagers between the ages of 17 and 19 have been charged in connection with the fire at the mansion, designed by Nash, who also BrightonThe Royal Pavilion.
Kyle Renzoni, 18, Ellis Harding, 19, Yian Foster, 18, Evan Traynor, 18, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named due to his age have all been charged with arson out of recklessness as to whether life was in danger.
Jason Brook, CEO of owners The Brook Group, said: “We have faced multiple challenges since our involvement with Rheola, and that this is happening after we had finally resolved many of the issues that were preventing us from moving forward with our proposals is hugely troubling.
‘The damage to the main building is enormous. We will now seek professional advice on the implications of the fire and will contact the relevant authorities to determine next steps.
“Our sincere hope is that, despite this devastating setback, we will be able to emerge from this tragedy and continue with our plans for the Rheola Estate and its future.”
The John Nash-listed Rheola House in South Wales would be converted into a luxury retreat with a bar, restaurant, pool and spa
But the mansion near Neath has now been almost completely destroyed in a ‘devastating setback’ after the fire on August 18
Mr Brook thanked the firefighters who tackled the blaze.
He said: “We would first like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the firefighters who responded to the scene and fought bravely and tirelessly to bring the fire at Rheola House under control.
‘The house is in a remote location, which makes the fire brigade’s efforts even more challenging in these circumstances, and we are extremely relieved that all emergency personnel present are safe.
‘We would also like to commend and applaud the quick actions of South Wales Police, which led to the arrest of five people who have now been charged.’
Rheola House was built between 1812 and 1818 and the estate covers over 110 hectares.
Although Nash’s most famous works are in London and southern England, he also spent a lot of time in Wales.
He moved to Carmarthen in 1784 and lived there for three years, undertaking a series of local projects before returning to London, where he achieved fame on behalf of the then Prince Regent.
Some of his other works include The Rotunda at Carlton House, The Haymarket Theatre, Park Crescent and Regent’s Street.
Yian Foster, 18, is one of five people charged with arson over the fire (pictured in uniform for the Military Preparation College for Training, which helps young people prepare for future careers in the military)
Rheola House was built between 1812 and 1818 and the estate covers over 110 hectares
The house was previously described by Welsh heritage organization Cadw as an ‘important early 19th century country house in the picturesque tradition’.
Brook Group’s plans for Rheola House include 295 lodges, restaurants, a sports complex, commercial zones and the redevelopment of the mansion itself into a boutique hotel.
The house has been described by Welsh heritage organization Cadw as ‘an important early 19th century country house in the picturesque tradition’.
It previously hit the headlines after a businessman and his accomplice were convicted of using the site to run an illegal waste racket worth £2.6 million.
Howard Rees, 65, and 53-year-old Huw Leyshon hid the waste next to the building by using large excavators and then flattening the ground on top.
They made plans to dump materials including biohazard waste such as used syringes and clinical supplies from hospitals.
Rees made £1.4million from the scam before putting his mansion up for sale for £750,000 and selling it in 2021.
Cattle farmer Leyshon made £1.2 million from the scheme.
