'Huge shock' as fire breaks out in country house

The fire broke out at the Grade II listed Bindon Country House

Dozens of firefighters have put out a blaze at a Grade II listed country house in Somerset.

The fire broke out at Bindon Country House near Wellington at about 00:00 BST, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

It started on the first floor and spread into the roof, with eight fire engines from Wellington, Taunton, Bampton and Bridgwater sent to the scene, firefighters said. Everyone was evacuated from the building safely.

Justin Williams, co-owner of the Amchara health and wellbeing retreat, which leases the building, said the fire had come as a "huge shock".

Mr Williams said the fire had "completely destroyed" one of the bedrooms.

"On the first floor we have four bedrooms and they have mild to medium damage while on the top [second] floor there's the damaged one and two more bedrooms have suffered smoke damage.

"We're just relieved and grateful everybody is safe and want to thank them for a job well done.

"It's understandably been a huge shock to us and has caused a massive disruption to our business.

"All businesses are in difficult times and the last thing we need is this, so it's extremely difficult for us."

A crew remained at the property to dampen down hot spots and prevent the fire from reigniting.

The fire tore through a three storey annexe area of the hotel and caused part of the building to collapse, firefighters said.

Bindon Country House is described as a large holiday house which can accommodate up to 26 people.

The Grade II listed building was built in the 19th Century and is located within private grounds near the village of Langford Budville.