A British family’s plans to relocate permanently to Greece were shattered when their newly built home in the Peloponnese region was destroyed by wildfires days before their scheduled move. Rory Clifford, 36, and Stephanie Harper, 35, along with their three children, had invested over €300,000 (£257,000) and years of savings to establish their dream residence in the mountainous area of southern Greece.

The couple, who run a designer furniture business, had been preparing for the transition for more than a decade. They had already moved many of their personal belongings to the property, enrolled their eight-year-old twin daughters, Evangeline and Ivaria, in a local school, and planned to bring over their youngest child, 19-month-old Athena, along with three rescue dogs. Stephanie, who is currently pregnant with twins, had even coordinated with a local clinic for the births scheduled early next year.

Stephanie described the emotional toll of losing the home, which the family had purchased in 2023. “We are a very resilient family but this has knocked it out of us completely,” she said. She emphasized that the loss extended beyond the physical structure, touching on cherished memories and the sense of community they had built with help from local residents. “A dream and hard work... just stolen in seconds,” she added.

The wildfire that engulfed their property struck last Friday. Local firefighting efforts had been swift, but helicopters were grounded overnight, delaying intervention until daylight. The house was destroyed around 4 a.m., leaving the family devastated and currently residing in a one-bedroom flat in Hastings, East Sussex.

The cost of building the home included unexpected expenses, such as replacing 2 km of piping to access water, which alone cost £10,000. The couple financed the project through the proceeds of their business, personal savings, and loans, having sold many of their possessions over the years to fund the move.

Stephanie’s sister, Gabby, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with rebuilding. Despite having insurance, the family estimates they will need around €100,000 (£85,000) to recover financially. Stephanie expressed mixed feelings about seeking public support, noting the modest lifestyle they have always maintained and the deep personal significance of the home. “We will rebuild and we can’t give up,” she said.

The family’s connection to Greece dates back to a 2011 campervan trip during which they grew fond of the country’s people and environment, eventually deciding to make it their permanent home amid rising costs of living in the UK. After spending eight weeks at the house last summer, they had finalized preparations for their move planned for August 10.

Looking ahead, Stephanie acknowledged that plans remain uncertain but underscored their determination. She added that although their children are struggling to understand the sudden changes, they have adapted well so far. “We will still do anything for our children’s happiness and future which is why we can’t give up on the House on the Mountain.”