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
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…
CCTV of a man who allegedly assaulted a woman and young child.

Surveillance Footage Captures Bold Attack on Woman and Child

A predator has been captured on video brazenly attacking a woman and…
'Most famous handbag of all time' sells for $15 million

Iconic Handbag Fetches $15 Million at Auction

The initial prototype of the Birkin handbag, conceived on an air sickness…
Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash but ended up broke.

Sabrina Tried a Popular Side Hustle for Extra Cash, But It Ended Badly

Exclusive: Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash. Chloe* followed other local…
The young faces of unthinkable tragedy

The Innocent Faces Behind Unimaginable Tragedy

Julian Ryan’s final words to his mother as floodwaters quickly engulfed their…
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…

Afghan Asylum Seeker Appeals to Australian Authorities to Halt Deportation

Nearly four years after being captured and tortured by the Taliban, Ahmad…
Surfer Steven Payne (pictured, with his dog Poppy) had been travelling Western Australia with his partner Catherine Birch when he was fatally attacked by a great white, an inquest has heard

New Information Surfaces After 37-Year-Old Surfer Is Fatally Attacked by Shark in Front of His Girlfriend at Australian Beach

A surfer, tragically killed by a great white shark at a Western…

Exploring Australia’s Proposed Plan Against Antisemitism

Jillian Segal, Australia’s envoy on antisemitism, has put forth a strategy to…

Russia unleashes lethal attack on Ukraine; US restarts arms shipments

Russian drones and missiles bore down on the Ukrainian capital early on…

Melbourne’s Oldest Bookshop Gets a New Home with Help from Hundreds

Book by book, hand to hand — hundreds formed a human chain…
Grok

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot unexpectedly shares antisemitic content

Grok, the AI-powered chatbot created by Elon Musk’s xAI, has begun pushing…