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Bob Berle shows Bob Vila the bowels of the home, including the decay that was prevalent but currently under repair. The 35,000 square foot basement was open to the elements prior to the Berles’ arrival.
Deep in the past, a small town atmosphere existed in the basement, since there was a launderer, a butcher, and a baker to serve the Vanderbilts and their guests. At one point in time, over 120 people were seasonally employed by the house to maintain the grounds and serve the guests.
Due to years of neglect and changing expectations, the entire communications and electrical systems in the house have needed to be replaced using suspended channels for low voltage, and commercial pipes for high voltage, wiring.
Even with the home’s immense size, residential heating systems will be employed using nine boilers, which allow for the heating of specific zones. To prevent fire, the boiler room is practically airtight and the boilers’ heating elements are vented directly outdoors.
