FIREFIGHTERS have saved a Suffolk cottage which was once the home of a victim of a notorious murder. **************************************************************************************************** East Anglian Daily Times 27 November 2007 Disaster was averted after a chimney fire threatened to tear through the thatched roof of the historic property at the heart of one of the 19th century's most infamous murders. Made famous by the Red Barn Murder in Polstead, near Sudbury, firefighters were able to save 80% of the thatched roof in the cottage. Martins Cottage , in Martens Lane, was the former home of murdered Maria Marten and has become a visitor attraction for the small community of Polstead ever since. But a fire from a yesterday threatened to wipe out the remains of the famous cottage, where a couple in their seventies now run an environmentally -friendly bed and breakfast. Now Denis and Paule Pym both in their seventies run the bed and breakfast. They praised the work of the fire service but will now have to delay plans to continue renovating their famous cottage. The fire broke out at just before 7.30am in the clay chimney lining, with fire engines from Nayland and Hadleigh calling for backup to deal with the blaze. With seven appliances helping to deal with the fire, officers at the scene said they had managed to save 80% of the roof and admitted it could have been a lot worse. Firefighter Matt Barber, sub officer in charge of Hadleigh, said after they arrived they began stripping back the thatch to make a fire break. He said: "Approximately 20% of the roof has been lost but that means 80% has been saved. And the owners are delighted with our work." It was under control at 8.30am, one hour after their arrival, he said. The Pyms, who have worked the small holding, set in 18acres of grounds, for the past 36 years, said they were thankful the fire service had got their so quickly. Mr Pym, who along with his wife lives totally organically, keeping sheep, geese and chickens, said: "We got up early this morning to light our fire at about 6am and later noticed smoke coming out of it. The fire service were excellent and here in minutes. "The flu-line must have burnt out. The damage is an enormous inconvenience but that's life." His wife Mrs Pym said: "It is a beautiful house and has been lovely to live in. We have never had any trouble like this. Lots of people come here and share the space and it has always been lovely." She added they live off the small holding, eating off a wood-fuelled stove and planting trees to cover their consumption. Their son Dylan, who has run a furniture business from the grounds where he grew up said he was trying to tackle the fire with a hose and became anxious when he could see the smouldering spreading through the thatch. The community was said to be extremely relieved last night after word spread that the property had been saved. Doreen Richardson, who has lived in the village all her life, said: "People here would be horrified if anything had happened to it. It is the landmark of the village. "My husband and I heard it while we were having breakfast and we could not believe it. It is a little bit of local history and people will be happy it has not burned down." Divisional Officer John Cook said: "We are very pleased to be able to save such a large part of the thatch roof. It might have been a different matter." He added thatch fires had decreased over the last few years thanks to a leaflet campaign and county-wide meetings. He said anyone worried about their thatched properties could get in touch with the service for some guidance.