A luxury beachfront home owned by South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein was completely destroyed after a massive fire tore through the property in the exclusive Jeremy Cay gated community at Edisto Beach on Saturday morning.

Authorities say the blaze erupted around 11:30 a.m., quickly engulfing the multi-story residence. Judge Goodstein, 69, was out walking her dogs at the time of the fire, while her husband — former state senator Arnold Goodstein, 81 — and several family members were inside.

As flames consumed the structure, the family was forced to escape through the upper levels and fled into a nearby marsh. Emergency responders used kayaks to rescue them from the boggy area where they had sought safety.

Three family members, including Arnold Goodstein, were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Fire officials said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Witnesses described the scene as “devastating,” with thick smoke visible from miles away as firefighters worked to contain the inferno.

The fire has left the close-knit Edisto Beach community in shock, as investigators continue to determine what sparked the tragedy.