Eye-witnesses said the fire ravaged the house, leaving onlookers shocked and powerless.

Businessman Ian Scruton and his wife Sue, who own agricultural engineers Wilfred Scruton Ltd, were in the garden of their home in White House Farm when the blaze started.

No-one was hurt in the fire but little could be salvaged from the village farmhouse which now stands charred. The family is believed to have lived at the Foxholes property, off the Scarborough to Driffield road, for about 12 years.

Fire crews from Sherburn, Snainton, Filey, Scarborough and Driffield were called to battle the blaze which took two hours to extinguish. It is believed to have started in the kitchen.

The couple's daughter Laura had gone to the shops not long before it began.

Neighbour and Ryedale councillor John Raper, said: "There was very thick black smoke and red flames licking about in the kitchen and coming out of the bedroom windows. It spread extremely quickly – in just minutes.

"It was so gut wrenching to watch, but there was nothing anybody could do."

The birds-eye view pictures of the house fire were taken by Bill Tiplady, of Weaverthorpe, who had just taken off from Edd's Field, three miles south of Foxholes, in his four-seater aircraft with farmer, Tim Vasey.

Mr Tiplady said: "We saw the smoke and flew over to investigate and report if necessary. The fire engines were there when we arrived."

He said the Scrutons had carried out many improvements to the property which boasted 11 downstairs rooms and six rooms upstairs. Mr Raper said: "It was a beautiful house with a fantastic staircase.

I was mortified and I know I speak for all the villagers." Mr and Mrs Scruton – who were not available for comment – were left with only the clothes they were wearing but villagers had been quick to rally around, bringing the family toiletries and offers of help.

The family's dogs, which also escaped unscathed, are now being looked after by a neighbour. Fire experts, are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.