Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

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Fire at Milland- 1899

Rapid flight of the inmates –

The most destructive fire that has occurred in this neighbourhood for many years broke out on Tuesday night, or early on Wednesday morning, in Milland House, the residence of Mr. C. Quentin. It was not until after the inmates, Mr. and Mrs. Quentin, with their children and servants, had retired for the night that the fire was discovered, a nurse giving the first alarm. The place was aglow when they made their escape from the building, hurriedly, in their night attire. The many valuables, some of them being priceless, had to go with the wreck; but Mr. Quentin did mange to save one or two cups he had, with his yacht, won, and prized. From the time of its first discovery to the end was but three hours. IT was, fortunately, a calm night, or the new racquet court, noble trees, and outbuildings, would have been endangered. The house was purchased by Mr. Quentin some time ago from Mr. Macdonald, the latter occupying it with his wife and two daughters form some years. Mr. Whitehead, of torpedo fame, was the immediate owner, the latter securing it at a sale by auction at Tokenhouse Yard. Mr. Quentin had spent a considerable amount of money in improving the house and its near surroundings. It is stated that everything was fully insured; but the inconvenience and loss to Mr. Quentin will be very great, and much sympathy with him in this sad disaster is expressed in the neighbourhood. The Fire Brigade at Petersfield received the call, and, arriving at the scene of the outbreak as early as possible, were promptly at work. There was a plentiful supply of water; but the house being semi-timbered, no part of it could be saved, and the place was gutted. Milland House, situate two miles from Liphook and six from Petersfield, was formerly the residence of the Rev. J. M. Heath, patron of Milland. [‘both patron and rector’ corrected] It was picturesquely situate below the hill, and presented a pleasing and irregular outline of quaint gables. It was of tolerable antiquity, and suffered much from alterations. The interior contained a very fine staircase in oak of Jacobian character, and said to be the work of Inigo Jones. There was also some good oak paneling of the same character and date. The situation of the house is marvelously beautiful; and the view from the garden front scarcely surpassed in the southern part of England.

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