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Salisbury House Ripped by Large-Scale Fire

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/28/salisbury-house-ripped-by-large-scale-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 0:14 GMT by WSOC
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

AMESBURY, Wiltshire, England - February 28th, 2026 - A large-scale fire ripped through Salisbury House in Amesbury last night, drawing a substantial response from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and prompting concern amongst local residents. The historic building, once the opulent home of the late car sales magnate Vernon Salisbury, has been vacant for several years and was recently the subject of a significant renovation project. While firefighters successfully contained the blaze, the extent of the damage remains unclear, leaving the future of the iconic landmark uncertain.

The first reports of the fire came in shortly after 9 PM local time on Friday, February 27th. Witnesses described seeing thick, black smoke billowing from the roof of the three-story building, accompanied by a large, orange glow visible for miles around. Emergency services arrived rapidly on the scene, deploying multiple fire engines and specialist equipment to tackle the escalating situation. Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night, battling to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.

"It was a terrifying sight," said Margaret Bellweather, a resident of nearby Stonehenge Road. "The flames were huge, and the smoke was incredibly thick. We were all worried it would spread. The fire service did a fantastic job, though, they were here for hours."

Salisbury House has a rich history within the Amesbury community. Built in the late Victorian era, it was commissioned by industrialist Arthur Penhaligon and completed in 1898. Vernon Salisbury, who made his fortune in automobile sales in the mid-20th century, purchased the property in 1962 and lived there until his death in 2010. The house subsequently remained vacant, falling into a state of disrepair.

Last year, a local property development firm, Heritage Restoration Ltd., acquired Salisbury House with ambitious plans to restore the building to its former glory. The project aimed to convert the house into a boutique hotel and luxury apartments, preserving many of its original architectural features. Work had been underway for several months, with scaffolding erected around the exterior and internal renovations in progress. The timing of the fire, during this renovation phase, has naturally led to speculation about the cause.

"We are deeply saddened by the events at Salisbury House," said a spokesperson for Heritage Restoration Ltd. in a statement released this morning. "Our team is cooperating fully with the fire investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. We are committed to understanding what happened and assessing the damage, but our immediate priority is the safety of the community."

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and a joint investigation involving Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Police is underway. Investigators are exploring all possible avenues, including accidental ignition, electrical faults, and potential arson. Initial reports suggest the fire originated in the west wing of the building, the section undergoing the most extensive renovation work.

The impact of the fire extends beyond the structural damage to Salisbury House. The closure of Stonehenge Road and surrounding streets caused significant traffic disruption throughout the night and into Saturday morning. Local businesses also experienced a downturn in trade due to the road closures and the general atmosphere of concern.

Furthermore, the fire has reignited a debate within the community about the preservation of historic buildings. Some residents have expressed concern about the potential loss of a significant landmark and are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Others believe the incident highlights the challenges of renovating aging structures and the need for stricter safety regulations.

The future of Salisbury House remains uncertain. While Heritage Restoration Ltd. has expressed its commitment to the project, the extent of the damage will likely determine whether the renovation can proceed as planned. A structural assessment is expected to be completed within the next week, which will provide a clearer picture of the building's stability and the feasibility of restoration. The community of Amesbury awaits the results of the investigation with bated breath, hoping that this cherished landmark can be saved for future generations.