Comedian Andy Lee’s $5 million Hawthorn house approved by Boroondara Council
Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding’s dreams are about to come true as Boroondara Council is set to give the green light to the couple’s sprawling riverside Hawthorn redevelopment.
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Comedian Andy Lee will be given the green light to build his dream home in a leafy Melbourne suburb by the Yarra River.
Boroondara Council is set to approve $5 million plans by Lee and his influencer partner Rebecca Harding to transform a derelict Hawthorn mansion they bought for $8 million in 2021.
It paves the way for a sprawling riverside property with a golf simulator, pool, theatre, gym, “mail room”, bar, cellar, large outdoor dining and entertainment terrace and 22.7sq m “waiting area”.
The council will send the celebrity couple a notice of support for a development application which includes adding a second building to the site already home to an 1876 Italianate mansion.
The Herald Sun in April revealed the grand plans that would also see a tunnel built between the two properties on the 1950sq m prime patch.
The council, in a statement to the Herald Sun, confirmed it had issued a “Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit” for the Yarra Grove address.
“Before forming this view, Council has considered impacts to heritage and to landscape; and has determined the development complies with the Boroondara Planning Scheme,’’ it said.
“Objectors have the ability to appeal Council’s decision at VCAT, however if there are no appeals lodged within 28 days of the Notice of Decision, a Planning Permit will be issued.’’
A permit for the major makeover will be granted – subject to conditions – clearing the way for construction of a massive master wing of more than 97sq m, 21sq m “change suite” and basement garage.
Several residents opposed the grand plans, with one submission to the council stating: “the existing house is one of Melbourne’s most unique riverfront homes.
“Its frontage provides an invaluable contribution to the surrounding neighbourhood and landscape character,’’ the objection said.
“Obscuring such a beautiful and important home from view would be a great loss to Melbourne’s cultural landscape.’’
But several submissions were also sent from residents keen to be neighbours with one half of popular comedy duo Hamish and Andy.
The original manor house, Ravenswood, sold for $1.18m in 1995 but had been vacant and fallen into disrepair before Lee and Harding snapped it up.
Lee last year told Stellar magazine the site’s riverfront location won him over and he hoped to eventually build a private jetty.
“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.”
He said the couple were “so excited to have this house in what I believe is the best city in the world.’’
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