Look inside Andy Lee’s derelict Yarra River mansion

Comedian Andy Lee has given viewers a tour of his $8.5m Hawthorn mansion as he prepares to kick off a multimillion-dollar renovation of the landmark property this year.

Comedian Andy Lee has shown a glimpse into his derelict Yarra River mansion as he prepares to kick off a multimillion-dollar renovation of the landmark property this year.

In a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Lee gave viewers a walk through of the top level of the dilapidated mansion.

Lee said the top level would be home to offices for himself and his fiancee Rebecca Harding.

The TV and radio heavyweight also shared the updated plans to rip out the property’s staircase, fireplace and chimneys.

Lee has shown a glimpse into his derelict Yarra River mansion. Picture: Instagram

He also shared updated plans to rip out the property’s staircase, fireplace and chimneys. Picture: Instagram

“The fireplace and chimney are being ripped out which has shown something interesting – there’s seaweed in the roof. 100 years ago they used to use seaweed for insulation,” he said.

“Another chimney is being ripped out – we’re going to have to evict some of the pigeons living there.”

The couple are embarking on a renovation odyssey, expected to cost upwards of $5m, to turn skeletal remains of the Melbourne boomtime property into a family home that blends the past with modern comforts.

Lee forked out more than $8m for the Hawthorn mansion. Picture:Realestate.com

Lee forked out $8.5 million in 2021 for the mansion, which was built around 1876, on a huge block with Yarra River frontage in Hawthorn.

He popped the question to longtime girlfriend Harding a couple of weeks ago, getting down on one knee in a surprise engagement inside the Hawthorn property.

Lee and Harding announced their engagement on Instagram. Picture: Instagram