Owner of Melbourne mansion gutted by fire claims dream home was deliberately torched
Share this @internewscast.com
The owner of a new multimillion-dollar Melbourne mansion gutted in a fierce blaze overnight says he is determined to rebuild after claiming his dream home was intentionally lit.

Building industry veteran Gerald Hoggard was only months away from moving into the St Georges Road property in the affluent suburb of Toorak when it was set alight.

Several neighbours called emergency services after noticing flames coming from the two-storey brick mansion on the corner of Ultimo Court just after midnight.

Neighbours called triple zero after noticing the home alight after midnight. (Nine)
Crews spent almost an hour battling the blaze. (Nine)
The blaze caused sustained significant structural collapse to the mansion, according to Fire Rescue Victoria. (Nine)

About 30 firefighters spent almost an hour battling the blaze from the outside, but it was completely destroyed by the inferno, according to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).

“The initial focus was on protecting the surrounding properties which were threatened by the heat and also by significant embers,” FRV commander Arran Dixon said.

“The crews have done a fantastic job.”

Hoggard is the founder of construction groups Extension Factory and Sperway Homes.

The house was undergoing renovation and nobody was home at the time, according to police.

Hoggard has spent the past three years building the property and was planning to move in with his family by Christmas. 

The building industry veteran told 9News he doesn’t believe it was a random attack, but does not know why his home would be deliberately targeted.

Arson chemists examined the charred remains of the mansion today, as FRV specialists and Victoria Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

The property was sold for more than $7 million in 2021, but renovations could have boosted its value to more than $15 million.

Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Second Australian city becomes million-dollar housing market

Another Major Australian City Enters the Million-Dollar Housing Club

Brisbane is now part of Australia’s million-dollar property markets, with median house…
Air India plane crash site

Engine Fuel Switches Set to ‘CUT OFF’ in Fatal Air India Crash, Report Indicates

The London-bound plane had barely left the runway at Ahmedabad airport before…
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting

Trump Announces Plans to Make a ‘Significant’ Statement on Russia

Two days after complaining about Vladimir Putin’s “bulls—“, Donald Trump says he’s…

Carolina Wilga: Latest Updates on the Disappearance of a German Backpacker

There are grave concerns for German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who disappeared while…
Chermside hit-run

Brisbane Hit-and-Run: Tradie Involved in Fatal Accident May Be Released Soon

A Queensland tradie was sentenced to five years jail today for killing…
Geologist James Hagadorn closes boxes of core rock samples at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

Discovery Made by US Dinosaur Museum Beneath Its Parking Lot

A US museum famous for its dinosaur exhibits has discovered a fossil…

Afghan Asylum Seeker Appeals to Australian Authorities to Halt Deportation

Nearly four years after being captured and tortured by the Taliban, Ahmad…
Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.

The Complex Guidelines Senior Drivers Must Follow

A fatal car accident in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has…
Carolina Wilga stopped at a petrol station in Toodyay about 4.30pm the day before she was last seen.

Lost Backpacker Carolina Wilga Rescued in Isolated Western Australia Outback

Missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga has been found alive in the remote…
Ukrainian intelligence officer 'assassinated' in broad daylight

Ukrainian Intelligence Agent Killed in Daylight Attack

A Ukrainian Security Service officer was shot dead in Kyiv overnight Australia…

Follow-up: Video of Corgi on Apartment Balcony Raises Worries

A corgi has been surrendered and is now in the care of…

Disturbing Conditions in Police Cells for Children: Blood, Rats, and Self-Harm

This article contains distressing content. Tiny, windowless cells with no access to…