mean of a sentence

Question

hi , i have problem to understanding this sentence which i bold it : (thanks for help)

After the fire it had become apparent just how much remained of the structure with its splendidly decorated interiors;" to have pulled the house down, as one commentator suggested, would have been vandalism."

Answer 1

Similar to Barbara’s answer, if you take out the clause including ”the commentator”, you’re left with a simple “to have pulled the house down would’ve been vandalism.” This statement is referencing the previous description of the “splendidly decorated interior”, in contrast to what one would normally think of a house that caught fire.

Answer 2

as one commentator suggested is an extra clause; take it out and the sentence is a simple metaphor. Because much of the beautiful house survived the fire, it would be shameful to tear it down.