WHITINSVILLE, Mass. - The 43-room Oakhurst Manor was severely damaged by a five-alarm fire early Friday morning.

Several Worcester County fire departments responded to scene, with firefighters quickly moving to a defensive approach as the fire continued to spread.

“Quarter to one in the morning, I woke up, I looked out the window, I kind of panicked because it’s not too far from the edge of my house and I have three daughters, so I said to my wife, ‘You need to get up!,’” said John Hendrikse, who lives nearby.

The Northbridge Fire Department said there were no injuries and everyone in the building was able to evacuate safely.

The manor is home to '”Estate of Mind,” which describes itself as a volunteer-run, donation-based, intentional creator co-living community and a pay-what-you-can arts & lifestyle, event venue.

The Oakhurst Manor has been well-known in the community for over 100 years.

“It was a beautiful place,” said Kathleen Joubert. “It was pretty. I don’t know what else they’ve had. I think they did at one time have a yard sale because there was stuff out up front her, but it’s just too bad because it’s beautiful place.”

According to Estate of Mind, in the late 20th century, the space was used as a treatment center for priests who were dealing with mental health issues.

In the early 2000’s the mansion served as a retreat and conference center for Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Worcester. Estate of Mind Acquired it in 2021.

“Between this and the Victorian, which is right over here, are probably the two most historic buildings in Whitinsville and ironically, they both have caught fire in the last five years, which is a shame,” Hendrikse said. “And selfishly, I live here and it’s a real historic building. It’s pretty and I don’t know what’s going to happen to it now.”

The Northbridge Fire Department said Friday morning they’re still investigating the cause of the fire. Fire Chief David White said he does not believe the manor is a total loss.