Currently
  • Current Conditions
    85°
    Cloudy
  • 5:00pm
    85°
  • 8:00pm
    81°
Full Forecast » Radar ImageCurrent Radar »
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Lightning Strike Destroys 10,000-Square Foot Mansion

POSTED: 11:47 am EDT June 28, 2006
UPDATED: 10:21 am EDT June 29, 2006

Lightning from Tuesday night's storms sparked a fire at a 10,000-square foot manor home in Winter Park. Firefighters spent Wednesday morning walking around the mansion along Preserve Point Drive looking for hotspots.


SLIDESHOW: 10,000-Square Foot Mansion Destroyed

The Fire Marshal was on the scene late Wednesday morning. He said the damage was so severe, no one other than firefighters would be allowed to go inside until structural engineers can figure out how to best deal with the collapsed roof.

STRANGE PHOTOS
"We don't know what's salvageable yet. So we're all pretty shell-shocked," said builder Hal George.

For those who have walked inside the multi-million dollar home Windsong, a luxury community in Winter Park, it's hard to believe it may have to be torn down.

"Like watching a piece of art go down in flames. It's a one-of-a-kind house," George said.

Tuesday night, the house was struck by lightning. It had been under construction for more than two years and was within 30 days of completion. There was no furniture inside, but the fire caused extensive structural damage.

"It's devastating just to see all that much work and heart and soul go into a project and have it come to this point," George said.

George is the builder and is friends with the owner. He said the house had marble floors, custom-made cabinetry and extensive, and very expensive, plaster work throughout all the walls and ceilings.

"They handmade the molds and did a phenomenal job of recreating that old European ornate look," George said.

Now it's looking like the French chateau-style home may have to be demolished and started from scratch. The owner of the home is Brett Moscovitz. He runs a surveying and mapping corporation in Winter Park.



Market Place

Sponsor Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
What is psoriatic arthritis and are you at risk? These top 10 questions will tell you if you’re at risk, and explain how to treat and manage this condition. More Details

By now everyone knows the dangers of asbestos. Find out why it may not be so bad to have around your home after all. More Details

If you think returning to a former employer is a step in the wrong direction, think again. You could be just what they need and they could be good for you too. More Details

Learn how to avoid common mistakes and find financial advice that you and your parents can trust. More Details

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, this 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. New photos are added frequently, so prepare to be shocked and amused. Take A Look!

Caught In The Act

A woman arrested for an alleged sexual relationship with a teen neighbor was surprised to see cameras in the courtroom. More Details

Top 10 Video

Paris Hilton
Check out the best video clips on the Internet. New to the list: Paris for president? More Details


Credit Center

Your Credit Score Changes Often. Click Here for Your Latest Credit Score & Report. View it Online for $0. More
Experian

Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert

- Breaking News Alerts
- Severe Weather Alerts
Download the Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert - CLICK HERE - IT'S FREE

Back To Top