Parnham House: Arson attack stately home sold to mystery buyer

A Grade I-listed stately home has been sold, nearly three years after it was largely destroyed in a suspected arson attack by its former owner.

Parnham House, near Beaminster, Dorset, lost most of its roof and internal structure in the fire in April 2017.

Previous owner Michael Treichl was arrested on suspicion of arson and was found dead two months later.

Estate agent Knight Frank said it understood the unnamed new owner would restore the building for use as a home.

The estate agent declined to comment on the sale price for the property which was marketed at £2.5m.

The fire broke out in the early hours of 15 April 2017 while no-one was inside the house and took four days to fully extinguish.

Police ended their arson investigation after the death of Mr Treichl, 69, in Switzerland, adding that they were not looking for any other suspects.

Historic England previously said the house had been unprotected for two years after the blaze, and it feared the "likely" collapse of external walls.

"We're aware that Parnham House has a new owner and will be meeting with their representatives soon," it said in a statement.

"The property remains vulnerable, and we would all like to see repair and restoration works begin as soon as they can."

James McKillop from Knight Frank, said most of the building was still standing, despite recent collapses of "minor internal walls".

"An ongoing maintenance programme has largely maintained its condition," he said.

"This wonderful property now passes into the hands of a private individual with the means and intent to restore the house."

The Treichl family carried out major renovations after buying the house in 2001, according to a Dorset Life article, external.