Former Shenley Croft owners ‘beyond hurt’ after blaze destroys home

A woman who spent her childhood at Canterbury’s historic Shenley Croft has expressed her disgust after a blaze ripped through and destroyed the home.

A woman who grew up in historic Canterbury home Shenley Croft has spoken of her disgust at its fiery destruction.

A criminal investigation has been launched into the blaze which ripped through the heritage-listed Mangarra Rd house in the early hours of December 9.

Images and video obtained by the Herald Sun show the ferocity of the blaze which engulfed the home, built in 1905 on a property which now has an estimated value of $6m.

Tarni James grew up at Shenley Croft and her dance teacher mother Merle lived there until 2020 when she died at age 98.

Merle had taught hundreds of local people to dance at the house and was still doing so at age 96.

Tarni James said the house, where family members had gathered to marry and dance over decades, was a major part of her life and of others.

Shenley Croft in Canterbury up in flames.

Tarni James and her mother Merle, former residents of Shenley Croft in Canterbury

Ms James said she had watched it fall into neglect over the years, frequently visiting and closing open doors and windows which left the interior exposed to the elements.

Tiles missing from the roof caused damaging leaks, thieves had pillaged the original fittings and vandals left behind other destruction.

“So many people were connected to it. I don’t think I’ve cried so much since mum died,” Ms James said of the fire.

“It was one heartbreak to have to sell the property when mum died and now, to see it deliberately destroyed is beyond hurt.”

Ms James said she had been told the fire had been lit in multiple places and that a trail of flame was seen running to the front of the property where the arsonist had tipped fuel before igniting it.

Boroondara Council wrote to Ms James in the fire’s aftermath to say it had ordered the current owners to engage a structural engineer to examine the house.

“Legal advice is being sought with regards to taking further enforcement action under part eight of the Building Act or relevant planning provisions, including whether there is any potential for reinstatement of the fire-damaged dwelling to its original condition,” the council’s letter said.

Boroondara mayor Lisa Hollingsworth said the fire-ravaged home could be restored to its original condition due to its heritage status.

“The recent fire at 7 Mangarra Road, Canterbury is a serious matter and Council is exploring all possible avenues to protect the remaining heritage components of the building, including full reinstatement of the fire damaged dwelling to its original condition,” she said.

“The property is protected by a heritage overlay and any attempts to subvert the intention of this overlay to conserve the heritage value of the property will not be taken lightly.”

In June last year, the owner received a permit to partially demolish a section at the back of the property to make way for a new dwelling.

That portion of the home was not heritage listed.

Detectives from Boroondara CIU are investigating the fire.

They are interested in finding out more about a white ute seen at Shenley Croft the day before the fire and have asked any witnesses or people with relevant footage to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.