Andy Lee unveils $5m plan to turn derelict Hawthorn mansion into dream home

Andy Lee and partner Rebecca Harding have unveiled grand plans to turn a crumbling Hawthorn mansion into their dream home.

Andy Lee and girlfriend ­Rebecca Harding have ­unveiled grand plans for their Melbourne dream home – with a golf simulator, riverside pool and a tunnel between two buildings.

The popular comedian and broadcaster and his model and influencer partner have lodged a planning application for a mega-makeover of the derelict Hawthorn mansion they bought for more than $8m in 2021.

The $5m blueprint of works includes building a second property on the heritage site by the Yarra river.

It would include a theatre, gym, “mail room”, bar and cellar and large outdoor dining and entertainment terrace.

Rebecca Harding outside the mansion bought for more than $8 million. Picture: Instagram

The couple are planning a mega makeover of the derelict Hawthorn mansion.

The plans, submitted to Boroondara Council by architects Blight, Blight and Blight, propose a 33.3sq m office, a 22.7sq m “waiting area” and basement garage.

Lee – one half of successful comedy due Hamish and Andy – and his partner also have big plans for their living quarters.

They have proposed a massive master suite of more than 97sq m, comprising a 26.7sq m main bedroom, 32.9sq m ensuite and a 37.52sq m walk-in robe. The average floor plan of an entire Melbourne home is 186.3sq m.

In a pitch for council ­approval, planners Urbis said the proposal “has been driven by the owners’ desire to retain and embrace the heritage ­values of the place, at the same time adding a contemporarily designed living zone’’.

“The result will be a conserved and adapted heritage building fronting Yarra Grove with a modern living component set well back on the site but cleverly linked to the heritage building through a tunnel,’’ it said.

Prior to Lee and Harding’s purchase, the property last sold for $1.18 in 1995.

Lee last year told Stellar magazine his mum saw the unique property and its riverfront location won him over.

“While the house is stunning, it was those last few steps down to the Yarra, right on the bend,’’ he said.

“And it’s so peaceful.”

Lee had long dreamt of owning a riverfront house and hoped to eventually build a private jetty at the property.

“We’re so excited to have this house in what I believe is the best city in the world,” he said.

Built in 1876, the Italianate mansion on a 1950sq m patch is a Hawthorn landmark.

The original manor house (Ravenswood) last sold for $1.18m in 1995, but had since been vacant and fell into disrepair.

Renders of how the couple plans to renovate the property. Picture: Supplied

Lee and Harding snapped up the property in 2021. Picture: Instagram

The existing home would be restored and a sitting room, 79sq m dining area, 52sq m living room, 21sq m “change suite” and 42 sq m study would be in the additional dwelling.

Some “non native and poor quality’’ trees would be replaced by “natives and non-­natives in keeping with neighbourhood character’’.

Council urban living director Scott Walker said the plans would go on public exhibition while being considered.

“The application is for part demolition and construction on an existing dwelling in a heritage overlay; and land subject to flooding from the Yarra river,’’ he said.

The council would consider planning, heritage, vegetation and design issues as well as potential Yarra river impacts.

The estate agents spruiking the property before Lee and Harding snapped it up described it as “a vast waterside sanctuary in Hawthorn … a timeless, noble, and enchanting vision on the bend of the Yarra river overlooking Burnley Park’’.