Fire Engulfs Historic Farmhouse in Rossett with Troubled Past
An abandoned farmhouse in the outskirts of Rossett, Wrexham, became engulfed in flames on Tuesday evening, marking the latest incident in a tumultuous history of vandalism and tragedy at the site. Gamford House Farm, located about 300 metres from the village, has remained derelict for over a decade, enduring vandalism, anti-social behaviour, and a tragic fatality.
As locals reported seeing smoke drifting across fields, two fire engines rushed to the farmhouse to extinguish the fire. This comes after a major fire in November 2018 caused the farmhouse’s roof to collapse. In the recent blaze, suspicions arose that the fire may have been deliberately set, with witnesses claiming to have spotted youths in the vicinity.
The farmhouse, known for its troubled past, has been a target for vandals and urban explorers alike, with its deteriorating state becoming a cause for concern among the community. Despite being designated for a housing project, the site has faced challenges, with Wrexham Council expressing reservations in 2024 over the potential impact on the surrounding rural area.
Plans to construct 10 new homes on the site, however, were ultimately approved, as the planning committee recognised the need to address the site’s reputation as a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour. The application has now been forwarded to the Welsh Government for review, given its deviation from the council’s standard planning policies.
Local residents have lamented the state of the abandoned farmhouse, referring to it as a “blot on the landscape” due to its history of neglect and vandalism. With the approval for new housing development, there is hope that the site can be revitalised and contribute positively to the community, moving away from its past plagued by tragedy.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by abandoned properties, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, authorities will be keen to ensure the safety and security of such sites to avoid further incidents and safeguard the well-being of the community.
As the community reflects on the events at Gamford House Farm, there is a sense of resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by the site’s troubled history. With plans for new homes on the horizon, there is a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, where the once-abandoned farmhouse can be transformed into a vibrant and thriving part of the local landscape.