INVESTIGATIONS were continuing today into the mystery blaze which claimed the life of a 44-year-old woman in one of the most idyllic rural corners of Hampshire.
Tragedy struck at the 16th century Brambridge House - a listed mansion beside the River Itchen at Colden Common.
The alarm was raised by a neighbour in the flats in Kiln Lane. It is believed that he attempted to get into the ground floor flat to rescue the woman who was trapped but was beaten back by the smoke.
Firefighters wearing breathing sets got into the bedroom and were able to move the woman out of the building. She was treated for severe burns.
Under police escort she was rushed to Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after 1pm yesterday.
Police believe that the woman was a local resident who had been staying at her parents' flat in Brambridge House.
They said they were not treating the fire as suspicious.
About 15 firefighters from Eastleigh and Winchester tackled the blaze which broke out in the flat which is on the wing of the house which overlooks the drive.
Brambridge House is split into 14 flats. The original house dates back from the 16th century and has royal links. It was extended in the 19th century and damaged by fire in 1872. In 1944 he house was bought by a property company who converted into flats. It was listed in 1955 and classified as grade two building.
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