CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Police are investigating after an elaborate children's play home was purposely burnt to the ground last week in Charleston.

Owners of the play house in Georgetown Place say it was custom-built and worth about $10,000.

They say it was constructed as a surprise gift for eight years ago for their two twin boys -- now 12 years old -- but enjoyed by all children in the neighborhood.

Neighbors say they were heartbroken to see the kids' beloved hangout destroyed and frightened by the flames in their backyard.

"My son was very scared," Pamela Campbell said. "It was eerie on a cold, wet day...and just to see those big balls of fire was disturbing."

Janine Al-Asadi says she loved playing in the clubhouse with her friends and grew closer to them because it was there.

"We would just sit and talk, and it was like a mini-house," she said.

Now, she's just wondering why anyone would try to ruin their fun by torching it.

"Why did you have to do it? There's no point," she said. "You're just ruining memories."

Owners say they don't plan to replace the clubhouse.

Police say they're looking at a possible suspect. No names are being released right now.

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