Seven fire crews from three counties battled to put out a blaze which swept through a remote country home.
Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle the flames at the extensive home in Danley Lane, Linchmere, near Midhurst, on Saturday.
The fire was spotted by a neighbour at around 2pm.
When firefighters arrived they did not know whether anyone was inside and six officers searched the house using breathing apparatus.
Crews from Midhurst, Petworth, Bognor and Chichester were joined by others from Liphook and Grayshott in Hampshire and Haslemere in Surrey.
It took two hours to extinguish the blaze.
No-one was found in the house and the residents were later reached by Sussex Police elsewhere.
A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The occupiers were found to be safe and well but were severely distressed."
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