A devastated family has had their ideal residence in the Greek mountains destroyed by wildfires just days before their planned permanent relocation from the UK. Rory Clifford, 36, and Stephanie Harper, 35, had meticulously constructed their dream home in the mountainous region of Peloponnese, in southern Greece. The couple had arranged for their twin daughters, Evangeline and Ivaria, aged eight, to attend a local school starting in September, and Stephanie, who is currently pregnant with twins, along with their 19-month-old daughter, Athena, were all set to move.
Tragically, recent wildfires in Greece engulfed parts of the country, resulting in the complete loss of their home and belongings. Stephanie expressed deep emotional distress over the incident, highlighting the immense sense of loss and grief they are experiencing.
The family had invested over €300,000 (around £257,000) into their property to create an ideal living space for their family and three rescue dogs. Stephanie mentioned that their savings, loans, and hard work from their designer furniture business had funded their relocation plans, which had been in the works for over a decade.
Despite facing numerous challenges and unexpected expenses during the relocation process, including significant costs for infrastructure improvements to the property, the family was determined to start afresh in Greece. However, the devastating wildfire setback has left them in a one-bedroom flat in Hastings, East Sussex.
In response to this tragedy, Stephanie’s sister initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family in rebuilding their lives. Stephanie expressed gratitude for the support received but acknowledged the substantial financial burden they face, estimating a need for around €100,000 (£85,000) to recover.
Stephanie emphasized their modest lifestyle and the profound significance of the lost house in Greece, which represented a long-held aspiration to provide a better life for their children. Despite the setback, they remain determined to rebuild and remain optimistic about the future.
The couple’s connection to Greece dates back to a previous visit in 2011, which inspired them to consider raising their family there. Following extensive preparations and planning, they had chosen Peloponnese as their new home, where they spent an extended period last summer to acclimate themselves.
As they navigate the aftermath of the wildfire, Stephanie and Rory are evaluating their next steps and trying to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges. They are determined to prioritize their children’s well-being and future, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
For those interested in supporting the family, a fundraiser has been set up to aid in their recovery efforts.
