Kate Winslet and her children have been staying at Richard Branson’s home on Necker Island in the Caribbean. But their holiday was cut abruptly short last night when Branson’s home caught fire during the night and burnt to the ground. It is thought that the house was struck by lightning during a tropical storm. Branson’s wife, son, daughter and 90 year old mother were also staying on the property but all have escaped without injury.
A rep for Branson’s company, Virgin Limited Edition, confirmed the news in a statement;
“Whilst the cause at this stage is unknown, it is thought most likely due to a lightning strike. Whilst substantial damage was caused to the building, no guests or members of the Necker Island staff were hurt.”
Branson took to his blog today about the previous night’s events, he wrote;
“Many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year mum out of the main house to safety wondering when a director was going to yell cut!”
In his usual positive spirit Branson is already planning the rebuild of the home that has been nick named the Great House.
