22 August 2011 Last updated at 19:52

In pictures: Fire at Branson's Necker Island home

Branson family pictures of Necker Island blaze

The fire raged at the luxury property, the Great House, on Sir Richard's Necker Island after breaking out in the early hours of Monday.

Two guests who escaped the fire could only stand and watch as flames tore through the building.

Virgin Group boss Sir Richard was staying at a nearby property at the time. He said the fire had "completely destroyed" the building.

Sir Richard's 90-year-old mother Eve, his 29-year-old daughter Holly, and Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and her children were among the 20 people in the property at the time. All escaped unhurt.

The blaze was blamed on a lightning strike after a tropical storm with winds of up to 90mph struck the island.

Virgin Limited Edition picture of Necker Island

Sir Richard, 60, bought Necker Island in the early 1980s and began building the eight-bedroom Great House in 1982.

Virgin Limited Edition picture of the Great House, Necker Island

He has pledged to rebuild the Great House, pictured here before the blaze.

The island had boasted accommodation for 28 people and the Great House included a number of private pools.

UK

In pictures: Fire at Branson's Necker Island home

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