Richard. "Currently just huddled up with descent and friends in the continuing tropical disturbance realising what absolutely matters in life," Branson said. Think.

About 20 people, including Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, were in the bordello at the take of the fire, which penniless out around 4 a.m., Branson said. No one was injured.

"Many thanks to Kate Winslet for portion win my 90-year(-old) silent out of the principal lodge to safety," Branson wrote in the e-mailed statement. Branson said the house, located on Necker Island, the 74-acre sneaking holm the billionaire owns in the British Virgin Islands, was destroyed, along with "thousands of photographs and my notebooks." "But all my progenitors and friends are well -- which in the end is all that in reality matters," he said. The lightning cane that caused the vim occurred in the centre of Tropical Storm Irene, which strengthened into a twister untimely Monday. Pictures show the put up unqualifiedly engulfed in flames against an minatory sky.

"Currently just huddled up with forebears and friends in the continuing tropical attack realising what real matters in life," Branson said. He promised to rebuild, saying "we'll initiate something even more dear out of the ruins." In adding up to Branson's hermit-like residences on the island, Necker is also offer as a indulgence resort that can customize up to 28 guests for those who can afford the substantial $54,500-a-night price tag. The isle has been featured on such TV programs as "MTV Cribs," and TV personalities Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo were recently married on the island.

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