Detectives investigating a suspected arson in Ryedale are appealing for witnesses to help with their enquiries.
Dale Head House which is located between Hawnby and Osmotherley was 10 months into an extensive programme of renovation when it caught fire overnight between Sunday 23 and Monday 24 May 2010.
A builder who was staying at the site woke at around 2am on Monday 24 May to discover the property was well ablaze.
Detective Sergeant Ian Fieldsend, of Malton CID, said: “This incident has cost the victim an awful lot of money and has more or less destroyed a project which he had spent a lot of time and effort on.
“We are appealing to anyone who travelled along the Hawnby to Osmotherley road between 9pm on Sunday 23 May and 4am on Monday 24 May to get in touch with the police if they saw any suspicious people or vehicles.
“I am appealing for anyone who knows anything about this incident to get in touch with the police. If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted in the strictest of confidence.”
Reward
The owner of the property Jonathan Reed is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson attack on his property.
Mr Reed has owned the house for two-and-a-half years and has been renovating it from its derelict state for the past 12 months.
He said: “My intention was to live in the house part-time and as an architect brought up in the area with strong local connections, I intended to retire to the house.
“The incident is upsetting because so much time and energy has been invested over the past year by many talented local crafts people. All the materials were sourced locally and as the house is in such a sensitive location we were hoping the result would be a landmark renovation within the National Park.
“It looks like a mindless act of vandalism has prevented this from ever happening. It has destroyed a fantastic house in a beautiful area and has probably cost me £500,000.
Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to contact DC Ian Fieldsend, of Malton CID, on 0845 60 60 24 7.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
