A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of any person responsible for the fire.
VICTORIA Police are hoping a reward of up to $25,000 will assist them to solve a suspicious fire at a historic Allansford home in May.
Warrnambool police have previously declared that the fire, which burnt down the $1 million Hopkins Hill home on Grauers Road on May 26, was deliberately lit.
Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said yesterday he hoped the reward would entice people to come forward.
The reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of any person responsible for the fire.
"We are obviously desperately in need of assistance," Detective Senior Constable Hughes said. "We have few leads at this time and need public information. There is now a $25,000 reward on offer for information that leads to a conviction.
"There is no doubt it was a deliberately-lit fire and we have received very little information so far, which is why we are re-appealing to the public for any information.
"Warrnambool detectives are most keen to find the truth as to who lit the fire and their motive. I again seek the public's assistance in unearthing solid evidence that will prove who was responsible and why. All theories are being explored and detectives will not rest until further evidence is detected and the truth unearthed.
"Sometimes the smallest piece of information can be the missing piece that we need to bring those responsible to justice."
Property owner Bob Conn moved into the 158-year-old Allansford house earlier this year after purchasing it in late 2010.
Mr Conn, 67, said after the fire that he and his partner were dividing their time between Melbourne and Allansford, spending about five days a week at the property.
Mr Conn was at Hopkins Hill until about 4pm on the Saturday of the fire before he went to Geelong to the movies.
He said alarms had been installed and the locks on the nine external doors of the house were changed after the home was broken into four times.
"We've been bloody terrorised. We've always had the police out," he said at the time.
The home was ablaze when fire brigade units arrived after the alarm was raised by a neighbour at 7.40pm. The damage bill for the fire was tipped to top $1 million.
Anyone with information can contact the crime investigation unit or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
athomson@standard.fairfax.com.au