Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Mansion near Lake Lanier burns to ground

It began in the fireplace, fire fighters say.
By Ellen Eldridge
Nov 30, 2016

A 10,000-square-foot home in Hall County burned to the ground Monday night.

The house belonged to Philip Wilheit, a businessman and former campaign manager for Gov. Nathan Deal, Channel 2 Action News reported.

“This was his dream home,” a neighbor told Channel 2.

The property was a $2 million loss in part because the nearest hydrant was a half mile away.

Firefighters had to use a drop tank to put out the flames.

About the Author

Ellen Eldridge
More Stories

Keep Reading

For much of metro Atlanta lately, the drinking water has had a smell this fall. The problem is the byproduct of the slow autumn churning of Lake Lanier, the region’s most important source of water. (Photo illustration/Getty images)

Credit: Getty Images

New $2.5 million project aims to attack metro Atlanta’s smelly water problem

A $2.5 million grant will study ways to keep the nutrient pollution that fuels algae growth from flowing into Lake Lanier.

1h ago

Public service or nuisance? Atlanta attorney’s videos cause stir

An Atlanta personal injury lawyer's social media videos of witness testimony are upsetting medical malpractice defendants, who have asked local judges to intervene.

1h ago

Rain, fog complicate trip back to Atlanta for holiday travelers

Wet and chilly weather, as well as fog, are expected to harshly greet Georgia travelers returning home Sunday after the holiday weekend and through the early week.

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

1h ago

Public service or nuisance? Atlanta attorney’s videos cause stir

1h ago

New $2.5 million project aims to attack metro Atlanta’s smelly water problem

1h ago

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.