An unoccupied house at 8669 Asheville Highway was destroyed by fire early this morning.

The house is owned by Carl Price, 77, of 485 Houston Valley Road, according to a report filed by Greene County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Gale.

An initial investigation shows that the fire was set, according to Deputy Gale's report.

The fire, reported just after 5 a.m., started in the area of a back bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, the report stated.

The residence was a total loss, according to the report.

Firefighters from the South Greene and Cedar Creek volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze.