Fire doubly tragic

Russell Coutts' property may be demolished. Photo / Otago Daily Times

The fate of Russell Coutts' multi-million-dollar holiday home is uncertain after much of the Arrowtown house was destroyed by fire.

More than 30 firefighters fought Monday's blaze, which was caused by a stray ember during extensive renovations.

Arrowtown chief fire officer Garry Hall said the building was "razed to the ground".

"The property was totally engulfed in fire, I think they're looking at putting a digger through there on Monday."

A spokeswoman for the America's Cup skipper said no decision had been made on the future of the house and insurance issues were being investigated.

Firefighters were alerted by Coutts' caretaker Philip Bancroft, who lived on the Glencoe Rd property with his wife, Helen.

In a bizarre twist, Bancroft suffered a heart attack after making the call.

He was found 30m from the flames by firefighters who administered CPR before an ambulance arrived but were unable to revive him.

The couple had two adult children, Natasha and Mathew.

Helen Bancroft said her husband suffered a heart attack three years ago, had battled cancer and was not feeling well on Monday.

"It was really one of those sad and unfortunate things that sometimes happen," she said.

"I've been really humbled and heartened by the support we've received since Phil died."

Builders were several months into the renovations when the house caught fire.

Fire investigation officer Mike Cahill told the Otago Daily Times the blaze started after a worker using a blowtorch set fire to dry material in the building's old frame.

An ember was fed by an "almost gale force wind" and burst into flames.

Coutts bought the 41ha property in November 2005. Valued at $4.5 million by Quotable Value, it boasts tennis courts and landscaped grounds.

He was granted resource consent in March 2007 to extensively develop the house, which was built around 1860.

The plans involved extending the house to include a conservatory, study and garage with a games room and gym on the second floor.

A guest wing, lap pool and wine cellar were also approved.

The house would have had two kitchens, so visitors in the guest wing could prepare their own food.

The plans also included the caretaker's residence occupied by Bancroft, who was part-time caretaker at Arrowtown School.

Principal Robin Harris described him an an "enthusiast, with lots of ideas for the school".