UPDATE 3.09pm: THE family of a 96-year-old woman whose historic home was burnt down last week has thanked the community for its support.
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Ken Mackinnon, the son of ‘Durrol’ owner Karin Mackinnon, said the property had been in the family for 99 years.
“So many memories have been created there and within the whole of the Macedon area - such a unique and beautiful place,” he said.
“We were so lucky that the house survived the horror of Ash Wednesday and it is a little ironic that it was destroyed by an errant spark last Wednesday.
“Special thanks to Jeanette, Mum’s carer, for getting Mum and herself out of the house to safety, and special thanks also to Meghan and Jules, who looked after Mum and Jeanette on the day - it is really appreciated.”
Mr Mackinnon thanked all the people who had assisted in looking for Sienna, his mother’s beloved dog.
“Unfortunately she is still missing,” he said.
“On behalf of my mother, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, we wish to most sincerely and warmly thank all the Mount Macedon community and particularly the local and surrounding firefighting crews for their valiant efforts in trying to save Durrol.
“Thanks to all those who have posted such kind and thoughtful words on social media, it has been a great comfort to the family. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all.”
EARLIER: THE search for a 15-year-old chocolate coloured poodle missing since a fire that destroyed an historical house at Mount Macedon last week continues.
Sienna was believed to have been seen fleeing the burning house on Wednesday, before running back towards it.
Firefighters who battled the blaze have appealed for information about the much-loved dog, who was the companion of the house’s 96-year-old owner.
Though their appeal has been broadly shared, the brigade has yet to learn anything more about Sienna’s welfare.
Temperatures in the Macedon Ranges have dipped below freezing several times since the dog went missing.
Firefighters did not report finding a dog in the ruins of ‘Durrol’ last week, leading them to believe the frightened dog might be hiding somewhere close to home.
The heritage-listed house was 117 years old, according to the Australian Heritage Database.
‘Durrol’ had survived Ash Wednesday and was one of Mount Macedon’s last, and most stately, hill station homes.
Its 96-year-old owner was believed to have been in the shower when the fire started, and was assisted to escape by a carer who was at the property at the time.
Firefighters believe the fire started after a burning log rolled out of a fireplace.
Anyone who sees Sienna is urged to contact the Mount Macedon Volunteer Fire Brigade on 5426 1209.