A £1 million country house was destroyed in a mystery fire which raged for three hours.

More than 50 firefighters were called in from across Sussex to fight the blaze which tore through Upper Lodge Farm in The Broyle, Ringmer, near Lewes, shortly after 11pm yesterday.

The house, which stands next to Raystede Animal Welfare Centre, was empty at the time. It is believed the property is in the process of being sold.

A spokeswoman for the animal sanctuary said they had seen the fire no animals were endangered.

She said: "The fire was far enough away from the sanctuary not to cause any problems. As far as we know the animals were all fine."

Firefighters were called in from Hove, Lewes, Uckfield, Heathfield, Barcombe, Crowborough, Newhaven and Mayfield.

The blaze was brought under control at 2.30am but a team was on hand this morning to damp down and prevent any further outbreaks.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Leading Firefighter Martin Lusk, of Lewes fire station, said flames were leaping up to 20ft from the roof when crews arrived.

He said: "The house was extensively damaged and a large part of it has collapsed."

Mr Lusk said he understood the owners had recently bought the house and had begun moving in the previous weekend. They were staying with friends when the fire broke out.