Five teenagers have been charged with arson in connection with a fire that largely destroyed Rheola House, a historic mansion in south Wales designed by John Nash, the architect also known for Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch. The blaze occurred on August 18, causing what the owners described as a "devastating setback."
The five individuals, aged between 17 and 19, face charges of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. The 17-year-old charged cannot be named due to his age. The others charged are Kyle Renzoni, 18, Ellis Harding, 19, Yian Foster, 18, and Evan Traynor, 18.
Rheola House, a Grade II*-listed building near Neath, was built between 1812 and 1818. It had been slated for redevelopment into a luxury retreat that would include a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and spa. The Brook Group, owners of the property, had been working to resolve previous challenges before the fire.
"The damage to the main house is extremely significant," said Jason Brook, CEO of The Brook Group. "We will now be taking professional advice on the consequences of the fire and will liaise with the appropriate authorities to determine the next steps." He expressed a hope that despite the damage, plans for the estate could still move forward.
Brook also acknowledged the efforts of emergency services, stating, "We would first like to recognise and pay tribute to the firefighters who attended the scene and fought bravely and tirelessly to try to contain the fire at Rheola House." He noted the challenges of the remote location and expressed relief that all emergency personnel were safe. The swift actions of South Wales Police in apprehending the suspects were also commended.
John Nash, who designed the mansion, was a prominent architect in late 18th and early 19th century Britain. While known for London landmarks, he also spent time in Wales early in his career, undertaking local projects before returning to London to receive commissions from the Prince Regent. His other notable works include Brighton's Royal Pavilion, The Haymarket Theatre, and Regent's Street.
The estate spans over 110 acres. Cadw, a Welsh heritage body, has described Rheola House as "an important early 19th century country house in the picturesque tradition."
This is not the first time the property has been in the news for illicit activities. Previously, the site was used by a businessman and an accomplice to run an illegal waste racket amounting to £2.6 million. The scheme involved concealing waste, including biohazardous materials, on the estate. The individuals involved were convicted, with one pocketing £1.4 million before selling his mansion in 2021.