This Christmas will be very special for one local couple as they move back into their home, two years after it was destroyed by a fire.

David & Stuart Shrimpton Davis have been rebuilding Rose Cottage in Clanfield since December 8, 2022.

The 16th century property caught alight after an ember managed to escape the spark guard and landed on the thatch roof.

Stuart said: “I had fallen asleep in the snug watching a film, waiting for David to come home from a charity event in London. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door from a neighbour shouting at me to get out.

“The fire started on the roof so the firefighters were able to access the ground floor to save personal items, furniture and family photos.

“They did an amazing job and over three days, 70 firefighters and a million litres of water the fire was extinguished.”

Once the fire was put out, nothing was left except for remnants of the old 16th century cottage.

The rebuild has reused materials that could be salvaged and worked with conservators to protect the heritage of the property using local businesses and tradespeople.

Stuart added: “Some of the original timbers have survived and been grafted with new Oak. Most items have been restored or re-used under the watchful eye of local conservators.”

Some special features of the cottage include timber from the Portsmouth dockyard and marks in the shape of the letter M. They were scratched on the woodwork by people who were Catholics, but could not openly reveal their faith, the M represents the Virgin Mary.

Stuart, originally from Farnham, fell in love with the property for its character and the garden. David, who grew up in the area, used to cycle past the cottage during the summer holidays as a child.

“David knew the cottage and when he saw it was up for sale he shared that it was the one he used to cycle past,” Stuart said.

“I said, ‘let's go for it!’ and we bought it. We love it and the garden and we have missed it so much as has Alfie, our dog.”

The couple have also missed the community, neighbours and friends who have been very supportive during the rebuild.

The day after the fire, Stuart was standing on the drive in tears not knowing where to start. A man approached him and offered to help Stuart source what he needed to secure the property and Ben proved to be a godsend.

He talked to a local company and explained the situation and put the security measures in place, but wouldn’t take a single penny. To repay his kindness, Stuart hired him as one of the builders on the project. During the rebuild, there were five occasions when people broke into the site.

Stuart and David are looking forward to spending Christmas and New year and what will be their 35th anniversary back home with their friends and loved ones.

The whole project and gardens should be finished in spring.