Wedding party evacuated after luxury retreat goes up in flames for the second time
A wedding had to be evacuated from a luxury retreat west of Brisbane after a devastating fire broke out from the kitchen.
The historic homestead at Spicers Hidden Vale was destroyed after a fire broke out in the kitchen on Saturday about 4pm.
The bride and groom had finished the outdoor ceremony and were evacuated with around 80 guests.
But the homestead, containing the kitchen dining, reception and lounge areas, was gutted by fire.
The homestead has a rich history. Ipswich City Councillor David Pahlke said it was once the home of Australian spy Sidney Cotton – a character author Ian Fleming used for the basis of James Bond.
Anxious brides and grooms to be - some tying the knot in less than a fortnight - are now waiting for answers.
But it's a case of history repeating as the original homestead was burnt down in 1919, and the one which was razed on Saturday was rebuilt to replace it.
Mother's plea after baby girl tragically dies 90 minutes after birth
Dashcam video showing crash at T-intersection sparks online debate
WATCH: Shocking moment a train surfer leaps off carriage into water
“Like they did then, it will be rebuilt and we'll keep Hidden Vale going for the community,” Spicers Hidden Vale’s Kira Klein said.
“We have a long list of alternative sites with facilities so we're confident we'll be up and running quickly.”
