The owner of a historic house in Lyttelton was just weeks away from getting the roof fixed his brother said.

Fire and Emergency crews were called to Bridle Path Road on Friday to find the house completely engulfed by flames.

No one was injured in the blaze.

The dwelling is known as Devonia and has historical and social significance for its association with Captain Robert Hatchwell and the Hatchwell family, who owned the property for a century from 1889.

The house was owned by Jason Roberts. His brother said on a Give A Little Page “as we all know , Jason is the first to help anybody in need.

And due to extremely unfortunate circumstances poor Jase had his house burnt to the ground on Friday.

As some will know he was a couple of weeks away from getting his roof done and being able to insure finally.

Yup , he’s lost everything and unfortunately didn’t yet have insurance. All he has left is his looks and sense of humour.”

The money would be used to clear the site, dump fees and digger hire.

Fire and Emergency NZ has been asked to comment on the cause of the fire.